From beautifully made beadwork to traditional spices, South African markets boast a treasure trove of culturally rich finds. 

Here’s a curated list of unique things to buy in South Africa, tempting you to explore the country’s unmatched treasures.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea, native to South Africa’s Cederberg region, is a beloved herbal delight enjoyed in homes and restaurants across the country. Its distinctive red hue and soothing taste make it a cherished memory for travellers.

Not only is it caffeine-free, but it’s also packed with antioxidants. You’ll find a range of brands like Eleven o’ Clock, Freshpak, and Clipper Organic, offering various flavours in shops throughout Cape Town.

Where to Buy Rooibos Tea in South Africa 1. Pick ‘N Pay Address: Ground Level, V&A Wharf Pantry V&A Centre, Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town Phone: +27 21 4171900 Operating Hours: Open daily – 8 AM to 9 PM 2. Velskoendraai Farmstall Website: https://www.velskoendraai.co.za/ Address: Graafwaterweg, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa Phone: +27 (0)83 460 3773 Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM 3. House of Rooibos Website: https://houseofrooibos.info/  Address: Rooibos Country Club, Cnr Augsburg Road And Foster Street, Clanwilliam, Western Cape, 8135, South Africa Phone: +27 (0) 27 482 2155 / +27 (0) 66 115 7749 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Biltong

Biltong, a meat lover’s favourite, is a widely enjoyed dried and cured meat snack in South Africa. For the best quality, you can check local butcheries or specialty stores.

Various types of meat are used, from beef to game meats like ostrich or kudu, and it’s related to beef jerky but with distinct flavours and production processes.

Where to Buy Biltong in South Africa 1. That Biltong Shop Website: https://thatbiltongshop.co.za/  Address: Shop No 5, Sunview Centre, 7 North Reef Road, Bedfordview East, Johannesburg Phone: +27 11 455 4729 2. Biltong Boytjies Website: https://www.biltongboytjies.co.za/  Address: Unit 5 Campora, Meadowbrook Business Park, Olivedale, Randburg, 2188 Phone: +27 (079) 843 4910 3. Butcher Boys Website: https://butcherboys.co.za/  Address: Brahms St, Vanderbijlpark S. W. 5, Vanderbijlpark, 1911, South Africa Phone: +27 16 932 3898 Operating Hours:Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5:30 PMSaturday – 7 AM to 1:30 PM

Amarula

Amarula, a unique cream liqueur, stands out as the only one crafted from genuine Marula fruit grown in Phalaborwa, South Africa, and produced in the Western Cape. Packed with the essence of this African fruit, it offers a taste of the exotic.

It’s perfect for chillin’ with ice or spicing up cocktails and coffees when you’re feeling fancy. Plus, you can grab a bottle for around R80 at different stores.

Where to Buy Amarula in South Africa 1. Mothercity Liquor Website: https://thatbiltongshop.co.za/  Address: Unit 8, East End, Prime Park, 15 Printers way, Marconi Beam, Montague Gardens, 7441, South Africa Phone: +27 21 569 3746 Operating Hours: 24/7 2. Norman Goodfellows Illovo Website: https://www.ngf.co.za/  Address: 192 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, South Africa Phone: +27 10 140 4888 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM 3. Marriott Gardens Wine Cellar Address: Shop No. 3, Problem Mkhize Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27 83 663 3050 Operating Hours: Monday – 3 PM to 6 PM Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Beadworks

Beadworks in South Africa, like in Durban and Johannesburg, have some cool beaded stuff. You’ll see these vibrant jewellery pieces and artefacts that really show off the local artistic vibe.

They love their traditional African pieces, full of bright colours and loads of beads. Whether you’re wandering through street markets or hitting up fancier boutiques, you’ll find some awesome beaded accessories. 

Where to Buy Beadworks in South Africa 1. Victoria Street Market Website: https://www.victoriastreetmarket.co.za/  Address: 151/155 Victoria St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27 31 306 4021 Operating Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM 2. Greenmarket Square Address: Greenmarket Square, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Ostrich Eggs

Ostrich eggs make for unique and eye-catching souvenirs in South Africa, especially in Cape Town. The country, known for its indigenous ostriches, is a major global supplier of ostrich products. 

If you ever find yourself in Oudtshoorn, which is like the Ostrich capital, you can learn a ton about these big, flightless birds. The eggs they sell as souvenirs are huge and come in all sorts of styles – plain, carved, painted.

