A trip to South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you’ll likely want to bring home souvenirs that commemorate it. Selecting the perfect souvenir can be tricky, but fear not-I’ve compiled a list of the best South Africa souvenirs that both capture its essence and make for unforgettable keepsakes!
As you search for the perfect South Africa souvenir, remember that each piece tells a different story. They will not only remind you of your travels but connect you to the African culture and people.
Diamonds
When I arrived in Johannesburg, my tour guide kept talking about buying diamonds. At first, I didn’t understand why he’d be encouraging people to buy such an expensive thing on their vacation. I later learned that South Africa is one of the world’s main sources of diamonds. If you have a little (or rather, a lot) of extra cash, this is the perfect gift to bring home for your special someone (or yourself). Always be sure to check for authenticity and ethical sourcing when purchasing diamonds.
The biggest rough diamond ever found hails from Cullinan, about an hour from Johannesburg. Now forming part of the British crown jewels, it’s a perfect excuse to take one of the little sparkly gems home with you. The easiest way is to take it as part of a piece of jewellery, and finding them today will not necessitate a lot of digging around - just walk into almost any mall in the city. Expect to pay anything from R3,000 upwards for white or yellow gold and diamond rings and just over a grand for diamond pendants.
Poplar chain stores include Sterns and Browns. Sterns stores are located in Jabulani, Boland Road, Soweto (open from 09:00 until 16:45 during the week, and 09:00 until 12:45 on Saturdays) and in Lenasia in the Trade Route Mall on the corner of K43 and Nirvana Roads (open from 09:00 in the mornings, until 18:00 Mondays to Thursdays, until 20:00 on Fridays, until 17:00 on Saturdays and until 15:00 on Sundays). There are numerous Browns jewellers scattered across the city, like at the OR Tambo International Airport (open from 06:00 to 22:00, seven days a week), Cresta in Beyers Naude Drive, Randburg (open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Thursdays, until 19:00 on Fridays, until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays until 15:00), Rosebank Mall, between Bath and Cradock Avenues (open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Fridays, until 17:00 on Saturdays and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays) and Sandton City (open from 09:00 to 19:00 Mondays to Thursdays, 09:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays and from 09:00 to 18:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays). This shopping center is easily accessible from Rivonia Road, Sandton Drive, Alice Lane, Fifth Street and West Street.
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Kimberley Diamond Mine
Gold
Johannesburg is known as the City of Gold for a good reason - it is built on the biggest in South Africa deposits of this precious metal. This is also the reason why people flocked here in the first place. If you want to take some home, Kruger Rands and Mandela coins are popular options.
The main dealer in this game is the South Africa Gold Coin Exchange, which runs a number of shops (referred to as The Scoin Shops) throughout the city. Most offer a variety of foreign coins from all the leading mints of the world. There is one in shopping mega-hub Sandton, in Nelson Mandela Square (open Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 to 18:00, and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays). It is easily accessible from Fifth Street, Maude or Maude West Street.
Kruger Rands start at about R1700 per 1/10oz. Currently, 1oz goes for R1,4750. The prices are based on the gold exchange rate and Rand/Dollar exchange, so they change daily.
Biltong
South African jerky, which is commonly known as biltong, is surely the tastiest souvenir on this list. It is often made from beef or game (eg, ostrich or kudu) and seasoned with spices and vinegar.
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Probably South Africa’s most popular snack, this dried, spiced meat apparently evolved when the wagon-travelling trekkers left the Cape colony and British rule for the interior of Southern Africa. You can’t leave for home without it. Expect to pay anything from R120 and upwards per kilogram.
It’s wonderful to buy a big piece and carve it at home, but you can also purchase carved biltong in a variety of flavours (like chutney or chilli). Any good butcher in the city will have biltong on display and debating about the best biltong around is sure to open a hornet’s nest. However, there are also a number of shops in Joburg that specialize in this delicacy.
