The country is filled with endless possibilities, exotic sites and wondrous establishments; both natural and man-made. There are numerous fun activities – beaches, theme parks, museums and of course they have some of the best malls to boast about.

Malls in South Africa are usually extremely large, they contain a variety of stores, restaurants and other business establishments which provides the best shopping experience, perfect environment for social gatherings, great performances and promotions. From city to city, you will not be left disappointed as there are awesome places in the malls to chill, relax and hang out with your spouse, eat, shop: the sky is the limit. It’s a whole new world of shopping!  Surround yourself with an atmosphere of beauty and wonder as you explore the best malls in South Africa with us.

Take a Diamond walk – Sandton City Mall Johannesburg.

Would you like to take a walk on the most treasured paths in one of Africa’s most cherished and most renowned strip malls; Sandton city? A sparkly walk would not hurt, be the “well-heeled” couple parading the  newly tiled corridor of Sandton City as you get to see some of the world’s most exclusive fashion brands.

Sandton City is situated in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. It invites more than 400 global and neighborhood design brands. The atmosphere at Sandton City is cosmopolitan and sophisticated. You will locate the absolute best of South Africa as it brings to the table –  its extensive variety of shops and showrooms, exemplary, contemporary things running from engineering and eating to retail outlets and originators.

This mall is home to many restaurants, including some of the top dining establishments in the city. Do not miss the latest and hottest dining and drinking spots in Johannesburg on the Sandton Sun’s sixth floor, which includes a cheese room, interactive kitchen, wine bar and drinking deck with a view over the city. Access is through the hotel or shopping centre.

Just a stone’s throw away from the mall there is also the Liberty Life Theatre on Nelson Mandela Square, which is is a 200-seater theatre that produces and shows an array of outstanding productions, library,  restaurants, bars and cinemas. Without a shadow of a doubt,  couples would prefer not to pass up a major opportunity as this.

Trading hours at usually from Mondays to Saturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

See Madiba – Nelson Mandela Square Sandton, Johannesburg

Create beautiful memories at elegant picture zones and have fun while you shop at Nelson Mandela Square, named after one of the world’s most famous legend’s Nelson Mandela. This spot is a popular tourist destination as well as a shopping haven. The Square has stood out as truly newsworthy, and it is great for photos. It has walkway bistros, fine feasting and over 93 selective shops.

Another stunning element to keep an eye out for is the tremendous bronze statue of Nelson Mandela. It is believed that this stature watches over all, especially couples in love. The six-meter bronze statue was etched by Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane and weighs more than 2.5 tons measuring 2.3 meters from elbow to elbow. The shoulders of the statue are 1.7 meters in width and the shoes are 1-meter long.

For a shopping delight, add some fine dining to your experience with any of the world class eateries or you can make the day out interactive by adding, an excursion to Nelson Mandela Square where you will learn more about the legend, this is a flat out must. This is “home-from-home” environment for the couples, business travelers or for families.

Trading hours at Nelson Mandela Square are usually from Mondays to Saturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

Photo Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auiJYAakBlQ

Explore a naturistic stylish theme – The Mall of Africa – Gauteng Johannesburg

As you take an observant walk through the Mall of Africa, you get to feel the natural rays of light and watch the beautiful sky right there in the mall as you shop indoors. This mall is tailored to fit your convenience with a stylistic theme that enhances the shopping experience.

The Mall of Africa, located in Gauteng, Johannesburg, is an ideal shopping center for love birds. The mall design was inspired by Africa’s geological features, as evident by its courts. The Crystal Court is located in the Northern Section of the mall, representing Southern Africa’s mineral wealth with sharp geometric patterns. The Great Lakes Court is located the Eastern Section of the mall, representing the Great Lakes mostly of East Africa and has calm and gentle materials. The Desert Court is located in the Southern Section of the mall, representing the Sahara Desert of North Africa and has calm motifs used in traditional Berber carpets. The Oleum Court is located in the Western Section of the mall, representing West Africa’s Oil wealth. The Forest Walk Court is in the center of the shopping mall, representing Central Africa and its rain forests. There is something to suit every taste even architecture wise. It is situated in Waterfall City, Midrand, Gauteng. The aggregate retail region is 131 000 square meters, and a gross range of 550 000 square meters. This vast space can accommodate 65,000 cars specifically designed to accommodate, provide space, freedom as well as wonderful scenery for couples.

The mall has over 300 stores, a whopping 40 elevators and its stylistic theme takes its motivation from the backwoods, extraordinary lakes, and the oil, exchange, sand and mineral riches.

