Numerous stops FOR SHOP

Whether you are looking for something specific or just browsing, South Africa’s boutiques, malls and street shops have it all

The quality, cost and variety of goods on offer along with the safe environment provided by South Africa's shopping centres should not take visiting international holidaymakers and business people by surprise. South Africa's malls are famous for their shopping and entertainment facilities. Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, Euros or US Dollars go a long way in South African shopping centres.

Along with general retail stores, like Woolworths (similar to Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom), Truworths, Edgars, Pick 'n Pay and Checkers, which will provide with clothes, groceries and homeware, visitors will discover that malls and shopping centres in South Africa each have their own character, created by

the dozens of boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants that they host. Many of the centres are also located in beautifully designed buildings, showing off state of the art architecture.

Whether they find themselves in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth or the safari hub of Nelspruit, there is always an excellent shopping centre around the corner. Most centres are also home to cinemas, restaurants and entertainment facilities too. All of the malls are located close to major highways with ample parking space. All major South African shopping centres have facilities for disabled shoppers.

CAPE TOWN

Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront

With over 450 retail outlets selling everything

from fashion, homeware and curios, to jewellery, leather goods and audiovisual equipment, the V&A Waterfront is South Africa's most popular shopping destination. Consolidating this position is its diverse offering of local and international brands, irrespective of taste or budget.

The Cape Quarter at Green Point

The Cape Quarter is a unique retail experience in Cape Town with boutique shopping experience in the historic De Waterkant district. It also has distinct restaurants, inspired gifts, inspired art, fashion and jewellery, rare antiques and collectables, and many more hidden gems. Its carefully curated tenant list includes over 100 unique stores and restaurants. It is open seven days a week.

The Cavendish Square in Claremont Cavendish Square is an award-winning shopping destination in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, boasting more than 200 stores that offer exclusive local and international fashion, cinemas and a selection of premium restaurants and coffee shops.

Tygervalley Shopping Centre

This centre has high fashion as well as entertainment options. Located in the Northern Suburbs, this chic shopping centre is just a 15-minute drive from Cape Town CBD and moments from the beautiful winelands. It has over 250 stores with everything from flagship retailers, trendy eateries and décor to furniture, toys medical care and much more.

JOHANNESBURG

Sandton City

With the likes of Hugo Boss and Louis Vuitton, Sandton City is known for being the Rodeo drive of Africa. It houses the world's most desirable brands with everyday leisure and entertainment. It is located within walking distance of the Sandton Gautrain station and has more than 300 leading local and international retailers. Attached to the large Sandton City shopping centre is the Nelson Mandela Square – a public square and shopping centre.

Soweto's Maponya Mall

The location is central for all surrounding townships. This 70,000m2 diamond layout mall is home to over 170 shops, an array of flagship stores, local and international brands and full governmental facilities. The mall has uniquely identified court areas made for easy shopping navigation and as well as exceptional access for both motorists and walk-ins.

Rosebank African Craft Market

When in Jozi an absolute must-visit is the Rosebank Art and Craft Market. The market offers beautiful hand-made products from South Africa, Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, Malawi, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A wide range of ornaments, bead work, handbags, décor items, paintings, animal skins and gifting products are showcased in an African hub, bringing together tourists, shoppers and traders. It has the vibrancy of a truly African marketplace filled with a warm energy and rhythm.

All major South African shopping centres have facilities for disabled shoppers

DURBAN

Market of Warwick

Given the confluence of rail, taxi and bus transport, this area has always been a natural market for street vendors. The Markets of Warwick includes between 5,000 and 8,000 vendors trading in nine distinct markets. Currently, this is the only informally structured market in a public space of this magnitude, and thus establishes itself as the single most authentic African market that South Africa has to offer. The products available vary from beadwork, traditional arts and crafts, traditional cuisine, fresh produce, music and entertainment merchandise, clothing, accessories and traditional medicine. Walking tours are often organised through this unique interactive cultural market.

Other venues for shopping in Durban include Gateway Theatre of Shopping, The Pavillion Shopping Centre, Bridge City Shopping Centre, Westwood Mall, La Lucia Mall, Rinaldo Shopping Centre and The Crescent on Umhlanga Ridge.