Fourways Mall is the biggest mall in South Africa with a floor area of 178,000 square meters and over 400 stores. It’s a paradise for shopping lovers. Its extensive food court, open-air exhibition space, and entertainment area make it a top destination, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for locals and tourists.
South Africa is not just home to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but it also boasts some of the largest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere.
In recent years, the nation’s commitment to commercial expansion has manifested in grand shopping complexes, blending retail with leisure and entertainment.
From the cosmopolitan streets of Johannesburg to the scenic coastlines of Durban, the shopping malls in South Africa offer a captivating mix of local and international brands.
Whether you’re an ardent shopper, a tourist, or someone who loves to explore architectural marvels, these malls promise something for every visitor.
We’ve diligently researched and curated a list of South Africa’s biggest malls, offering an insight into their unique attractions, shopping experiences, and much more.
Let’s take a virtual tour through these retail giants that are shaping the shopping landscape in South Africa.
10 Largest Malls In South Africa
1. Fourways Mall
Located in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg at 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Fourways Mall stands as the biggest shopping destination in South Africa.
Established in 1994 by the Accelerate Property Fund, this expansive mall sprawls across 178,000 square meters, offering more than 400 stores.
It not only caters to shopping enthusiasts but also entices visitors with its two-level food court, vast open-air exhibition arena, and engaging entertainment area.
With over 2,500 parking bays, Fourways Mall is designed to offer convenience, variety, and a unique shopping experience that resonates with both locals and tourists.
The combination of retail variety and leisure facilities makes it a must-visit in Johannesburg.
2. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
Situated at the junction of Atterbury Road and Lois Ave in Menlyn, Pretoria, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre proudly stands as the second-largest mall in South Africa.
Owned by Pareto Limited and established in 1979, this colossal complex spans a gross leasable area of 177,000 square meters.
With more than 500 stores, Menlyn Park isn’t just a shopping destination; it’s a hub that reflects modern retail’s vibrant culture.
The availability of 8,250 parking bays adds to the convenience, making it a magnet for shoppers and explorers looking for a blend of variety and comfort in Tshwane’s bustling heart.
3. Gateway Theatre Of Shopping
Nestled at 1 Palm Blvd in Umhlanga Ridge, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is one of South Africa’s biggest malls with a floor area of 176,398 square metres. Gateway Theatre Of Shopping ranks among the top 100 largest shopping centres in the world.
Owned by Old Mutual Property and established in 2001, this magnificent destination offers an exclusive blend of approximately 460 retail outlets and 70 culinary experiences.
More than a mere shopping space, Gateway serves as a trendsetter in fashion, a haven for food lovers, and a hotspot for entertainment in the country.
This sprawling complex symbolizes the vibrant and multifaceted shopping culture that South Africa has cultivated over the years.
4. Eastgate Shopping Centre
Situated at 43 Bradford Rd in Bedfordview, Germiston, 2008, Gauteng, Eastgate Shopping Centre is a thriving retail hub in the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg. It is one of the biggest shopping malls in South Africa with a floor area of over 145,000 square metres.
Owned by Liberty Group Limited and established in 1979, this shopping centre hosts more than 300 stores. It offers an innovative Call and collect service that enhances customer convenience.
Shoppers simply call the store, place their orders, pay for them, and then collect their purchases from the rooftop through the Piazza entrance.
This streamlined process has made Eastgate Shopping Centre a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. The shopping centre is frequented by over 80,000 shoppers on Saturdays and over 2 million a year.
5. Canal Walk
Situated in the bustling Century City precinct of Cape Town, Canal Walk stands as the city’s largest shopping centre, boasting over 400 shops within its impressive 141,000 square metre floor area.
Established in 2000 and owned by Hyprop Investment Limited, this shopping paradise caters to diverse tastes, offering everything from the latest 4k movies to a wide array of culinary delights, including vegan options.
With ample parking for 8,000 vehicles, Canal Walk combines convenience and variety, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike who seek an unmatched shopping and entertainment experience in South Africa’s coastal gem.
6. Sandton City Mall
Situated at 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, in Sandton, Johannesburg, Sandton City South Africa began as a sprawling 50,000 square metre establishment in 1973.
Owned by Liberty Holdings Limited, Liberty Two Degrees, and Pareto Ltd, this prominent shopping hub underwent a significant expansion in 2011, growing from 50,000 square metres to an impressive 146,803 square metres.
Today, with more than 300 stores, it hosts a diverse range of local and international retailers, reflecting the rich commercial culture of the area.
The transformation of Sandton City stands as a testament to the region’s economic growth and evolving consumer trends.
7. The Pavilion Shopping Centre
Situated in Dawncliffe, Westville, at Jack Martens Dr, 3611, Durban, The Pavilion Shopping Centre stands as one of South Africa’s most extensive commercial hubs with 135,000 square metres of floor area.
Established by Pareto Limited in 1993, the centre has expanded through several phases, constantly growing and adapting to meet the needs of the local community.
Today, The Pavilion boasts a diverse selection of over 200 stores, providing a wide variety of shopping experiences for residents and visitors alike.
With 5319 parking bays, it ensures convenience for all its patrons, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of contemporary retail in the region.
8. Centurion Mall
This mall is situated at 1121 Violin Close, Brakfontein 399-Jr, in the Centurion district, Centurion Lifestyle Centre has become a well-recognized shopping destination since its establishment in 2008.
It is the 8th largest mall in South Africa with a 133,333 square metres floor area. This convenient hub serves both the local community and daily commuters, providing them with 90 stores that cater to various shopping requirements.
With ample parking facilities, the Centre ensures that shoppers can easily find a place to park, making their shopping experience all the more enjoyable and accessible.
It has successfully turned into a preferred hotspot for many due to its strategic location and diverse store offerings.
9. Mall Of Africa
Waterfall City in Midrand, Gauteng is the place where the Mall of Africa stands tall as South Africa’s biggest shopping centre, built in one continuous phase.
The mall has a total retail area of 130,000 square metres with two main levels of shopping as well as an outdoor restaurant plaza. Established in 2016 by Attacq, construction began in 2012 and reached completion in 2016.
With a history spanning more than 300 years, this modern marvel showcases over 300 stores that feature both homegrown and global brands.
It signifies the region’s commitment to offering a comprehensive shopping experience that combines local flavour with international allure.
10. Westgate Shopping Centre
Located at 120 Ontdekkers Road in Horizon View, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, the Westgate Shopping Mall has become a landmark since its inception in 1985.
Owned by Pareto Limited, the mall underwent significant refurbishment in 2016. It spans a gross lettable area of 109,418 square meters, offering space to 184 stores and ample parking with 5676 bays.
Among the well-known tenants that occupy the mall, you’ll find Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Edgars, Checkers Hyper, Game, and Food Lovers Market.
It’s a shopping destination that combines convenience with a wide variety of choices.