Places to shop this holiday season, here are Africa’s largest malls
In recent years, Africa has been boasting of world-class shopping centres that are made of outstanding architecture mostly found in urban cities.
From Cairo to Johannesburg, these topnotch complexes and malls have been an indication that there is a rise in the growth of the middle class (a primary target of malls) across African countries.
These high-end malls have not only served local people with their shopping and entertainment needs, but have also attracted large numbers of tourists from across the globe who have made significant contributions towards their development.
As the festive season draws near, Africa is the place to be as its super-sized and luxury malls have so much to offer for the young and old who would be kept busy and entertained.
Below are the largest shopping malls in Africa where you can surely find everything on your shopping list:
Two Rivers Mall – Kenya
Opened in February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya, the mall, which is the largest in Central and East Africa got its name from two rivers that stream near it. The mall covers 65,000 square meters on 1,700,000 million square feet of land with a wide array of shops including popular brands such as Zara and LC Waikiki (fashion brands); Carrefour; luxury jewellery brand, Swarovski; Nike, Adidas and Mr Price. Located about 29 kilometres from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the mall also houses topnotch hotels, a 3,600-seat amphitheatre and some modern residential houses.
Sandton City Mall – South Africa
Situated in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, the mall is rated Africa’s most prestigious shopping destination, with visitors getting almost all their needs under one roof. Owned by the Pareto Ltd and Liberty Holdings Limited, Sandton City Mall launched in September 1973, making it one of the oldest sites. It occupies 128,000 square feet with over 300 stores.
Mall of Africa – South Africa
Located in Waterfall city, Midrand, Gauteng, in South Africa, the mall is the biggest shopping centre built in a single phase. Owned by the Atterbury Property group, the mall occupies a total of 131,000 square meters and can contain about 6,500 cars. Opened in 2016, the mall design was inspired by Africa’s geological features and has anchor tenants including Woolworths, Game and Checkers. The Mall of Africa has two main levels of shopping as well as an outdoor restaurant plaza which connects directly to the Waterfall City Park.
Canal Walk – South Africa
If you are looking for the best jewellery or household items, then this mall located in Cape Town in South Africa is the place to be. Opened in 2000, the Canal Walk occupies 141,000 square meters and has over 400 outlets. Visitors would not only get the required items they are after but would also enjoy a clear view of the Table Mountains and the legendary Robben Island. The mall also boasts of modern office space.
Cairo Festival City – Egypt
Located in Cairo, Egypt, the mall occupies almost 160,000 square feet and houses a wide array of eateries and world-renowned hypermarkets, as well as motor vehicle assembly units, large office spaces, international hotels, and villa apartments. The American International School, a large theatre and stalls with a stock of global brands can also be found in the mall.
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping – South Africa
With over 390 stores and 80 eateries, this mall is located in Umhlanga Rocks in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Occupying a total of 220,000 square meters with a parking space for about 12,000 cars, the mall, which opened in 2001 boasts of skate parks, movie theatres, the highest fountain in Africa, the highest indoor climbing rock in the world, a gym, clubs, and a science theme park as well as a hotel – The Gateway Hotel, which affords one the convenience to enjoy all that the mall has to offer.
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Mall of Arabia – Egypt
It is the largest mall in Africa, located in Cairo, Egypt. Occupying a total of 267,000 square meters, it has over 900 stores with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and a hypermarket. Popular brands at the mall include Mango, Zara and LC Waikiki. Owned by a Saudi Organization called Fawaz Al Hokair, the mall, which has a parking space for over 8,000 cars is home to the country’s first dancing fountain with a beautiful display. Weekends are popular days to visit the mall, and due to its size, it may take one a few days to take a tour of the whole building.
Compiled by Mildred Europa Taylor
