There are not many people who can resist some retail therapy when they are on a holiday abroad; there’s just something about the lure of unfamiliar shops and exotic marketplaces that makes you want to spend. If you’re on a holiday walking South Africa, not only will you have the opportunity to explore what the major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have to offer in terms of shopping, but you will also be able to venture into some more out of the way locations to check out the local artisans handiwork. Whatever you fancy, with the favourable exchange rate South Africa offers, you’ll find more than a few temptations in your path.

Big Shop…
Even though the word Africa doesn’t usually conjure up visions of bustling shopping malls and expensive glitzy retail precincts, South Africa certainly has its fair share. If you spend time in any of the big cities you will see that not only do South African’s love to shop, but they also love to sell. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town all have world-class shopping malls which sell everything from diamonds to wine, and from fashion to food, but be prepared to spend a lot of time walking. South Africa definitely seems to believe bigger is better and some of these malls are huge. The gigantic Gateway shopping centre just outside Durban is over 150,000 square meters of shopping heaven.

Little Shop…
South Africa’s obsession with malls doesn’t preclude it from being home to some wonderfully quirky boutiques and galleries. Walking South Africa’s smaller towns and villages will introduce you to the country’s wonderful art and craft and if you really want to immerse yourself in this part of the culture, take a journey down the Eskom Due South Craft Route. You will be able to experience a wonderful cross-section of all things South Africa, both traditional and modern, and you will find it difficult to leave empty handed. You’ll find fabulous beadwork, ceramics, basketware, carvings and embroidery as well as some more unusual takes on modern art, like sculptures made from found objects and wire.

Take to the Streets
Walking South Africa’s streets in any of the cities or villages will take you on a retail journey of a different kind. Many South African vendors don’t bother with the responsibility and costs of a permanent shop and will simply take to the streets with their wares. Street shopping is the best way to pick up a bargain, but beware of unscrupulous traders who may see a tourist as an opportunity for an easy sale. Never pay the full price, haggle them down until you are both happy; it’s all part of the game and adds to your shopping experience. You will find these street hawkers everywhere: at traffic lights, in parks, by the side of the road and on every available street corner. They sell everything from fruit to clothes and jewellery, right up to home furnishings.

No matter what style of shopper you are, South Africa has something to offer you. Mammoth malls, eclectic craft shops and even the humble hawker walking South Africa’s streets; all give you an opportunity to shop till you drop without burning a hole in your credit card.

About The Author:

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

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