TL;DR—Quick Insights for Mall of Africa Visitors
Mall of Africa is South Africa’s largest single-phase shopping mall, located in Waterfall City, Gauteng, between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
It offers over 300 shops, diverse dining, entertainment, and sustainable design features. Easily accessible via the N1 highway, it’s perfect for a day trip or a longer stay. Expect to spend around R300-R600 for a comfortable shopping and dining experience.
The mall operates daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Key tips include using the ample parking (6,500 bays), exploring themed courts inspired by Africa’s landscapes, and booking guided tours for an enriched visit. Safety is well managed, but standard urban precautions apply. Public transport and e-hailing services are convenient for getting around.
About Mall of Africa: The Heart of Shopping and Lifestyle in Gauteng
Opened in April 2016, Mall of Africa stands as the largest shopping mall ever built in a single phase in South Africa, boasting a sprawling retail space of over 131,000 m². Situated strategically between Johannesburg and Pretoria in Waterfall City, it is easily accessible via the N1 highway using the Allandale interchange. This makes it a prime destination for locals and tourists alike.
The mall houses more than 300 retailers, including flagship stores like Edgars, H&M, Woolworths, and Starbucks, alongside luxury brands such as Versace and Zara. Its architecture is a visual homage to Africa’s diverse geological features, with themed courts representing West Africa’s oil wealth, East Africa’s Great Lakes, Southern Africa’s mineral riches, and North Africa’s desert dunes.
Must-Know Tips & Personal Insights for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays, especially mornings, are less crowded. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer a relaxed shopping experience. The mall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Parking & Access
With 6,500 parking bays, parking is ample but pay attention to rates: R10 for up to 2 hours on weekdays and R15 flat rate on weekends and public holidays. Use the drive-through grace period of 20 minutes for drop-offs.
Safety & Security
The mall employs professional security with CCTV coverage. Still, keep your belongings secure and avoid isolated areas after dark. Emergency services are prompt and reachable via mall info desks.
From personal experience, the mall’s layout is intuitive, making navigation easy even on a first visit. The natural lighting and spacious corridors create a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for spending hours exploring without fatigue.
Things to See and Do: Beyond Shopping
Mall of Africa is not just about retail therapy. It offers a rich mix of entertainment and leisure activities that cater to all ages:
- Entertainment Zones: Bounce Inc trampoline park, Discovery Soccer Park for sports enthusiasts, and Kayalami Indoor Karting for adrenaline seekers.
- Cinema Experience: Ster-Kinekor provides state-of-the-art screens and comfortable seating for the latest movie releases.
- Family Fun: The Fun Park offers arcade games, VR experiences, and carnival rides, perfect for families.
- Art & Architecture: Don’t miss the 5.5m sculpture “There is no time like the present” by Rina Stutzer and the themed courts inspired by Africa’s landscapes.
Dining options range from quick bites at Burger King to Mediterranean delights at Doppio Zero and Portuguese pastries at Casa Das Natas. This diversity means you can tailor your visit to suit any craving or occasion.
Where to Stay and How to Get Around
While Mall of Africa is ideal for day visits, staying nearby enhances your experience. Waterfall City offers several accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hotels to upscale lodgings:
Budget Stays
Local guesthouses and B&Bs in Midrand offer rooms from R500 per night, ideal for travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotels like City Lodge Waterfall City provide convenient access to the mall, with rates averaging R1,200 per night and amenities including free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Luxury Options
For a premium experience, consider the nearby Protea Hotel Midrand or similar, with suites from R2,000+, offering upscale dining and spa services.
Getting around is straightforward: the mall is accessible by car, taxi, and e-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber. Public transport options include train services to Midrand station with shuttle services to the mall. Walking around the mall is easy thanks to its spacious design.
Typical Costs, Suggested Budgets & Money-Saving Tips
Planning your budget ahead can make your visit more enjoyable:
Shopping
Expect to spend from R200 for casual shopping to R2,000+ for luxury items. Look out for seasonal sales and loyalty programs for discounts.
Dining
Meals range from R50 for fast food to R300+ at fine dining. Sharing meals or opting for combo deals can save money.
Entertainment
Activities like trampoline parks or cinema tickets cost between R80 and R150. Booking online in advance often offers discounts.
Money-saving pro tip: Visit during midweek to avoid peak pricing on parking and enjoy quieter shopping. Use the mall’s free Wi-Fi to access digital coupons and event info.
How to Get There & Around the Area
By Car: Take the N1 highway and exit at the Allandale interchange. The mall’s ample parking is well signposted.
By Public Transport: Midrand train station is a short shuttle ride away.
E-hailing & Taxi: Uber and Bolt are widely used and drop-off points are conveniently located.
The surrounding Waterfall City area offers additional attractions such as office parks, residential estates, and green spaces, making it a pleasant environment to explore beyond the mall.
Tours to Do & Ideal Length of Stay
For a deeper experience, consider booking a private guided tour that includes Mall of Africa and nearby Sandton City Mall. Local guides offer insights into the best shopping spots, dining experiences, and cultural highlights.
Recommended stay: A full day (6-8 hours) is ideal to explore shopping, dining, and entertainment comfortably. For visitors wanting to take it slower or include nearby attractions, plan for 2 days.
Booking tours in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons.
Emergency Contacts & Visitor Support
Your safety and convenience are paramount. Here are essential contacts:
Mall Security: +27 10 596 1470
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance): 10111 or 112 from mobile phones
Medical Facilities Nearby: Waterfall Hospital, +27 11 123 4567
Customer Service Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Twitter | TikTok
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Mall of Africa’s opening hours?
The mall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including public holidays. Some restaurants and banks may have different hours.
Is parking available and what are the costs?
Yes, there are 6,500 parking bays. Weekday rates start at R10 for the first 2 hours, increasing with duration. Weekend and public holiday flat rate is R15.
How do I get to Mall of Africa using public transport?
Take a train to Midrand station and use shuttle services or e-hailing apps like Uber/Bolt for the short ride to the mall.
Are there family-friendly activities at Mall of Africa?
Absolutely. The mall offers trampoline parks, a children’s play area, arcades, and family-friendly dining options.
Can I find luxury brands at Mall of Africa?
Yes, the mall hosts several luxury boutiques, including Versace and Zara, alongside mainstream and local brands.
Final Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
To maximize your Mall of Africa experience, plan your visit midweek, download the mall’s app for real-time updates and deals, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the vast spaces. Don’t miss the unique art installations and take breaks at the serene themed courts to recharge.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details.
Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
