10 Biggest and Best Shopping Malls in South Africa

Mixi December 26, 2021 | 19:28

South Africa can boast of tons of sophisticated malls in different parts of the country, which visitors can enjoy some of the local culture, fashion, food, and entertainment.

Shopping malls in South Africa. Photo: KnowInsiders

South Africa is home to a large number of shopping malls, with close to 2000 shopping malls in the country. Little wonder individuals and groups troop into the country to catch fun and enjoy exciting shopping experience. With recent developments though some change in lifestyle can be experienced with opening of new shopping malls.

List of 10 biggest & best shopping malls in South Africa

1. Fourways in Johannesburg

2. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre

3. Gateway Theatre of Shopping

4. Canal Walk in Cape Town

5. Sandton City South Africa

6. Eastgate Shopping Centre

7. The Pavilion

8. Mall of Africa

9. Centurion Mall

10. Westgate in Johannesburg

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What are the biggest and best shopping malls in South Africa?

1. Fourways in Johannesburg

Photo: Joburg.co.za

Fourways Mall is currently regarded as the biggest mall in South Africa, and it is located in Johannesburg. Initially built back then in 1994, the place currently has an increased retail space of 178,000 square meters. In South Africa, Fourways Mall remains a landmark facility for tons of shoppers who love the best of retail markets as well as entertainment.

It is said that Fourways Mall is owned by Accelerate Property Fund. The Mall contains about 400 stores as well as 8,000 parking bays. The place is open from 9 am to 8 pm every day except for Sundays. On Sundays, they close by 5 pm in the evening.

Owner: Azrapart and Accelerate Property Fund Opened: 1994

Stores: 400

Address: 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Sandton, 2068

Region: Johannesburg

Telephone: +2711 465 6095

2. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre

Photo: TravelGround

The Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is the second largest mall in South Africa with a land area of 177,000 square meters. Menlyn Park is located in Pretoria which is one of the main cities of the Gauteng Province in South Africa.

The award-winning shopping mall boasts of over 300 anchor stores as well as having a broad base of brands that are considered international.

In addition, Menlyn Park has an Imax Theatre, where cinema is given a thrilling face; a play park; the first rooftop drive-in in the world; go-karts; quad bikes; helicopter rides etc. The 3-D movie theatre is always popular amongst young and old alike that want to enjoy a film from a new, exciting perspective that draws you in.

Owner: Pareto Limited

Opened: 1979

Stores: 500

Address: Atterbury Road And, Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0063

Region: Pretoria

Telephone: +2712 764 9600

3. Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Photo: Durban Routes

Gateway Theatre of Shopping or Gateway is a shopping centre located on Umhlanga Rocks in Umhlanga, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Gateway Theatre of Shopping is one of the top 50 largest malls in the world. The shopping centre has undergone 4 expansions since it first opened its doors in 2001.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the ultimate fashion, entertainment and dining destination in Durban. With over 400+ stores, 70 eateries and a host of exciting entertainment, visitors are spoilt for choice!

At Gateway you will find local South African retail, popular international brands such as Zara, Forever New, Cotton On, Superdry, Gant, and everything in between. Gateway also features an 18 cinema Ster Kinekor complex, IMAX Theatre, Funtubbles Family Funfair, Wavepark, Electric Avenue bowling, Action Karting, be.UP Park and much much more!

Owner: Old Mutual Property

Opened: 1998

Stores: 460

Address: 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, 4021 Region: Durban

Telephone: +2731 514 0500

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4. Canal Walk in Cape Town

Photo: Redbubble

The Canal Walk shopping experience encompasses variety, convenience, entertainment, and leisure with easy access directly off the N1. There are more than 8000 parking bays both undercover and on rooftop levels with 12 conveniently located entrances into the centre. Canal Walk has it all.

Canal Walk is Cape Town’s largest shopping centre. It is situated in the Century City precinct, which is conveniently located on the N1, central to the CBD and surrounding suburbs. The centre has a wide selection with over 400 stores and thousands of the best local and international brands to choose from. Canal Walk has some of the best fashion, retail, leisure and entertainment for the whole family, all under one roof.

While exploring Canal Walk, you’ll find a variety of eateries, from sit-down restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops, to takeaway outlets where you can either take a seat in our spacious Food Court or grab a bite on the go. These eateries vary across cuisines and there are both Halaal and vegetarian options.

Owner: Hyprop Investments and Ellerine Bros

Opened: 2000

Stores: 400

Address: 490 Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town, 7446

Region: Cape Town

Telephone: +2721 529 9699

5. Sandton City South Africa

Photo: CallisonRTKL

Sandton City is a shopping center located in Sandton, Johannesburg which was opened in 1973. It is considered as one of the most luxurious and glamorous shopping malls in southern Africa; where one can enjoy fascinating cultures, beautiful clothing and high end couture. You will find a variety and large range of most desirable international and local fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani, Mont Blanc, Cartier, Fendi and Lacoste.

The food court in Sandton is a popular hangout for business lunch or social gathering and has top top restaurants and bars that provide ample food and drink choice to suit all tastes.

You will experience a mix of Afro-cosmopolitan atmosphere in this city which also has Nelson Mandela Square and in and around areas to explore.

Owner: Liberty Holdings and Pareto Management: JHI Retail

Opened: 1973

Stores: 300 Address: 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196

Region: Sandton, ‎Gauteng

Telephone: +2711 217 6000

6. Eastgate Shopping Centre

Photo: briefly

Sitting on the 7th spot of our biggest mall in South Africa is the Eastgate Shopping Centre with a land size of 118,732 Square Metres.

