Shopping in Jo'burg

Best Buys...

Handmade Crafts
Those sticking to holiday budgets can opt for stunning handmade crafts and souvenirs from roadside vendors. Browsing in an atmospheric African curio market is an experience in itself.

Shopping comes easily while wandering in colourful flea markets or sifting through designer labels in upmarket, world-class shopping malls.

African Masks

The usual suspects like clothing, ceramics, collectibles, second-hand books, jewellery and plenty of cheap mass-produced goods can be found in plenty too. In a nutshell, flea markets are full of bargains and surprises, offering the chance to enjoy the sights while browsing around the stalls.

Clothes and trinkets
Rooftop Market, African flea markets in Rosebank, East Rand in Boksburg and Panorama in Mulbarton have beautiful craftwork from all over Africa, including works from Zimbabwe, Namibia and the Congo (or so claim the shopkeepers).

In fact, at Panorama market one can shop at leisure while also enjoying live entertainment. Bruma market in Jo'burg is touted as the biggest in the southern hemisphere.

Hopping between stalls and shops that sell all kinds of clothes, trinkets, Bruma market is a sprawling, bewildering mass of hundreds of stalls with even the sidewalks covered with wares.

Jewellery
If you are in the mood to splurge, then head to Sandton City which is the place where the rich and famous shop. With designer fashion, jewellery, electronic goods and some excellent (but expensive) curio shops, Sandton is a sight for sore eyes.

Beadwork
Tribal Basketry & Glossy Ceramics
Traditional tribal basketry and glossy ceramics grace the shelves of designer showrooms. The range can start from Rand 100 (for small works) and scale upwards as size and craftmanship comes into play.

Wood Work
Another form of African arts and crafts are the famous wooden masks made in one of the continent's many styles besides carved chairs complete with embroidered or appliqué cloth.

At the Rooftop Market at Jo'burg's Rosebank Mall and at African Craft Market, wooden crafts from all over the continent jostles for buyers' attention.

Michael Mount Organic Village Market in Sandton is another craftmarket where everything is strictly handmade and organically produced. But the most prominent feature is its tasty home bakes and a delicious range of homemade cheeses.

Stone Collectibles
Malachite bangles and necklaces from the Democratic Republic of Congo or opal animals, busts and bookends from Zimbabwe are a must. In stone collectibles, look for items in black serpentine, leopard rock and butterjet.