Souvenirs from South Africa worth taking home

On the last evening before the flight home from Cape Town or Johannesburg, the suitcase is usually full. And still you want something that brings the trip back. Here are seven souvenirs from South Africa that still make you happy at home – and one you had better enjoy while you are there.

Where to find souvenirs in Cape Town

In Cape Town, the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront is worth a visit: a large hall full of African design and craft, from jewellery to beadwork. In the old town, Greenmarket Square has its market for crafts and souvenirs.

1. Rooibos

Rooibos is a shrub of the fynbos, the plant world of the Cape. It is cultivated only in the Cederberg region. Since 2021, "Rooibos" has been a protected designation of origin in the EU, the first food from Africa with that status. Light, easy to pack, and a taste that takes you straight back.

2. Wine from the Cape

Wine has been made at the Cape since the 17th century; the first wine from Cape grapes was pressed in February 1659. Groot Constantia, founded in 1685, is the country's oldest wine estate. A bottle makes a lovely keepsake – just check the customs allowance of the country you fly to.

3. Beadwork

Beadwork has a long tradition in South Africa. Among the Zulu there are beaded "love letters", for example. But there is no fixed colour code that lets you read every piece – often only the two people who exchange it understand the message. The Ndebele are known for their bold geometric patterns, in beads and on the walls of their houses.

4. Wire and bead figures

Wire art was started by children and parents in townships and rural areas, who made toys from scrap wire. Today you find it at markets, on street corners and in shops: from a key ring to a large collector's piece.

5. Shweshwe

Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric, mostly indigo with small patterns. Its roots lie in German "Blaudruck" (blue print). Xhosa women in the Eastern Cape made it part of their dress. The best-known maker is Da Gama Textiles in the Eastern Cape. A few metres of fabric fit into any suitcase.

6. Glass animals from Ngwenya Glass

Ngwenya Glass is in neighbouring Eswatini. Since 1979 the glassworks has blown African animals from 100 % recycled glass, every piece by hand. Just pack them well.

7. A Sun Jar with a glass penguin

We build this souvenir ourselves. In our factory in Johannesburg we set a penguin from Ngwenya Glass inside our Sun Jar. By day it charges in the sun; at night the penguin glows in warm light – inspired by the penguins of Boulders Beach near Cape Town. Because glass in a suitcase is a risk, you can also order it online after your trip.

8. Biltong – enjoy it there

Biltong, dried and spiced meat, is part of South Africa for many. If you fly to the EU, you cannot take it with you: travellers may not bring meat or milk products from outside the EU. So enjoy it while you are there.

Sources: South African Rooibos Council, Wines of South Africa, South African Tourism, Phansi Museum, Iziko Museums, Da Gama Textiles, Ngwenya Glass, European Commission.