The Eastgate Mall is conveniently located between Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport. The mall is fantastic for errands, shopping sprees, a tasty meal and endless entertainment.

This mall is all about variety, glamour and fun in the heart of Bedfordview, no wonder it is dubbed “the greatest shopping adventure in Africa”.

Owner: Liberty Holdings Ltd Management: JHI Retail

Opened: 1979 Stores: 300

Address: 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston, 2008

Region: Johannesburg

Telephone: +2711 479 6000

7. The Pavilion

Photo: briefly

The Riverside Mall shopping centre in Mbombela (Nelspruit) is the biggest shopping and entertainment mall in Mpumalanga province. Located on the road to White River, it provides a perfect ‘one stop shop’ for visitors who are on their way to Kruger National Park or to one of the many game reserves in the area. Riverside Mall has also been awarded the PMR Africa-Mpumalanga “Leaders and Achievers” award for four consecutive years. This award recognises the centre as one of the institutions doing the most in their sectors to stimulate economic growth and development.

You will find that more than 630, 000 people visit this mall each month as it is a major attraction for retail tourists from all over Mpumalanga, Mozambique and Swaziland. The mall is home to more than 140 stores and 15 restaurants and coffee shops and a movie cinema, the only movie theatre in a 200 km radius.

You will find virtually all the shops that the mega-malls in big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town offer, from Pick ‘n Pay supermarket to the clothes and exclusive foodstuffs on sale at Woolworths, a favourite for many South Africans. You will also find clothing shops, souvenir stores, restaurants and fast food outlets at Riverside Mall shopping centre.

This shopping mall is cool and atmospheric inside, offering a merciful retreat from the hot African sun. This makes shopping here even more of a pleasure. Visitors who are staying over in or around the area can also watch movies at the mall, have a bit of fun in the gaming arcade, or enjoy a leisurely meal. You can also visit the Emnotweni Casino, the only gambling facility in the area for some games to enjoy as this is the first legal casino to open its doors in South Africa

Owner: Pareto

Opened: 1993

Stores: 285 Address: Jack Martens Dr, Dawncliffe, Westville, 3611

Region: Durban

Telephone: +2731 275 9800

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8. Mall of Africa

Photo: Aurecon

Mall of Africa is South Africa’s largest shopping Mall ever built in a single phase, with over 130 000m2 of retail space, and is home to over 300 shops, many of which are flagship stores. In addition to a vast array of both local and international brands, the Mall also boats uniquely identified court areas made for easy shopping navigation, as well as exceptional access, location and visibility. Located in Waterfall City, the Mall of Africa has an elegant design, which enhances its surrounding environment.

The Mall’s architectural appearance is inspired by Africa’s geological features and iconic landscapes. The Mall of Africa is well situated to serve as a dominant super-regional Mall. Our shoppers can look forward to a number of fabulous new stores on South African soil, including Zara Home and Armani Exchange, Fashion favourites include H&M and Versace.

Owner: Attacq and ATTERBURY Property Group

Constructed: 2012

Opened: 2016 Stores: 300

Address: Lone Creek Cres & Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, Midrand, 1685

Region: Waterfall City, Gauteng

Telephone: +2710 596 1470

9. Centurion in Pretoria

Photo: Junk Mail Blog

Centurion Mall is Centurion’s very own super-regional shopping centre. With its wide variety of shops, services and leisure options, shoppers can enjoy natural shopping in an open-aired Mall that boasts more than 260 stores and restaurant. Centurion Mall is situated in the heart of the Centurion CBD between Pretoria and Midrand on route to Johannesburg as well as conveniently located close to the N1 highway. It is easily accessible from the N1 highway (John Vorster Off ramp) and is a 15 minute drive from Pretoria and Midrand.

For shoppers who prefer to make use of the Gautrain, the Centurion Gautrain station is within walking distance from the Mall, which can also be accessed by the Gautrain busses or cabs. Established in 1983 this mammoth 120 000 m² super-regional mall provides shoppers with 6,200 parking bays which all lead into the mall via 11 entrances, where a splendid shopping experience awaits. Centurion Mall’s tenant offering is inspired by fashion, dining, entertainment and fun! Anchors of Centurion Mall are: Woolworths, Edgars, Checkers Hyper, Pick ‘n Pay, Game and Dischem.

Owner: Redefine Property Group

Opened: 1983 Stores: 225

Address: 1269 Gordon Hood Rd, Centurion Central, Pretoria, 0046

Region: Pretoria

Telephone: +2712 663 1702

10. Westgate in Johannesburg

Photo: PropertyMag.co.za

Westgate Super Regional Shopping Centre is home to a wide-ranging retail offering, anchored by big retail nationals and host to shoppers from all over the region, Westgate’s simple design and newly revamped lower level and layout makes for ease of navigation of its diverse offering, where shopping becomes a largely shared experience and adventure for the family.

Westgate Super Regional Shopping Centre prides itself on providing its customers with a wide variety of world-class services that are aimed at catering for all our shoppers needs during their shopping trip. These services include an information kiosk; gift cards; store directories; wheelchair services; male, female and disabled toilet facilities, as well as baby changing and feeding rooms.

Owner: Pareto Limited

Opened: 1985 Stores: 100

Address: 120 Ontdekkers Road, Roodepoort, 1725

Region: Roodepoort, Johannesburg

Telephone: +2711 768 0616