Shopping and Bartering

Malls: Ubiquitous in major African cities, these large shopping complexes are generally up-market, and quite similar to malls in the USA and Europe. They often comprise entertainment centers, complete with cinemas and restaurants. Most shops will focus on western goods, but there will often be some high-end African stores and art galleries.

Street Markets: Street markets take place in just about every African city. In addition to local crafts, goods will often be brought by vendors from all over the region. For safety reasons, please don't "drop in" at a street market without being accompanied by a guide.

Curio Shops at Camps and Lodges: These shops are generally small and carry such things as branded merchandise and local African artifacts (although these may be a bit more expensive than at a street market). Some of the most up-market lodges and camps have veritable art galleries with investment grade pieces for sale.

Johannesburg Airport Duty Free: Surprisingly good shopping for African curios and crafts at reasonable prices. If weight limits on charter flights prevent you from doing much shopping on safari, don't fret because you will have a good opportunity to catch up on your way out of South Africa. Credit cards accepted.

Bartering: If something is in a formal shop with a price tag on it, you generally cannot barter. However, at craft markets and street stalls bartering is standard practice. Our advice is to first walk through the market slowly, do not stop, and take note of what is available. Don't ask what anything costs or touch anything until you are sure you want to enter into negotiations. Then, inspect the item, ask what it costs, offer half of that price and work up from there (you will probably end up paying about 75% of the original asking price). Occasionally vendors will accept clothing or sunglasses as "payment." Please don't take the art of bartering too far - the artisans are often quite poor, work hard, and deserve fair payment for their wares.

Jewelry: Gems and precious metals are global commodities that cost the same anywhere in the world . However, it is true that, due to lower labor costs and overhead, completed jewelry products are often less expensive in Africa than in the USA or Europe. Out of principle, we do not maintain relations with any stores (jewelry or otherwise), and thus have no incentive to send clients shopping. If you would like to shop for jewelry, we would be happy to arrange for an equally connection-less guide to take you to appropriate shops. We recommend against purchasing expensive jewelry anywhere but from a reputable jeweler.