Try the butchery at the Bull Run in Sandton (opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange adjacent to the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton 20 Maude Street). They are open Mondays to Sundays, 12:00 to 22:30 (except for Saturday lunches). The Butcher Shop and Grill offers the finest quality meat prepared by skilled artisanal block-men (located in Sandton at the Nelson Mandela Square and open Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 to 18:00, and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays). It is easily accessible from Fifth Street, Maude or Maude West Street.
Another popular chain is Boesmanland Biltong (translated as Bushman country biltong). Shops are, among others, in Cresta Shopping Center (open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Thursdays, until 19:00 on Fridays, until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and Public Holidays until 15:00), Fourways Shopping Center at the corner of Witkoppen Road and William Nicol Drive (opening hours from 09:00 to 18:00, Mondays to Fridays, from 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, and from 09:00 to 15:00 on Sundays).There is also a branch in Rosebank.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is made from an herb native to the Cederberg region of South Africa. Its nutty, earthy taste is not for everyone; it is one of those things that people tend to have strong opinions about.
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Translated to ‘red bush’ tea from Afrikaans, rooibos is a member of the endemic fynbos species that can only grow in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape. It’s well-known for its antioxidant properties and had a mild, earthy flavor. I always pack a stash when I travel - for my own consumption and as gifts.
African Masks
Almost synonymous with every African experience is the African mask. Johannesburg is a great place to shop for yours.
Visit the African Craft Market at 33 Bath Avenue in the Rosebank Mall (open every day from 08:30 to 18:00). Craftwork from all over Africa is sold in this double-storey craft market. Prices are negotiable, but you should look at spending about R300 to R400.
Another option is the African Queen at 137 Corlett Drive in Bramley (open Mondays to Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00). They are also well-known for their wonderful bronze sculptures; the collection is extensive and includes masks, figurines and so forth. Also visit here if you’re looking for Zulu pots and baskets or zebra and Nguni skins, drums and animal horns.
Just down the road, in Corlett Drive, is Amatuli Fine Art (170 Corlett Drive, open Mondays to Fridays from 08:30 to 17:00, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00). Thousands of pieces are on display, including carved crocodiles, dug-out canoes, headrests, masks and more.
Zulu Beadwork
Not only is Zulu beadwork one of the most authentic souvenirs on this list, but buying it supports the local artisans and economy. Each piece is unique and carries symbolic meaning in Zulu courtship, with each colored bead having a positive and/or negative connotation.
Traditional Gear
Before the city reached mammoth proportions, the area was ruled by variety of African tribes, like Zulus and Shangaan. Traditional gear, mostly from a range of animal skins or intricate beaded work, can still be bought around the city. A popular choice (in either a small, decorative variety or bigger versions) is a Zulu shield.
Such a unique purchase calls for a unique shop. Few can compare to the ‘KwaZulu Muti - Museum of Man and Science’. Not a museum, this traditional muti or medicine shop, at 14 Diagonal Street, sells over 100 types of dried herbs, but also interesting things like tire sandals, walking sticks, assegais, knobkerries, bead necklaces, Zulu pots and drums. The Museum of Man and Science is open from 07:30 to 17:00 Mondays to Saturdays. You can pick up a small shield here for about R195, while larger varieties can cost anything up to R350.
Another interesting experience, that will doubtlessly be worth more than just your shield, is a visit to the Kwa Mai Mai Market on the corner of Anderson and Berea streets in the city center. Most of the 176 units are dedicated to traditional healing, but many also offer traditional garb in various shapes and forms.
Painted Ostrich Eggs
Painted ostrich eggs are must-have souvenirs from South Africa. Ostrich eggs are the largest eggs in the world. The only thing that can make them more incredible is for them to be decorated with African art. Each egg I found in stores had a beautiful and unique design. I bought myself one with the Big Five on it, and I got my sister one with a giraffe on it as a gift.
Painted Ostrich Eggs
Local Beverages
South Africa is known for producing world-class wine, making it the perfect souvenir or gift. Some of the most famous types are Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (Syrah), Merlot, Chardonnay, Cinsault, and Cape Blends. My personal favorites were Pinotage and Shiraz.
