Souvenir, SA art, Gift Shopping - budget & ideas?

[Josh Neal]

Hi guys, our adventure is less then 6 months away and we are finalizing everything right now! My wife and I booked a 10 day "couples hunt" with Limcroma safaris. We plan to bow hunt several species but also are looking into other activities such as Kruger tour, Spa trip, school/village trip, wing-shooting, etc. But my main question is "What are some cool items that you all have purchased while over in SA?" I've heard that you can find some really nice art, horn décor, back skins, etc. at good prices.
Would you mind to share your souvenirs/art and prices? This would help my wife and I better understand how to set our budget.

Thanks!

 

[BRICKBURN]

I looked long and hard for authentic items; Knobkerries and Assegai
They are not cheap. I actually researched and reserved them before I left home.
Wood carvings are everywhere, but there are some real artists.
Some prices are hilarious/ludicrous. I walk away.

If you want trinkets or art, you'll see a price difference.

Baskets
http://www.ilala.co.za/our-products/interior-design.html

A market in Otjiwarongo, Namibia had the best animal carvings I have seen anywhere.

Decide on your space and what you really want and then find it.

 

[Elton]

Knobkerries and Assegai

Always a winner. Living in South Africa i can say that this would be a very good idea for authentic souvenir. Its a Zulu cultural idea. Even a Zulu shield can be added to give it that little extra touch. Sadly most of these don't come cheap. Now if you really want something true to South Africa you can't go wrong with Biltong beats that beef jerky you have over there.

 

[CAustin]

Lots of markets over there and never pay the asking price!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

If you're overnighting in Jo'burg, there's a curio shop not too terribly far from the airport. My wife and I were there in 2010 and the prices were reasonable. I wish I could remember the name of that shop, but if you stay at Africa Sky or Afton House they'll know.

We also as part of our Kruger trip went to the Blyde River canyon. There were local vendors there that had all sorts of wood carvings and such for cheap prices listed. Dealing with them to bring the price down is expected however. I'm sure there are other souvenir type markets like this in the tourist areas.

 

[Sand Rat]

If you're overnighting in Jo'burg, there's a curio shop not too terribly far from the airport. My wife and I were there in 2010 and the prices were reasonable. I wish I could remember the name of that shop, but if you stay at Africa Sky or Afton House they'll know.

We also as part of our Kruger trip went to the Blyde River canyon. There were local vendors there that had all sorts of wood carvings and such for cheap prices listed. Dealing with them to bring the price down is expected however. I'm sure there are other souvenir type markets like this in the tourist areas.

This is the place http://196.38.88.30/~cambanos/ the wife and
I have been there several times.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

This is the place http://196.38.88.30/~cambanos/ the wife and
I have been there several times.

View attachment 170309

Yep, that's it.

 

[BRICKBURN]

................. Now if you really want something true to South Africa you can't go wrong with Biltong beats that beef jerky you have over there.

 

[Ryan]

I kept things simple on my trips to Namibia. Not a lot of space in the luggage and even curios need a use. That said my warthog tusk beer bottle opener ($10-20) and a really well made small basket ($20+) back memories and gets used regularly. The opener is a no-brainer, the basket is behind my zebra pedestal and gets keys dropped in it at end of every day. Hopefully RSA has similar.

 

[navar]

Great place to bow hunt!
I´m sure you will have a great time with Hannes and his team is a very good place.
For the shopping, the guys up North use to do a stop at the Hartebeespoort Market. There is plenty of stuff to buy there. You just need to practice your bargain skills and negociate prices.
http://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-...eespoort-dam/category/craft-and-flea-markets/
Enjoy the safari and hope you come right with your shopping.
If you ever want to bow hunt the cape are, give us a buzz.
Cheers