Photo Credit: https://showme.co.za/pretoria/news/menlyn-park-brings-you-the-ultimate-experience/

Variety is the spice of life – Menyln park – Pretoria

The second largest mall in Africa, located in Tshwane Capital of SA (formerly known as Pretoria). The special thing about Menlyn is that it caters to newlyweds beautifully. There is an abundant of wedding venues in Menlyn, and of course what goes well with romance, weddings and all that great stuff? Shopping!!

Indulge yourself in extreme mold, excellence and solace in the core of South Africa as you take a chilled tour around Menlyn Park, it is a shopping and entertainment centre combined! The architects went all out on this one! They created a tensile shade structures for the grandstands of the multi-purpose arena, which is home to athletic competition, concerts, fashion shows and more.

The amusement does not stop there, you also get to be involved in the history of South Africa by visiting its first event boutique called, Gift Shack and finally for the love of chocolate, don’t forget to stop by the Lindt Chocolate Boutique before heading home! If you’re feeling generous enough, bring treats back home for loved ones.

Trading hours at usually from Mondays to Saturdays (Time: 09:00 – 20:00) and Sundays & Public Holidays (Time: 09h00 – 18h00).

Pocket friendly market – Gateway Mall – Durban

Gateway also known as the Theater of Shopping is viewed as the biggest mall in the Southern Hemisphere located on Umhlanga Ridge in Umhlanga, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Direct Distance from Gateway to Johannesburg, Gauteng is six hundred kilometers which will take you on a scenic six-hour drive or 1 hour by flight. The shopping center has been in existence since 2001. There are an extensive variety of about 400 shops, including universally known brands at costs for all pockets.

This mall has retail chains, silver screens, a theater, and of course general stores for you every day needs.

It is activity filled too! Gateway additionally contains the world’s highest climbing wall, go-kart track, arcade and rides. What’s more? The shops are affordably priced, trading hours are usually from Monday – Thursday (Time: 9:00 – 19:00), Friday – Saturday (Time: 9:00 – 21:00), Sunday (Time: 9:00 – 18:00).

Redefine your shopping lifestyle – Canal Walk – Cape Town.

Photo Credit: http://ctuat.co.za/listing/canal-walk-shopping-centre/

Did you know that walking is one of the nicest ways to explore beautiful canals and rivers?  The shopping complex merges the world’s most desirable brands with shopping convenience, all in a majestic setting. Canal walk has worked hard to ensure an open and accessible walk without stress, when we say it is the most delightful sights, don’t take our word. Find out for yourself!

The unfolding scenery of a canal-side stroll also takes some beating, where you could you find a mix of wildlife, architecture, brands and the countryside view of course.

This mall is situated in Cape Town, South Africa, very easy and convenient to access. It furnishes you with the most pleasant shopping experience, 400 individual shops including eateries, coffee houses, apparel, foodstuffs and devices.

Additionally, it furnishes an excellent framework with amazing offers and deals, and the best brands all under one rooftop. This is a very comfortable and luxurious shopping experience, with amazing treats offered on each level and a stretched-out shopping hours of 9am to 9pm

Feel the shore – Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – Cape Town

Set off on a one of a kind trip visit by taking a tour to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the core of Cape Town. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, within a stone’s throw from the Cape Town Stadium and in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront offers the visitor an abundance of unforgettable experiences

What is so fantastic about V&A waterfront is the blend of indoor shopping and entertainment venues that merge so seamlessly.

This zone is one of the significant locales for visitors’ attractions, shopping, eateries, boat trips and aquarium. At night, the entire complex comes alive! It offers by a long shot the greatest, most changed choice of locally created mold, adornments, materials, toys, homeware, and so forth. Yet, don’t stop there, there’s a great deal more to be found in the city.

Spend over 10 hours with your spouse as this stop is usually opened from 9am – 9pm on a daily basis and the watershed is also opened from 10am-7pm. All Shopped out and need some grub? There is more than 80 restaurants so there are choices to suit every palette, from local fresh sea food to international fusion!

CHECK-IN AT THE AFRICAN PRIDE HOTEL

The African Pride hotel located at 15 on Orange Cape Town has an unparalleled location in Gardens. It Is a short distance from the city center; the hotel allowed us to conveniently access Cape Town’s world-famous landmarks.  From the moment we stepped into the stunning lobby, we were thrilled with its distinctive five-star style. This grandeur extends to the hotel’s immaculate guest rooms and suites; each room overflows with luxury, perfect for a wedding getaway/ vacation.  We soaked up Cape Town sun at African Pride’s magnificent rooftop pool and ate from a selection of first-class restaurant options, the daily breakfast service was full of variety. Yum Yum!!

