What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (2024)

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    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (2)

    Shopping in

    South Africa

      Holidays to South AfricaPoints of InterestEventsGastronomyShopping

    Shopping in South Africa

    If you are looking for souvenirs from South Africa you should read this.

    South Africa is a paradise for those looking to buy crafts. Many of its local markets have carved wooden figures, masks and different ceramic items made by locals and sold at a good price. It is also one of the best countries to buy jewellery, gold or diamonds since it has a large industry and in some locations such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, there are a large number of jewellers where you can buy the stones either rough or finished.

    Although another of its most famous products are also skins, especially crocodile, snakes or ostrich, in recent years due to an increase responsible tourism, the sale of these items has declined. It is important to bear in mind that in order to get these items out of the country it is necessary to have the corresponding certification. It is recommended to avoid buying ivory.

    Generally, the prices of the stores or the shopping centres are fixed, although many of the markets of Cape Town like Church Street or Greenmarket Square lend themselves to haggling.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (3)

    Art

    South African paintings are famous for their cheerful colours, the portraits of their ancient tribes, their people and their landscapes. Some of the best galleries and stores to buy paintings or see how they are painted in Cape Town are Soni Art Studio or The African Portrait Art Gallery. Many of its art galleries, although they serve as museums, also offer opportunities to buy the paintings, as in Craftart & Gallery, where they also have sculptures. In Johannesburg, the most visited are usually Kim Sacks Gallery and Standard Bank Gallery.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (4)

    Clothes

    Because the country is known for safaris, many of the shopping centres in cities such as Johannesburg or Cape Town have a wide variety of clothing stores where you can buy the necessary equipment to embark on an adventure through the many national parks. Boots, pants, vests, hats or accessories for all tastes can also be found in stores within the nature reserves. It is also possible to buy clothes designed by South Africans. Some of the most popular shopping centres in Cape Town is the Canal Walk Shopping Center and in Johannesburg the Sandton City Shopping Center.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (5)

    Crafts

    South Africa has a large number of markets where you can buy typical masks, carved wooden figures, ceramics and different items from different tribes of the country. In Cape Town some of the best known markets are African Trading Port, where you can find quality crafts and souvenirs at a good price; and Art in the Forest, where you can see the artists' workshops. You can also find handmade objects at Green Point Market, Baraka Gifts and Decor or Watershed.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (6)

    Jewellery

    Known as the country of gold and diamonds, South Africa is the perfect destination to buy jewellery and precious stones. The most economical option is to buy the pieces rough and unworked, although the country has a long tradition of jewellery making and it is quite common to find bracelets made by hand in copper or bronze. It is also common to buy gold and diamonds of different colours and sizes. It is recommended to be careful with the black market and opt for those manufacturers with an official license. Some of the most renowned jewellery shops in Cape Town are Uwe Koetter and Philip Wulfsohn Jewellery.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (7)

    Leather Goods

    Leather goods are another of the great attractions when it comes to shopping in South Africa. In many of its markets or stores, you can find articles made with animal skins such as crocodiles, ostrich, buffalo and snakes. From purses to belts and even handbags or clothing. Keep in mind that although the sale of these products is legal, in recent years the sale of animal skins has harmed the biodiversity of the country, and has created alot of controversy.

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (8)

    Wines & Liquors

    Near to Cape Town are the Cape Winelands whose wines are very popular within the country and worldwide. Some of the best-known wineries are Lanzerac, Tokara, Klein Constantia, Fairview or Boschendal where, in addition to being able to taste their crops, they are the perfect place to take buy some bottles to take home. In terms of liquors, those of Marula and Van der Hum and Buchu Brandy stand out and can be purchased in the city’s shopping centres.

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    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (19)

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (20)

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    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (22)

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    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs (2024)

    FAQs

    What to buy in South Africa - Best souvenirs? ›

    Known as the country of gold and diamonds, South Africa is the perfect destination to buy jewellery and precious stones.

    What is worth buying in South Africa? ›

    Known as the country of gold and diamonds, South Africa is the perfect destination to buy jewellery and precious stones.

    What product is South Africa known for? ›

    South Africa has a market-oriented agricultural economy that is highly diversified and includes the production of all the major grains (except rice), oilseeds, deciduous and subtropical fruits, sugar, citrus, wine, and most vegetables.

    What curios could tourists buy in South Africa? ›

    Most Popular Curios Bought by Foreigners Visiting South Africa
    • Don't run the gauntlet of excess luggage in South Africa. Many of the more popular choices are rather cumbersome and often far too big for the backpack or suitcase. ...
    • Authentic African masks. ...
    • Tribal figurines. ...
    • Fertility Dolls. ...
    • Wooden wildlife carvings.
    Aug 22, 2019

    What is something unique to South Africa? ›

    South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities. The Union Buildings in Pretoria are home to a larger than life Nelson Mandela statue. Three different destinations make up South Africa's capital cities. This is to represent the South African government being divided into three sections.