Where to Buy Ostrich Eggs in South Africa 1. Ostrich Square Website: https://www.facebook.com/OstrichSquare/  Address: 25 Golf St, Oudtshoorn, 6625, South Africa Phone: +27 83 458 3530 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM 2. Cape Karoo Ostrich Emporium Website: https://capekarooshop.com/  Address: 5 Rademeyer St, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa Phone: +27 (0)44 279 2127 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM 3. Bushman Curios Address: 76 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa Phone: +27 44 272 4497 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 7 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 1 PM

Shweshwe Fabric

Shweshwe fabric, with its cool patterns, evokes Xhosa culture. It’s a printed cotton used for traditional Southern African clothing.

You can find authentic Shweshwe in markets and fabric stores, especially in the Eastern Cape provinces. 

Where to Buy Shweshwe Fabric in South Africa 1. Makotis Website: https://makotis.com/  Address: 159 Beyers Naude, Johannesburg, South Africa Phone: +27 73 599 3076 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM; 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 1:30 PM 2. Mnandi Textiles Address: 90 Station Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Phone: +27 21 447 6814 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM 3. Da Gama Fabrics Woodstock Website: https://www.dagama.co.za/  Address: 172 Victoria Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Phone: +27 21 447 0518 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 12:30 PM

Tanzanite

Tanzanite, a stunning blue-violet gemstone, comes from Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It’s super rare because it’s only found in a tiny part of Tanzania.

When you’re in Cape Town, snagging some tanzanite as a souvenir is a popular move among tourists. Plus, with the exchange rate game, it’s an intriguing buy you might want to check out in the local jewellery shops.

Where to Buy Tanzanite in South Africa 1. Shimansky V&A Waterfront Website: https://www.shimansky.co.za/collections/ayanda-tanzanite  Address: Shop 6259 Upper Level, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa Phone: +27 21 425 9888 Operating Hours: Open daily – 9 AM to 8 PM 2. Peter Gilder Website: https://www.petergilder.co.za/  Address: Shop #18, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa Phone: +27 21 794 2116 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM 3. Tanzanite International Website: https://www.tanzanite-int.com/  Address: Shop G02 Ground Floor, The Clock Tower, Waterfront, Cape Town Phone: +27 21 421 5488 Operating Hours: Open daily – 9 AM to 9 PM

Ardmore Ceramics

Ardmore Ceramics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is like a hidden gem for cool handmade ceramics. They’ve got over 60 local artists creating these quirky pieces with African vibes and you can actually see them doing their crafts.

So, if you’re into unique stuff, you just have to swing by Ardmore for these artsy, colourful ceramics. You can grab them at legit galleries and art markets, perfect for a fancy South African art souvenir.

Where to Buy Ardmore Ceramics in South Africa 1. Johannesburg Store Address: Shop 17, Hyde Square Centre, Cnr Jan Smuts Ave & North Rd Hyde Park, Johannesburg, South Africa Phone: +27 (0) 11 268 5865  Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM 2. Cape Town Store Address: 35 Kildare Road (Cnr Main & Kildare Road) Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa 7700 Phone: +27 (0) 82 358 8045 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 12 PM 3. OR Tambo Airport Boutique Address: International Departures, Terminal A, adjacent to Håagen-Dazs & opposite the Slow Lounge Phone: +27 (0) 67 666 2003

Zulu Shield

Zulu Shields are these cool finds you can snag at markets in KwaZulu-Natal. They’re not just decor; they’ve got a real cultural vibe going on.

What’s neat is that they’re made only from cowhide – forget about those Zebra or Kudu versions if you want the real deal. So, if you’re into unique souvenirs that tell a cultural story, these shields are it!

Where to Buy Zulu Shield in South Africa 1. PheZulu Safari Park Website: https://www.shimansky.co.za/collections/ayanda-tanzanite  Address: 190 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, 3610 Phone: +27 (0)31 777 1000 Operating Hours: Open daily – 8 AM to 4:30 PM 2. African Crafts Market (No Physical Store) Website: https://www.africancraftsmarket.com/products/zulu-shields.html  Phone: +27 83 312 7568

Wire Art

Wire Art in South Africa is a cool way to bring home a piece of the country’s creativity. People here use old metal and telephone wire to make all kinds of neat stuff – from decorations to useful things.

It all started in smaller towns and countryside areas, where kids and parents turned scrap wire into toys. Now, you can find these unique wire creations everywhere, like on street corners and at markets. 

Where to Buy Wire Art in South Africa Streetwires Artist Collective Website: https://streetwires.netshomizam.com/  Address: 354 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa Phone: +27 21 425 9888 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 3 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM

Diamonds

Diamonds, with its rich history as a major producer, are perfect for special pieces like engagement rings or meaningful jewellery. The biggest rough diamond ever found, located near Johannesburg in Cullinan, is now a part of the British crown jewels.