As a blend of fresh cream and the fruit of the Marula tree (AKA the “Elephant Tree”), Amarula Cream Liqueur is South Africa’s most widely distributed beverage. It is popularly enjoyed over ice, with coffee, or mixed into a cocktail, but the possibilities are truly endless! I’ll be honest: I am not a huge fan of the taste of Amarula. However, it is my husband’s all-time favorite drink, and we always have it in stock at home. You will inevitably try it on your South African vacation.
Africa’s biggest brewery (and one of the biggest internationally), South African Breweries (SAB) calls Johannesburg home and produces, among many others, much loved Black Label and Castle. A Zamalek (as Black Label is also fondly known) is as good a reminder as any of the buzzing city. A six-pack costs about R40, while a court is bout R12. Alternatively, pop into any liquor store that you see; SAB products are available almost anywhere. Liquor Cities are always a good bet. While there, you can stock up on a range of locally-produced drinks to entertain friends back home.
The Liquor City in Bedfordview (in the Village View Shopping Center on the corner of Kloof and Van Buuren Roads) is open Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00.
Sporting Gear
Joburg, just like the rest of South Africa, is crazy about sport, and has a number of world-class sporting facilities to boot. You can’t go wrong with a jersey from the local regional rugby team.
This is Golden Lion Country, while the Blue Bulls claim their territory just next to Johannesburg, in Pretoria. Sports fans here border on the fanatical, and a range of your team’s gear, including jerseys, caps, sweatbands, stickers, posters and more, are widely available. Different types of jerseys and T-shirts range from R299 to R599.
The official Golden Lions apparel can be bought online at www.lionsrugbyshop.co.za. The official Blue Bulls online shop is at www.thebullsshop.co.za. Gear is also carried by Sneaker stores in Bedfordview (in the Bedfordview Shopping Center, Smit Road, open from 09:00 in the mornings until 18:00 Mondays to Fridays, until 17:00 on Saturdays and until 16:00 on Sundays) and the OR Tambo International Airport (open from 06:00 to 22:00).
You can also visit Sportsman’s Waterhouse at the Blackheath Pavillion in Cresta (located at the corner of Beyers Naude Drive and Pendoring Road). The store is open Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays from 08:30 to 17:00, and on Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00. Another branch is located at the Fourways Crossings Retail Center on the corner of William Nicol Drive and Sunrise Boulevard.
Vuvuzelas
Who can forget the loud monotonous sound of the vuvuzelas trumpeting through the entire world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup? A vuvuzela is a colourful, plastic horn, about a metre long, and you can pick it up for around R50.
Uniquely South African and still heard throughout the city whenever a big game is on, you will definitely stand out in a crowd (outside of South Africa) with this instrument. If you’re a quieter type, fans suggest you can also use it as a cricket bat, hearing aid or petrol funnel.
Buy yours at the Total Sports in the Jabulani Mall in Bolani Road, Soweto (open from 09:00 to 16:00, Mondays to Thursdays, Fridays from 09:00 to 19:00, Saturdays from 09:00 to 17:00, and Sundays from 09:00 to 15:00). They sell them for R39. Alternatively, just pick one up on your way home at the OR Tambo International Airport. The Total Sports shop here is open from 06:00 to 21:00, seven days a week.
Shwe Shwe Fabric
The streets of Johannesburg are usually bright with the colours of printed fabrics in traditional patterns, worn as skirts or head gear. Although originally from the East coast, shwe shwe has become a local favourite. Quite commonly available, a great place to buy yours is Johannesburg’s self-acclaimed fashion district, the Fashion Kapitol.
Here, you’ll find, among others, the city’s first outdoor fashion ramp and a stylish square with 30 shops providing space for the city’s upcoming and established designers. The Kapitol takes up most of the block, which is situated in the heart of the district. The district itself comprises about 26 blocks on the eastern edge of the CBD - boarded by Market, Kerk, Von Weilligh and End streets.