SUNDOWN AT SIGNAL HILL 

Banky and Adesua

Sun down at Signal Hill was our favourite item on the BAAD2017 wedding itinerary. There are sunsets, and then there are sunsets. The sunset views from the top of Signal Hill definitely rivalled the best I’ve seen. Signal Hill is one of Cape Town’s favourite Hills; it connects to Lions Head mountain in a distinctive hump, making it look as though it’s the tail end of the lion. The top of Signal Hill is 350 metres above sea level, meaning the views of both city and ocean is nothing short of spectacular. It is a popular and ideal spot where locals take their lovers or friends to watch the sun go down. We went without knowing what to expect as most of us haven’t been there before. When we arrived, we were immediately captivated by the beautiful view of the Table Mountains, Atlantic Ocean and good aerial view of Cape Town. The sunset-watching itself was a breath-taking experience and I guarantee you, this is as romantic as you can imagine it to be. The atmosphere atop the hill at sunset is usually vibrant, with many friendly faces taking pictures of the view.

SHOPPING AT THE V & A WATERFRONT 

Shopping at the V & A was an exciting experience for the entire BAAD gang. The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town is located on the Atlantic shore, Table Bay Harbor, the City of Cape Town and Table Mountain. With over 450 retail outlets selling everything from fashion, home ware and ornaments, to jewelry, leather goods and audio-visual equipment; the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination. It offers diverse products of local and international brands that guaranteed something for every one of us shopping during our trip. We also go to have a ride on the V & A waterfront Wheel. All the cabins are air conditioned and it gives you the most sweeping and magnificent views of Cape Town.

TABLE MOUNTAIN 

The crew took the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, over a thousand meters above Cape Town. It was a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains and the rest of the Table Mountain National Park, in which the Cableway is situated. Table Mountain is an iconic and significant tourist attraction, every visit up there is always poignant and memorable. Cape Town locals are pretty fond of the mountain that looms over their city… and with good reason! Table Mountain, which is home to the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth, was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011. It is entirely too beautiful after some hot chocolate everyone was all smiles, and felt on top of the world! Literally!

WINE TASTING AT GROOT CONSTANTIA

 You’re with your bridesmaids and groomsmen, how about a joint bachelorette party in the form of Wine tasting!!! Sounds good to me!! Part of the BAAD2017 South African experience was going wine tasting at Groot Constantia, founded in 1685. We all were able to see the wine and cultural history museum; we were inspired by South African Art, enjoyed world-class cuisine, experienced chocolate & wine pairing and a whole lot of bonding while our taste buds were enticed by exquisite wine. Groot Constantia is nestled in the fertile Constantia Valley. We learned that the word “Constantia” is Latin for constancy or steadfastness and the winery takes after its meaning.  The farm is situated behind Table Mountain for its wine growing potential and magnificent scenery and offers a circular self-guided route of the heritage-rich core of the wine estate.  The wines produced on the estate have caught the attention of influential people across the globe, clearly due to its impressive quality.

CHECK-IN TO WESTIN HOTEL, CAPE TOWN

Moving to the Westin Hotel Cape Town for the big day!! It’s our wedding o!!  We enjoyed exclusive rooms with unique views over the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. The hotel’s fantastic glass façade allows clear views of the spectacular beauty of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the whole of Table Bay. The whole BAAD crew were in high spirits preparing for the grand white wedding finale of Banky and Adesua Wellington.

WEDDING DAY; CAMPS BAY, WESTERN CAPE

The D-Day is finally upon us! From morning all the way till midnight, it was a gorgeous and perfect day to get married. The Sun came out to play for #BAAD2017. It was a really private wedding as mostly friends and family were in attendance. Guests attending the wedding traveled into Cape Town from several countries to grace and honor Mr and Mrs Banky and Adesua Wellington. Everyone looked their very best; the men were dressed in black tuxedos and the ladies in evening gowns in color combinations of black, white and silver. The ambiance of Camps Bay strong waves and the sight of the Twelve Apostles Mountains, set dramatically at the far end of the bay gave the wedding a feel of romance. The weather was perfect, the destination just as perfect, guests were thrilled and the bride and groom were ecstatic! A wedding destination that they would choose over and over again!

HARLEY DAVIDSON RIDES

It’s the day after, the most amazing night before!! But we’re up, and out to seize the day!! Those who have always dreamed of an outlaw experience were privileged to see the Mother City from the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. We all took Harley Davidson rides from the Westin through camps bay beach, to camps bay, tearing up the tarmac that winds its way around the breath-taking Chapman’s Peak Drive. The excursion included an expert driver who was completely at our disposal. The open-road motorbike experience was second to none. There’s something exhilarating about being able to smell the sea and feel the wind in your hair, and as the saying goes, “Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a car window.”

