African Mall, Gaborone - Image 1
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African Mall Gaborone

3.7
·510 reviews·Gaborone, Botswana

A historic Gaborone mall offering a unique 'African Vibe' with traditional fabrics, artisan crafts, and custom tailoring.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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African Mall, Gaborone - Image 1

African Mall Gaborone

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Gaborone mall offering a unique 'African Vibe' with traditional fabrics, artisan crafts, and custom tailoring.

3.7
(510 reviews)

"A historic gem with vibrant shops and cultural charm, though it needs some TLC."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Shop for Fabrics

Find a wide array of traditional fabrics and haberdashery. Great for unique clothing projects!

👜 Unique Handbag Finds

Discover stylish handbags in stock. Visit the store or DM to order online.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Fabric Shops

Traditional Fabric Shops

Various shops within the mall

Discover a vibrant selection of traditional fabrics, perfect for unique clothing and decor. A must-visit for textile enthusiasts.

Artisan Crafts and Goods

Artisan Crafts and Goods

Throughout the mall

Explore unique artisan crafts, including handbags and other handmade items. Find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.

Fashion Design Services

Fashion Design Services

Tailoring shops

Get custom-made outfits, from office wear to elegant dresses, from skilled tailors. Perfect for unique fashion needs.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the African Vibe

Experience the unique 'African Vibe' with traditional fabrics and artisan crafts. While charming, be aware of potential neglect and parking hassles. Consider visiting with a group for added safety.

Navigate Parking & Attendants

Parking can be a challenge. Some visitors report harassment from attendants. Introducing paid parking might improve management and fund upkeep, but be prepared for potential issues.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, more vendors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tailor 🔌 👗 🪡 📍African mall- Gaborone 🇧🇼 📞 72372463 #fashion #fashiondesigners #fashiontiktok #tiktokbotswana🇧🇼 #corporatebaddie #officewear #tiktoksa🇿🇦
@charityblackie
87.1K likes • 753.3K views

🎯 Shop for Fabrics

Find a wide array of traditional fabrics and haberdashery. Great for unique clothing projects! Reddit

👜 Unique Handbag Finds

Discover stylish handbags in stock. Visit the store or DM to order online. Instagram

Designer🔌👗🪡 📍African mall- Gaborone 📱(+267) 72372463 #tailor #tiktokbotswana🇧🇼 #fashion #outfitsinspo #tiktoksa🇿🇦 #selftaught #fashiontiktok #maxidresses #dresses
@charityblackie
30.3K likes • 465.6K views
Handbags in stock. Visit our store in African mall, Gaborone or dm us to order online✨
sewlovelybw
181 likes • 7.6K views

👗 Custom Tailoring

Get bespoke dresses and office wear made. Contact for appointments and designs. TikTok+2

🚗 Parking Caution

Be aware of potential parking issues and attendant interactions. Consider visiting with a group. Reddit

@_pearlified_hair situated at African Mall, Gaborone
sonny.serite
8 likes • 359 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Shop for Fabrics

Find a wide array of traditional fabrics and haberdashery. Great for unique clothing projects! Reddit

👜 Unique Handbag Finds

Discover stylish handbags in stock. Visit the store or DM to order online. Instagram

👗 Custom Tailoring

Get bespoke dresses and office wear made. Contact for appointments and designs. TikTok+2

🚗 Parking Caution

Be aware of potential parking issues and attendant interactions. Consider visiting with a group. Reddit

✨ "African Vibe"

Soak in the old-style charm and unique atmosphere of this block-type mall. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.7
(510 reviews)

Reviews Summary

African Mall Gaborone is a historic gem offering a unique 'African Vibe' with vibrant shops selling traditional fabrics and artisan crafts. While praised for its unique finds and cultural charm, it suffers from neglect and frustrating parking situations. Visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and diverse shopping options, but some caution about potential harassment from attendants and the need for facility upkeep.

"A historic gem with vibrant shops and cultural charm. Sadly, it’s been neglected and needs some TLC to restore its glory. The parking situation is frustrating, harassment from attendants is a hassle. Introducing paid parking could help manage this and fund upkeep. Still a must-visit for unique finds!"

Manfred Mash

"Great complex has some unique shops , things like textiles etc"

Tlotlo Oepeng

"Always nice to soak in the "African Vibe" of the old place."

Dave Mitchell

What People Like

Unique traditional fabrics
Artisan crafts and handbags
Authentic 'African Vibe'

What People Dislike

Mall neglect and upkeep
Parking attendant issues
Dated facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

African Mall is located in Gaborone, Botswana. It's accessible by local transport and private vehicles. Some visitors mention it's near Gaborone Ext 4. Instagram+1

Parking is available, but it can be a point of frustration for some visitors. There have been reports of issues with attendants. Reddit

African Mall is situated in Gaborone Ext 2 and Ext 4, making it a recognizable spot in the area. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, African Mall is a public shopping center, and there are no tickets required for entry. You only pay for the items you purchase.