There are over 200 fashion-related outlets in the area, including cut, make and trim operators, a budget clothing retail industry and the studios of several established designers. The Kapitol’s office hours are from 09:00 to 16:00.
Pap and Chakalaka
A local staple, this maize-based porridge is a must and accompanies almost any meal this side of the country. Available in anything from 500 g to 10 kg packets, the uncooked product looks similar to fine polenta. Often eaten with chakalaka (South African vegetable relish, usually spicy) it’s also a favourite with milk, butter and sugar for breakfast.
Presented either in a smooth consistency (slap pap) or very thick (stywe pap) or even crumbly (krummel pap), this will be a definite conversation starter back home. Pap really is available anywhere and everywhere in South Africa, from corner cafes to big grocery stores. Indeed, it would be hard not to bump into it. You can buy a 1kg packet for under R10.
If you haven’t visited the area yet, pick up your pap at the Pick ‘n Pay at the Braamfontein Center on the corner of Jorissen and Bertha Streets (open from 07:00 to 19:00 Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays, and 08:00 to 15:00 on Sundays). There are lots to see in Braamfontein, but some of your time should definitely go to trendy 44 on Stanley, a series of industrial buildings that have been revamped to accommodate 25 specialty restaurants, boutiques and design studios. Alternatively, visit any of the city’s convenience stores, like the Checkers in Cresta (Beyers Naude Drive, Randburg, open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Thursdays, until 19:00 on Fridays, until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and Public Holidays until 15:00).
A hot favourite, this spiced tomato, onion and vegetable relish is a must to go with your pap (porridge), bread, samp, meat, stews and curries. Wonderful if you can make it at home, the canned variety is just as good, and come in a variety of mild to extra-hot flavors. Chakalaka (at about R11 a can) can be bought at all groceries stores, including Spar, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, and Woolworths. These are dotted across the city.
Why not try the Woolworths in Greenside for your can? They are in the Village Green Shopping Center in Greenway Road, Greenside. Woolies (as it is popularly known) also sells a beef chakalaka sausage at R33.79 per kilogram, if you have a chance to light a barbeque during your stay here. Just down the road, in quirky Greenside, is the restaurant Mamas Shebeen (described as an authentic shebeen experience). Bustling and fun, you can try chakalaka here with a variety of dishes.
If you’re already in Cresta (Beyers Naude Drive, Randburg), both the Checkers and Pick ‘n Pay here also stock it (open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Thursdays, until 19:00 on Fridays, until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and Public Holidays until 15:00).
Sowearto Fashion
Playing on the name of Johannesburg’s most famous township, Soweto, the So Wear To chain of shops, scattered across the city, defines their clothes as Afro-chick. Only available online or in Johannesburg, a stand-out trip is sure to justify a stand-out item from one of their shops.
Sowearto shops are located in the Bedfordview Shopping Center in Van der Linde Road, Bedfordview and in the Campus Square shopping center in Auckland Park (both of these are open from 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 to 14:00 on Sundays). A third is at The Zone in Rosebank in Oxford Road (open from 09:00 to 19:00 Mondays to Thursdays, 09:00 to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sundays).
Sowearto Fashion
Other Unique Souvenirs
- Carved Animals: You can buy a carved animal in almost any tourist shop, as they are one of the most popular South Africa souvenirs. However, if you want this souvenir, I recommend visiting a few stores before making a purchase. Each shop and/or craftsman has unique carvings, so it is important to make sure you find the perfect one for you.
- Ostrich Leather: Ostrich leather is one of the most luxurious things you can buy in South Africa. Because it is lightweight and durable, it is the perfect material for handbags, wallets, and shoes.
- Weaved Baskets: Weaved baskets are very popular South Africa souvenirs, as they are easy to find in stores and make exceptional hampers, storage containers, and home decor. Many of them are handcrafted in the KwaZulu Natal area as a representation of the Zulu culture.
- Hand-Painted Ceramics: As another authentic souvenir option, hand-painted ceramics will both commemorate your trip and make a beautiful addition to your home.
