Online Shopping in South Africa—A Guide

Online Shopping In South Africa%e2%80%94a Guide

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Online Shopping In South Africa%e2%80%94a Guide Image

Online Shopping In South Africa%e2%80%94a Guide Photo

Online Shopping In South Africa%e2%80%94a Guide Image

Online Shopping In South Africa%e2%80%94a Guide Picture

If your idea of a great vacation is a shop-till-you-drop spree in the stores, then a visit to South Africa will not disappoint you. Retail outlets here range from busy, modern buying goods malls; to quaint boutiques and out-of-the-way family operated businesses that offer a wide range of goods; and arousing and attention holding flea markets where you’ll find everything from the commonplace to the exotic.

From Baskets to Diamonds

Shoppers in South Africa may buy jewellery made from locally mined gold, and inset with authenti South African diamonds. In the colourful street markets you may have your choice of the exquisite work of South African artisans: beautifully intricate beadwork, colourfully woven rugs and carpets, in an unambiguous manner ornamental baskets, and established stone and wood carvings that make splendid keepsakes and gifts.

From All Over Africa

Craftsmen from all over the African continent are drawn by South Africa’s thriving tourist industry. In the craft markets you may find ceremonial wooden masks, malachite bracelets, wind chimes, wooden beach chairs, wood and bone spoons, flowing African garments with geometric motifs, leather goods, and painted duvet covers. Lovers of gourmet foods may buy such delicious specialisms as African chilli sauces.

Where to Shop

Johannesburg is a mall lover’s mecca. This is where persons from all over South Africa and other countries of the subcontinent come for their huge buying goods trips. It is the best place to find wood and stone crafts, though much of what is in the stores comes from Zimbabwe and West and Central Africa. You are much more likely to find locally made arts and crafts in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Look for Zulu baskets, which are of the most eminent quality. Some of the most colourful ones are made from telephone wire. Other great souvenir items are grass brooms, woven beer strainers, pots, shields, and drums. Brightly painted wooden bird and animal figures are likewise very popular. At Gazankulu and Venda you may find the best quality pottery. The artisans here are famous for their distinguishable angular designs in silver and ochre.

At the Botshabelo Museum and Nature Reserve near Fort Merensky you may get the very best of Ndebele handicrafts. These persons are known for their bead blankets, belts, aprons, and dolls. A Ndebele nguba (marriage blanket) would make a genuinely distinguishable wedding present. Knysna is another of South Africa’s craftwork capitals. This is a major timber centre, and is the best place to buy furniture and littler artifacts made of yellowwood and stinkwood. If a chair is too huge for you to take home, you might like a carved doorknob. This is likewise a good place to buy colourful woven mohair jackets, shawls, blankets, and cushion covers.

For a veritably distinctive South African souvenir or gift, look for the label “Scarab Paper”. This is the name given to a line of cards and other paper-like handicraft items that are in truth made from elephant dung. Don’t worry; they are odour free. Swazi candles are another very usual item. They are slow-burning, and give a “stained glass” effect. Gift stores all over the country have rings, bracelets, necklaces and other items made from South African gold and diamonds, but you’ll get the best prices for this merchandise in the malls. Beware of parking lot marketers supplying bargains as much of what they undertake to trade is phony or stolen. Enjoy buying goods South Africa.