Arts and Crafts in and near Durban

Inchanga Market

Since those early days of the Umgeni Steam Railway, the Inchanga Conservancy has taken over the running of the site and provides the craft market and food stalls for every running day of the train. In additon,there is an operating HO gauge model railway. ... more

With the huge variety of cultural groups living in South Africa there are countless opportunities for the visitor to purchase a wide range of traditional handicrafts. Almost everywhere you go there will be artists selling their wares and by purchasing authentic souvenirs, you can not only take home an attractive keepsake, but also promote local economies and provide these entrepreneurs with a sustainable income.

If you don't want to hunt for your treasure, all of the major cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Port Elizabeth have huge markets dedicated to selling local arts and crafts. Walk amongst the stalls, talk with the vendors and barter your way to a bargain. Most tourist towns also have markets, although some only operate during the summer.

If you want to go off the beaten track and purchase more directly from specific cultural groups, head to Kwa-Zulu Natal to the Drakensburg area where in Berville and Dundee you can find traditional Zulu handicrafts. In Thohoyandou in the Limpopo province you can find traditional Venda pottery and sculpture. Known as some of the finest crafters in Africa, the Venda people will be proud to share their work with you. Not to be missed is Swaziland, where markets and curio shops in the capital of Mbabane showcase traditional Swazi crafts.

If you'd like to purchase different kinds of artistic souvenirs, head to Clarens in the Free State near the border of Lesotho. The picturesque town is an artists' haven and there are several markets and shops where you can purchase handmade goods and food.