What to Buy in South Africa: Eight Souvenirs Worth the Suitcase Space

Eight things worth bringing home from South Africa: East African sandalwood carvings of the Big Five, 99% aloe gel, rooibos tea, nut chocolate, additive-free dried mango, Amarula, diamonds and cigars. Includes which are easiest to buy at Johannesburg airport duty-free and which are better bought in town or at a workshop.

Published November 6, 20262 min read

South African souvenirs
what to buy in South Africa
Johannesburg airport
aloe gel
rooibos

A haul of South African souvenirs

What should you buy before leaving South Africa? Here are eight things picked for being easy to pack, genuinely useful and distinctly local.

1. Wood carvings: collect the Big Five

Most carvings come from East Africa, and sandalwood pieces are the prized ones. The author bought a set of Big Five carvings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard) plus an Africa-shaped piece and a giraffe — a set like this makes a good keepsake.

Sandalwood Big Five carvings, an Africa-shaped piece and a giraffe

How to choose: judge weight and grain in the hand — sandalwood feels dense with fine grain. Uneven staining and visible joins usually mean a cheap reproduction.

2. Aloe gel: the local staple

South African aloe gel is close to a must-buy, most commonly at 99% purity. Good for after-sun care and everyday moisturising.

99% aloe gel, often sold in packs of three

3. Rooibos tea

Rooibos grows only in South Africa, is naturally caffeine-free, and works hot or iced. It comes plain or flavoured (vanilla, honeybush) and makes an easy gift to split among friends.

Rooibos and black teas: JOKO, Five Roses, Lipton and others

4. Chocolate: go for the nut bars

There is a wide range of nut chocolates, so pick a few flavours.

Assorted nut chocolates

5. Dried mango: buy it at Johannesburg duty-free

Made from South African mangoes in season, with no additives, the mango flavour is intense. The author bought hers in the duty-free shops at Johannesburg airport — easy to pick up on the way to the gate.

Additive-free South African dried mango

6. Amarula: the national cream liqueur

Amarula is a cream liqueur made from African marula fruit. The elephant on the label is why Chinese travellers call it "elephant liquor". Also available in the Johannesburg airport duty-free area.

Two bottles of Amarula

7. Diamonds: insist on a certificate

The author bought a necklace at a South African diamond workshop for about 42% of the list price. For natural diamonds that is a fair price.

Careful: always ask for a proper grading certificate (GIA, HRD and so on) and check the certificate number against the laser inscription on the stone. Tourist shops at airports and in town usually charge a much bigger premium.

8. Cigars

Also bought at the Johannesburg airport duty-free; the author describes them as full-bodied and strong. Note that China's duty-free tobacco allowance on entry is limited — anything above it must be declared.

Where to buy

Item	Best place
Dried mango, Amarula, cigars	Johannesburg airport duty-free, before you fly
Aloe gel, rooibos, chocolate	Supermarkets (Woolworths, Pick n Pay) — cheaper and more choice
Wood carvings	Craft markets or the airport; check the material
Diamonds	A licensed workshop, and always with a certificate

Practical notes

Aloe gel, alcohol and other liquids must go in checked baggage.
Check Chinese import rules for plant and animal products (wood, seeds) before you pack them.
Duty-free allowances are limited: keep receipts and certificates for valuables such as diamonds and cigars, and declare them on arrival.