    What is special to buy in South Africa? ›

    16 Must-Buy Souvenirs in South Africa
    • Gold Coins. Source Gold coins are special because they represent the country's history of producing a lot of gold. ...
    • Diamonds. ...
    • Beer. ...
    • Xhosa Shweshwe Fabric. ...
    • Beadwork. ...
    • Biltong. ...
    • Zulu Shield. ...
    • Chakalaka.

    What can only be found in South Africa? ›

    Trees found only in South Africa include the Clanwilliam Cedar (RBGE), the Natal Forest Cabbage Tree (iNaturalist),, the Mountain Maytenus (SANBI), the Honey Naboom (iNaturalist), the Pondo Fig (iNaturalist), the Wolkberg Dragon Tree (iNaturalist) and the Venda Cycad (IUCN).

    What do Americans buy from South Africa? ›

    What Can I Import From South Africa?
    • South African Wine ($532 million in 2023)
    • Fruits and Nuts ($3.42 billion approximately)
    • Vehicles ($6.89 billion in 2023)
    • Gems and Precious Metals ($19.59 billion in 2023)
    • Clothing and Footwear.
    • Rubber.
    Jan 24, 2022

    What is the most needed thing in South Africa? ›

    High Demand Products in South Africa
    • South African wines.
    • Fruits and nuts.
    • Clothing and footwear.
    • Gems and precious metals.
    • Vehicles.
    • Rubber.
    Nov 1, 2022

    Are clothes cheaper in South Africa? ›

    Clothing in South Africa

    You can expect to find clothing prices slightly cheaper in South Africa than in Europe, Asia, and North America. A pair of mid-range jeans will set you back about R780, while a summer dress in a chain store costs about R500.

    What does South Africa sell the most? ›

    Yearly Trade

    During the last five reported years the exports of South Africa have changed by $36.7B from $110B in 2017 to $147B in 2022. The most recent exports are led by Gold ($22.7B), Platinum ($19.1B), Coal Briquettes ($12.7B), Cars ($6.89B), and Diamonds ($6.22B).

    What is special in South Africa? ›

    Top Attractions in South Africa
    • Table Mountain. 18,489. Mountains. ...
    • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. 17,412. Trams. ...
    • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. 10,075. Gardens. ...
    • Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. 14,482. Marinas. ...
    • Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. 8,494. Beaches. ...
    • Cape of Good Hope. 6,969. ...
    • Lion's Head. 4,356. ...
    • Knysna Elephant Park. 3,119.

    Is South Africa good for shopping? ›

    Because South Africa was isolated for so long, small country towns will often have exceptional antique stores. With our can-do attitude, you'll also find the markets packed with incredible and unique goods. From special African teas to paintings of South African icons, you can spend hours here.

    How do you say hello in South Africa? ›

    Here are a few ways how to say hello in Afrikaans as well as their translations to English:
    1. Hallo: Hello.
    2. Hallo daar: Hello there.
    3. Haai: Hi.
    4. Goeiemôre: Good morning.
    5. Goeiedag: Good day.
    6. Goeiemiddag: Good afternoon.
    7. Goeienaand: Good evening.
    Sep 7, 2023

    What food is South Africa known for? ›

    Traditional South African Dishes
    • Bobotie. Considered by many to be the South African national dish, Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea) is a meat-based dish and one of the most well-known examples of Cape Malay cuisine. ...
    • Boerewors. ...
    • Biltong. ...
    • Vetkoek. ...
    • Potjiekos. ...
    • Chakalaka and pap. ...
    • Durban bunny chow. ...
    • Malva pudding.
    Jan 4, 2023

    What is South Africa best known for in the world? ›

    South Africa, the southernmost country on the African continent, renowned for its varied topography, great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favored destination for travelers since the legal ending of apartheid (Afrikaans: “apartness,” or racial separation) in 1994.

    What is the best investment right now in South Africa? ›

    Best Investments in South Africa
    • Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)
    • Fixed-term savings or fixed deposits.
    • Flexible Savings Accounts and Money Market Funds.
    • Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or Unit Trusts.
    • A Stockbroking Account for stocks.
    • Government bonds (RSA Retail Savings Bonds)
    • Property.
    • Retirement annuity (RA)

    What is valuable in South Africa? ›

    South Africa is the world's largest producer of platinum and chromium, which are mined at centers such as Rustenburg and Steelpoort in the northeast and are becoming increasingly significant economically. Vast deposits of platinum-group and chromium minerals are located mainly to the north of Pretoria.

    Is buying property in South Africa a good idea? ›

    You Get Tax Benefits. South Africa encourages property investment by giving tax incentives to property investors: There's no VAT payable on property in South Africa. You also benefit from tax deductions on all interest, maintenance, levies, insurance and all other costs incurred on the property.

    What is South Africa's most valuable resource? ›

    Africa's two most profitable mineral resources are gold and diamonds. In 2021, Africa produced 680.3 metric tons of gold.

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