After the Harleys, it was time for a hot meal Sea food anyone? Perks of being right by the water, everything is fresh!

SUNSET BOAT CRUISE AT CAMPS BAY

The Sunset Cruise took us straight  across with Table Bay. What’s better than a sunset cruise? One with friends, family, and champagne of course!! Scenic views, and of course, music, while sipping on a glass of Cape Town’s Classic sparkling wine. A slow cruise back to dock, and catching a wonderful sun set, to the city lighting – a first class experience with Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles as an exquisite backdrop. This is definitely the cruise of choice for the romantic and after wedding setting of our entire South African trip;  we had a relaxing evening on the water.

ZEBULA GOLF ESTATE AND SPA 

Zebula is a holiday home in Mubala with a private pool, swimming pool, outdoor pool, massage Spa and wellness centre. There’s an access to a golf course within 3km of the estate, an exquisite mountain and pool view with outdoor BBQ facilities. The accommodation is 100 metres from the Reception & Clubhouse parking, and there are activities of Squash, Horse riding, Hiking, Fishing and a large Tennis court; such an awesome place! There was lots of pamper time as well, this is the place to relax and indulge – the Spa experience was first class.

ANIMAL INTERACTIONS AND ENCOUNTERS 

Cape Town’s Zebula Golf Estate and gave us the opportunity to get up close with some interesting wild animals. In addition to learning about the magnificent giant cats, we all got to engage with them in many exciting ways. We could feed them and the ones who were feeling brave enough, got to sit on their backs and take a great picture. Those who preferred to admire from a distance, got to test their strength by standing next to the elephants and Cheetah’s. Whether we all engaged or not, a trip to Zebula Golf Estate and Spa is worth it for one little detail: you could see and touch the world’s most magnificent Cheetah’s, Tarzan and Jane, and appreciate all of God’s creation.

Ever had a bush dinner before? It’s magical, and there was a special birthday to celebrate too! We all had a beautiful dinner under the Zebula Golf Estate skies to complement an eventful and adventurous day

MANDELA HOUSE IN SOWETO 

The Mandela House is a world-class tourist attraction in Soweto, South Africa, and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation and research of the history, heritage and legacy of Nelson Mandela and the entire Mandela Family. It was indeed a meaningful experience for us all during our trip to South Africa. We were informed of President Nelson Mandela’s story, both in the context of his home, and in the context of his life as a whole, in a manner that promotes human rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the peoples of South Africa. Guaranteed, it was a learning experience for the entire BAAD crew; as we stood in awe of a national hero  – “A Winner is a dreamer who never gives up” – Nelson Mandela. Despite it all, the streets of Soweto are ALIVE.

HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL 

The Hector Pierterson Memorial, just down the road from the Mandela House in Soweto was another iconic place we visited.  The Memorial and Museum is situated in Orlando West, Soweto, two blocks away from where Hector Pieterson was shot and killed. The museum is named in his honor. It became one of the first museums in Soweto when it opened on 16 June 2002.  It remembers the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and in particular the role played by the school children who took part in the Soweto protests of 1976, many of whom were shot by the apartheid police while protesting against the sub-standard of education in black schools in South Africa.

CHECK-IN AT THE AFRICAN PRIDE HOTEL, MELROSE ARCH

Checking in to The African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg, we were minutes from Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and close to Sandton City Mall. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Wanderers Stadium and The Wanderers Golf Club in Jo’Burg. We enjoyed recreational amenities including a nightclub and an outdoor pool. The additional features of the hotel include a complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services and a whole lot more. Planning a vacay to Johannesburg? The African Pride Hotel on Melrose Arch would treat you right.

EARLY MORNING HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE 

If at all we were going to be caught in a balloon all the way up in the air, we had to do it the right way. Bill Harrops Original Balloon Safari definitely felt like a boujie experience.  You have to get up fairly early for a hot air balloon ride, you’re up at 4am!! But it is absolutely worth it! Promise! We sailed in an indisputable style. It was sunrise, the silence of the flight was only punctuated by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill was indescribable. It’s so hard to describe a hot air balloon ride, its like gliding, floating, flying all at the same time. We were hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, high above the Magaliesberg range in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, north of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. The exceptional peace of this unique and almost supernatural view of the world will forever remain a truly cherished memory, also a perfect way to end the trip of a life time!

BUSH CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST 

After landing back on earth from the hot air balloon, we had breakfast at their well established, traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant, where we ate and were filled with the warmest of memories. We had the privilege of enjoying the most pleasurable balloon flight and would definitely recommend it to our friends and partners in the industry.