At Crafted Africa, we are proud to share the vibrant cultures of Malawi and Zambia and are always looking for ways to support local enterprises while giving our guests a true taste of the region. It is in our DNA to shine a light on community-based projects, and this guiding principle is one of the key reasons the company was created. It shows in our tours and our choice of partners, we actively seek to work with organisations that support the local people, protect the environment, and develop tourism sustainably. That’s why we always make sure to stop by Tribal Textiles after each bush adventure in South Luangwa National Park.
Tribal Textiles was founded in the early 1990s and has since grown into one of the largest employers in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley. What began deep in the bush between North and South Luangwa now flourishes in the small town of Mfuwe, just five minutes away from the entrance of the South Luangwa National Park. Today, the company is proudly led by three women Julie Taylor Mills, Charity Van Der Meer Musoma, and Kirstie Selfe who bring a unique blend of global experience and local insight. Tribal Textiles blends traditional textile techniques with bold, contemporary designs, all inspired by the local culture, wildlife, and landscape.
What makes Tribal Textiles truly special is its commitment to sustainable impact. Every product is ethically handcrafted using 100% locally sourced cotton and an in-house starch resist technique like batik. From design to production, the entire process is environmentally conscious materials are sourced within Africa, waste is minimised, and leftover fabric and paint are repurposed into new products. The team even runs a Glass Recycling Project, transforming discarded bottles into striking home décor pieces, including their signature ‘Cascade’ chandelier.
Our guests can discover all of this and more when returning from safari. Our guides are always happy to stop at this creative and welcoming space. Visitors are first greeted by a small market before entering the spacious workshop nestled beneath shady trees often shared with monkeys. Here, artisans offer free tours, proudly showcasing how each item is made from sketching intricate patterns using flour paste, to hand-painting bold colours, and baking the fabric to set the design. After washing and drying, the material goes to the sewing room where final touches are added before heading to the shop.
Tribal Textiles doesn’t just make art it supports a community. With over 100 artisans employed, some for more than 20 years, it provides stable, fair employment and training in an area where jobs are scarce. Their efforts go well beyond fair wages the company reinvests in grassroots development and community strengthening initiatives. A portion of sales from specific collections directly supports local partners such as Malimba Community School, Hanada Orphanage, Zambian Carnivore Programme, Conservation South Luangwa, Birdwatch Zambia, Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust, and MADE51, a platform supporting refugee artisans.
Guests visiting Tribal Textiles can also explore the on-site Shop & Café, open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s a perfect place to relax in the tranquil courtyard, enjoy fresh refreshments, and browse a wide variety of handcrafted home décor and accessories. For those who want a more interactive experience, creative workshops are available where guests can paint their own cushion cover or tote bag to take home a truly personal souvenir.
A stop at Tribal Textiles offers a refreshing pause from the bush and a rare glimpse into the heart of Mfuwe’s creative and community spirit. It’s an opportunity to experience authentic Zambian culture, admire local talent, and take home not just a beautiful product, but a piece of the story behind it.
At Crafted Africa, we are honoured to support partners like Tribal Textiles where artistry, sustainability, and impact come together in perfect harmony.
