Informal Markets in Livingstone, Zambia

Some of the most interesting photography moments don’t happen at the big landmarks — they happen in the markets. In Livingstone, Zambia, that meant a walk through one of the area’s informal markets.

What makes a market “informal”

Throughout Africa and many developing regions, informal markets are where people go to buy and sell everyday goods — food, handmade clothing, handmade furniture, household items, and used goods of every kind. Handwoven baskets sat next to secondhand clothing, fresh produce, and hand-carved goods, a full economy running block by block. They’re called informal because the vendors running them typically aren’t paying taxes or operating with a formal business license. But for a huge number of people, this is simply how buying and selling gets done, and how families make ends meet.

A quick, honest look

I wasn’t able to take many photos here — markets like this call for a lot of respect and a light touch with a camera — but I wanted to share the sneak peek I did get. It’s a small window into daily life and commerce in Livingstone that most travel itineraries skip right past.

Some of the best travel stories come from the places just off the main tourist path. If that kind of honest, on-the-ground documentary travel photography speaks to you, I’d love to talk about capturing your own journey.

Frequently asked questions

What are informal markets in Africa?

Informal markets are unofficial marketplaces where vendors sell food, clothing, furniture, and household goods without formal business licenses — common across many African and developing communities.

Is it okay to photograph informal markets while traveling?

It’s important to be respectful and low-key — photography was kept minimal and considerate while visiting the markets in Livingstone.

You might also like

• A Christmas in London: Street Markets, Food, and Wandering the City
• Walking Cheetahs and Meeting Baby Lions at Chaminuka Lounge, Zambia
• A Week at Victoria Falls: Zambia, Zimbabwe, and a Bungee Jump Off the Border
• Chief Mukuni Village, Zambia: A Visit With USC Classmates
• Surf, Yoga & Sisterhood: A Women’s Retreat in Cambutal, Panama

Let’s work together →