You can easily bring home a little sparkle by opting for jewellery, available in most city malls without much hassle. Prices start around R3,000 for gold and diamond rings and a bit over a grand for those elegant diamond pendants.

Where to Buy Diamonds in South Africa 1. Browns The Diamond Store Website: https://brownsjewellers.com/  Address: C203 The Mall of Rosebank, Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa Phone: +27 (011) 880 8718 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM 2. Sterns – Jabulani Mall Website: https://personalise.sterns.co.za/  Address: 81, 2601 Bolani Rd, Jabulani, Soweto, 1868, South Africa Phone: +27 11 527 6090 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM 3. Kimberley House Website: https://www.kimberleyhouse.co.za/  Address: U76A, Sandton City Shopping Centre c/o Sandton Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton, Gauteng, 2146 Phone: +27 11 326 9610

Gold Coins

Gold coins in South Africa, like Krugerrands and commemorative ones, are not just about being historically significant – they’re pretty cool souvenirs too. You can snag them from trusted jewellers or licensed dealers.

Johannesburg proudly carries the title of the City of Gold, thanks to its massive gold deposits. If you’re looking to bring a piece of that history home, Kruger Rands and Mandela coins are the go-to options.

Where to Buy Gold Coins in South Africa 1. Sandton City Address: B24, Level 5, Sandton City Centre Management Offices, Atrium on 5th, Sandton City, Sandton 2196 Phone: +27 (011) 784 8525 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM 2. Canal Walk Address: Shop 150, lower level (entrance, 490 Century Blvd, 2 Century Falls Rd, Century City, Cape Town, 7446, South Africa Phone: +27 (0)21 552 0597 Operating Hours: Open daily – 9 AM to 9 PM 3. Pavilion Mall Address: Shop 229, Upper level, near entrance 5, Jack Martens Dr, Westville, Durban, 3611, South Africa Phone: +27 (0)31 265 5884 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM

Protea Ring

Protea Ring, a unique piece of jewellery inspired by South Africa’s national flower, the Protea, captures the essence of the country’s rich culture.  Local artists craft them using cool materials like wood and shells, giving off that natural, laid-back feel.

The Protea symbolises courage and strength, making the ring a nod to South Africa’s vibe and identity. Plus, they come in different metals with gemstones, adding that extra touch of sparkle. It’s like wearing a piece of South African culture, man.

Where to Buy Protea Ring in South Africa 1. Lady Peculiar Website: https://www.ladypeculiar.co.za/  Address: Woodmill Lifestyle Centre, shop 7B, Vredenburg Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa Phone: +27 82 396 4099 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM 2. Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market Website: https://bluebirdgarage.co.za/  Address: 39 Albertyn Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa Phone: +27 84 405 3544 Operating Hours: Thursday & Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM

Rusks

Rusks, a South African delight, are dry biscuits enjoyed by dunking in coffee or tea. Ouma Rusks, the most popular brand, offers various flavours like condensed milk, aniseed, and muesli. 

These hard, dry treats have a cool backstory – they were born out of Dutch settlers needing to keep bread fresh during their travels and later became a go-to snack during the Anglo-Boer wars.

Where to Buy Rusks in South Africa 1. Biscuit & Rusk King Website: https://www.shimansky.co.za/collections/ayanda-tanzanite  Address: Northumberland Ave, Northgate, Johannesburg, 2162, South Africa Phone: +27 11 795 1327 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM 2. Olive Branch Deli Website: http://www.olivebranchdeli.com/  Address: Shop G5-2, Lifestyle on Kloof Centre, Gardens,, 50 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Phone: +27 21 794 2116 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM 3. Familiér Website: https://www.familier.co.za/  Address: Annandale Rd, Lynedoch, Stellenbosch, 7603, South Africa Phone: +27 64 909 4207 Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM

Waterblommetjies

Waterblommetjies, or ‘small water flower stew’ in Afrikaans, are a unique South African delight. These Cape Pondweed flowers, introduced to Dutch settlers by the Khoi San, bring a rare but tasty twist to mutton or beef stew.

While finding fresh ones is a bit of a challenge, the canned version works just as well. So, whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving a taste of the Cape, adding waterblommetjies to your stew makes it a special treat.

Where to Buy Waterblommetjies in South Africa Woolworths Modderfontein Website: https://www.woolworths.co.za/  Address: Cnr of Johannesburg Road &, Queens St, Johannesburg, 1609, South Africa Phone: +27 68 124 4167 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 7 PM Saturday – 8 AM to 6 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Cape Malay Spices

Cape Malay Spices tell a cool story in South Africa. Back in the day, when the Cape of Good Hope was a pit stop on the spice route, the Dutch settlers brought in Malays as labour.

