Wow the Drakensberg sure has a great selection of shopping and retail outlets. If you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy after some Drakensberg hiking or just relaxing by the pool we have made a list of some of the more interesting arts and crafts outlets and some the the quirky little shops that the Drakensberg Region has on offer.
Drakensberg arts and craft and quirky shopping outlets
- KwaZulu Weavers and Candles. This well-known complex is huge, and has a wide range of is a mega complex of hand-crafted wool rugs and candles, alongside bath products, curios and toys. The method of manufacturing rugs is unique – the weavers work from raw wool in bale form, wash, mothproof dye and card the wool before spinning fibres before making up a rug to your own specifications (or you can purchase from pre-made rugs)
- Valley Bakery, Coffee Shop and Gallery. Enjoy a great cup of coffee, then stock up on delicious goodies from the bakery – pastries, tarts, ginger bread men, biscuits, croissants, lemon meringue, cheese cake and speciality breads. You can also find preserves and homemade sauces on the shelves. All the products are baked from flour milled in their own stone ground flourmill. The art gallery offers a wide range of beautiful art, some of which are painted by the family.
- Steve Bull Gallery at Ardmore Farm in the Champagne Valley has a great selection of fine art on exhibition.
- African Loom is based at Ardmore Guest Farm in the Champagne Valley of the central Drakensberg. Raw local cotton is woven on large wooden looms into bright, colourful materials, which are then made into bags, cushions and other useful items. Zulu women from the local community demonstrate their weaving skills on wooden weaving looms, originally made by German missionaries who came to southern Africa in the last century. A bright and vibrant rainbow pattern is the most popular African Loom material produced. The dying, weaving and production of all items is by hand. African Loom, the Ardmore Museum and the Tea Garden remain open seven days a week, ready to refresh the weary traveller with a visual and cultural feast.
- Thokosisa is a tourist centre that offers quite a lot. A Restaurant serves delicious meals and has a bar. Superb coffee. Thokozisa Deli & Wine Cellar – delicious delights & fine wines and is the best farm stall option in the Drakensberg. Small shops like Living Art Gems – Gemstones, Bonsai, Original local artworks & crafts, Hides of Africa – Leather craft, Hides & African curios, San Rock Ridge – San related arts and crafts, and Zebu Crossing – Art deco & gifts are great options to pick up a few gifts to take back with you.
- The Funky Cow. A small, eccentric Underberg shop crammed with great gifts including Basotho blankets, original and re-manufactured antiques, hand crafted jewelry, hanging flowers, fragrances, unique candle lights, chandeliers, hanging chairs, imported goods from Africa, India and the East, and vintage clothing.
- Pucketty farm stall up a short dirt road before you reach Underberg, sells a variety of preserves, rusks, wholesome homemade bread, clothing and gifts. Also check out the art gallery of works by local artists!
- Mulberry Studios – Situated in Winterton framing, screen printing and. Open Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm. Saturday- 8am to 1pm.
- The Antique Shop – situated in Winterton antiques, collectibles and pure cotton clothes. Open Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm. Saturday- 8am to 1pm.
- The Winterton Tourism Hive – Situated in Winterton a selection of locally made arts & crafts and Eyethu pottery. Open Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm. Saturday- 8am to 1pm.
- The Ugly Duckling – Situated at Cederwood Village in the Central Drakensberg Furniture & crafts imported from Indonesia
- Meadowsweet Herbs – Situated at Cederwood Village Health shop with soaps & creams made by Meadowsweet
- The Glass House – Situated at Cederwood Village a division of Glamosa selling glassware
- Reg Ströh’s Studio – bronze sculptures influenced by African game and San Rock Art.
Top Accommodation tips
- Drakensberg Cave Lodge. Stay in a luxury Cave with a wooden deck and spectacular view of Giants Castle
- