Great arts and crafts are available on both sides of the falls. Don't miss the bustling Maramba Market, worth a visit for the atmosphere alone, and browse the woodwork, masks, handcrafted jewelry, sculptures, and other trinkets at the craft market that borders the entrance to Mosi-Oa-Tunya (off Livingstone Rd.). In Zimbabwe you'll find persistent, cash-starved stall owners selling finely crafted sandstone and woodcarvings, woven baskets, and traditional Zimbabwean batik fabrics for rock-bottom prices, but the stalls that lined the roads on the Zimbabwean side were razed in a brutal campaign by Mugabe's government against those perceived to have supported the opposition in recent elections. Some salesmen will even offer to exchange their handicrafts for a pen or other such "luxury" that has become difficult to find in Zimbabwe. This can be an intimidating experience, as desperation (you may represent the only chance of a meal for weeks to come) can result in some pushy behavior (though the specially trained Victoria Falls Tourism Police has resulted in a huge reduction of harassment, as well as petty crime against tourists). Before you try to drive prices down, remember that cheap wooden curios put pressure on the hardwood forests and may mean that these desperately poor people end up chopping down a tree for a couple of bucks. If you'd prefer to shop in a more sedate fixed-price shop, try the Falls Craft Village off Livingstone way, Soper's Curios (Soper's Centre), and the Landela Centre.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