These folks brought along a whole spice culture. Fast forward to today, Cape Town’s cooking is full of that spicy legacy – think more than 30 chilies and a mix of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. 

Where to Buy Cape Malay Spices in South Africa 1. Cape Spice Emporium Website: https://www.facebook.com/www.capespice.co.za/  Address: 176 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa Phone: +27 21 683 5132 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM Sunday – 9:30 AM to 1 PM 2. Spice City Website: https://spicecity.co.za/  Address: 24 Green Ave, Athlone Industria, Cape Town, 7764, South Africa Phone: +27 21 699 0554 Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 12:30 PM 3. Atlas Trading Company Website: https://atlastradingonline.com/  Address: 104 Wale Street, BoKaap, Cape Town Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 8:15 AM to 5:15 PM Friday – 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM Saturday – 8:30 AM to 1 PM

Fynbos Products

Fynbos Products capture the essence of South Africa’s Cape Region, using aromatic shrubs to craft specialty soaps and beauty items straight from nature.

These products bring the fynbos vibe straight to your routine, inspired by the unique plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom. They’re a hit in South Africa, not just for the cool flavours but also for the health perks packed into these special creations.

Where to Buy Fynbos Products in South Africa 1. Kirstenbosch Shop Website: https://www.facebook.com/kirstenboschshop/  Address: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, , Cape Town, South Africa Phone: +27 21 762 2510 Operating Hours: Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM 2. Wellness Warehouse Website: https://www.wellnesswarehouse.com/  Address: Shop GO 88, 1 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4319 Phone: +27 31 110 0997 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

Vuvuzelas

Vuvuzelas, those cool trumpets, are up for grabs at stadiums, souvenir spots, and local markets, giving you a real taste of South African sports vibes. These items are made in Cape Town and then shipped out to football fanatics all over the country.

The townships in Johannesburg are the busiest markets for these horns, so do take note!

Where to Buy Vuvuzelas in South Africa 1. Solly M Sports Website: https://www.sollymsports.com/  Address: 807 Umgeni Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27 31 301 0072 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM Friday – 8 AM to 12 PM, 1:45 PM to 5  PM Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM 2. Earth Africa Website: https://earthafricacurio.com/  Address: LIGHTHOUSE QUARTER, 14 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga, uMhlanga, 4320, South Africa Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM Sunday – 9 AM to 1 PM

Chakalaka

Chakalaka, this tasty veggie relish, is a breeze to snag from the supermarket or grab in different homemade versions at the local market. It’s like a South African flavour bomb that you can bring home as a cool kitchen souvenir.

Depending on where you are, Chakalaka comes in different varieties, thanks to various regions and family twists. You can toss in things like beans, cabbage, and butternut.

Where to Buy Chakalaka in South Africa 1. Sakhumzi Restaurant Website: https://www.sakhumzi.co.za/  Address: 6980 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South Africa Phone: +27 (011) 939 4427  Operating Hours: Open daily – 11 AM to 10 PM 2. Karibu Restaurant Website: https://kariburestaurant.co.za/  Address: Shop 156 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa Phone: +27 21 421 7005 Operating Hours: Open daily – 11 AM to 11 PM 3. Chaf Pozi Website: https://chafpozi.co.za/  Address: Cnr Chris Hani & Nicholas str, Orlando Towers, Soweto Phone: +27 81 797 5756 Operating Hours: Wednesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 6 PM Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 2 PM Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM

African Pap

African Pap is this maize-based porridge that you can find everywhere, from local cafes to big grocery stores. They’ve got it in different textures – smooth, thick, or even crumbly.

People eat it with chakalaka for a savoury kick or throw in some milk, butter, and sugar for a sweet breakfast vibe. Grabbing a 1kg packet won’t break the bank either, usually under R10.

Where to Buy African Pap in South Africa 1. Mojo Market Website: https://www.mojomarket.co.za/  Address: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa Phone: +27 87 940 7474 Operating Hours: Open daily – 8 AM to 12 AM 2. Shaik’s Fast Food & Curries Website: https://www.shaiksfoods.co.za/  Address: Shop 1, Industria Centre, Albertina Sisulu Rd & Opposite Newclare Cemetery, Industria West, Johannesburg, 2000 Phone: 011 4742902 / 011 4742903 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM Saturday – 7:30 AM to 3:45 PM 3. Vuyos Restaurant Website: https://www.vuyos.co.za/  Address: 8038 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South Africa Phone: +27 11 536 5690 Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM

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