While specific hours can vary by shop, malls in Gaborone typically open in the morning and close in the early evening. It's best to check with individual stores if you have a specific time in mind.

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Services

African Mall is known for its unique shops, including those selling traditional fabrics, textiles, haberdashery, and artisan crafts like handbags. There are also fashion designers and hair salons. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, several tailors operate within African Mall, offering custom-made dresses, office wear, and other fashion items. TikTok+2

Indeed, you can find hair salons and beauty services, including hair installations and wig services, at African Mall. Instagram+2

One review mentions an Indian restaurant within the mall, adding to the diverse offerings available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While African Mall itself is a shopping center, the surrounding areas in Gaborone, especially during sunset, can offer picturesque views. Consider exploring nearby areas with your vehicle. Reddit

It's generally acceptable to take photos of products for personal use, but always ask for permission from the shop owner before taking extensive photos, especially of their displays or staff. TikTok+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

African Mall Gaborone might be an interesting stop for families looking for unique souvenirs or traditional fabrics. While not a typical family entertainment center, the variety of shops can offer a different kind of exploration. Consider it for picking up colorful textiles or unique crafts. Be mindful that the mall's older infrastructure might not be as stroller-friendly as modern complexes, and the parking situation could require extra attention. Visiting with a group might also offer a sense of security. Reddit

🛍️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, African Mall Gaborone can be a great place to find affordable traditional fabrics and unique artisan goods. You can often negotiate prices for textiles and crafts, making it possible to snag some great deals. The availability of tailors for custom clothing also presents an opportunity for unique, budget-friendly fashion. Just be prepared for the potential parking hassles, which might add a small, unexpected cost or time commitment. Reddit

👗 Fashion Enthusiasts

Fashion lovers will find African Mall Gaborone particularly appealing. The abundance of traditional fabrics and textiles is a dream for anyone interested in unique patterns and materials.Reddit Furthermore, the presence of skilled tailors and designers allows for custom-made garments, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits.TikTok+2 Don't miss the opportunity to explore the handbag collections and other artisan accessories for a truly distinctive style statement. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Unique Retail Experience

African Mall Gaborone offers a distinct shopping experience, moving away from typical modern malls. It's characterized by its 'African Vibe', featuring numerous shops specializing in traditional fabrics and textiles.Reddit Visitors can find a wide array of materials perfect for creating unique clothing, home decor, or souvenirs. Beyond fabrics, the mall is a hub for artisan crafts, with vendors selling items like handmade handbags.Instagram This focus on local craftsmanship provides a more authentic shopping adventure compared to mainstream retail centers.

For those interested in fashion, several tailors and designers are based at African Mall.TikTok+2 They offer services for custom-made clothing, from everyday office wear to special occasion dresses, catering to diverse style needs. Additionally, the mall hosts hair salons and beauty services, including wig installations and styling, adding to its comprehensive offering for personal care and fashion. Instagram+2

While the mall provides a rich cultural and retail experience, some reviews indicate it could benefit from restoration and upkeep.Reddit The parking situation also presents challenges, with some visitors reporting issues with attendants. Despite these drawbacks, the unique selection of goods and the distinct atmosphere make African Mall a noteworthy destination for those seeking authentic local products and services in Gaborone.

Navigating Gaborone's Shopping Scene

African Mall Gaborone stands out in the city's retail landscape due to its focus on traditional goods and local artisans. Unlike contemporary malls, it retains an old-style, block-type layout,Reddit fostering a more intimate shopping environment. This makes it a prime spot for sourcing traditional fabrics and haberdashery, a key draw for many visitors.Reddit The presence of skilled tailors further enhances its appeal for those looking for bespoke fashion solutions.TikTok+2

Beyond clothing and textiles, the mall is a treasure trove for unique gifts and souvenirs, particularly handbags and other artisan creations.Instagram The 'African Vibe' mentioned in reviews is palpable, offering a glimpse into local culture and craftsmanship. However, potential visitors should be aware of practical considerations. Parking can be a point of contention, and some reviews suggest a need for improved management and maintenance of the facility.Reddit

For travelers seeking an authentic Gaborone shopping experience that goes beyond generic retail, African Mall is a recommended stop. It offers a chance to engage with local vendors, discover unique products, and immerse oneself in a distinct cultural atmosphere. Planning your visit during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, can enhance the relaxed shopping experience. Reddit