- Kalahari Salt: From the deserts of the Kalahari to your dining room table, this salt is the perfect authentic souvenir to bring home.
- Sand: This is one of the best South Africa souvenirs because it is completely free! Whenever I visit a new destination, I bring a plastic bag with me to collect sand; I also bought some cute jars to put it on display.
- Zulu Ceremonial Spoons: “These make a perfect souvenir. For starters, they work beautifully across multiple décors and signify the Ubuntu spirit of the South African people.
- Local Leather Backpack: South African leather is amazing, and Freedom of Movement makes really durable pieces.
- Old World Wine: “Get a bottle of Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia [available at the vineyard and online; $82], a wine estate in the suburb of Constantia, the oldest wine region in South Africa.
- Africa-shaped Pendant: I love the Africa-shaped pendant made from recycled flattened protea flowers set in sterling silver from African Fynbosgems [available at the Watershed Market; $42].
- Pink Lady Gin: My favorite local gin brand is the Cape Town Gin Company. Their Pink Lady, inspired by the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, is infused with hibiscus flowers and rose petals [and available at liquor stores and grocery stores; $28].
- Yswara Cape Town Candle: As well as making your living room smell amazing, this soy-based candle [available at Merchants on Long for $62] can be used as an oil on the skin.
- Missibaba Leather Bags: Missibaba is the brainchild of Chloe Townsend, a designer, creator and artist who perfectly embodies both the trend toward cultural hybridity and of blurring the boundaries between art, design, fashion, and materiality.
| Souvenir | Description | Where to Buy | Price Range (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kruger Rands | Gold coins featuring Paul Kruger | South Africa Gold Coin Exchange | R1,700 (1/10oz) - R14,750 (1oz) |
| Diamonds | Various cuts and settings | Sterns, Browns (various locations) | R3,000+ (rings), R1,000+ (pendants) |
| Biltong | Dried, spiced meat | Bull Run, Butcher Shop and Grill, Boesmanland Biltong | R120+ per kilogram |
| Rooibos Tea | Red bush tea | Grocery stores, tea shops | Varies |
| African Masks | Traditional masks | African Craft Market, African Queen, Amatuli Fine Art | R300 - R400+ |
| Zulu Beadwork | Handmade beaded items | KwaZulu Muti - Museum of Man and Science, Kwa Mai Mai Market | Varies |
| Painted Ostrich Eggs | Decorated ostrich eggs | Tourist shops, craft markets | Varies |
| Amarula Cream Liqueur | Cream liqueur made from Marula fruit | Liquor stores, grocery stores | Varies |
| Vuvuzelas | Colorful plastic horns | Total Sports, OR Tambo International Airport | R50 |
| Shwe Shwe Fabric | Printed cotton fabric | Fashion Kapitol | Varies |
| Pap | Maize-based porridge | Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers | Under R10 per kilogram |
| Chakalaka | Spiced vegetable relish | Spar, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Woolworths | R11 per can |
| Sowearto Fashion | Afro-chic clothing | Sowearto stores (Bedfordview, Auckland Park, Rosebank) | Varies |
These include Look and Listen, Musica and Top CD. Her CDs will set you back anything from under R50 to just over R200. Selections include “Miriam Makeba”, “The Voice of Africa”, “Guinea Years”, “Reflections”, “Pata Pata”, “Homeland”, a couple of ‘best of’ compilations and many more. Most malls in South Africa have some kind of record store, and all of them can offer you Miriam Makeba’s music. These include both the Look and Listen and Musica Stores in Cresta Mall in Beyers Naude Drive, Randburg (open Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 to 22:00, and Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 to 22:00.
Mama Africa herself hails from this part of South Africa. Legendary singer, civil rights activist and performer, Miriam Makeba was born in Johannesburg in 1932 and rose to fame during the 1960s. Even though she sang in many languages, she became best known for singing in her native dialect. There are many Miriam Makeba CDs for sale in all of South Africa’s big music, chain-stores.
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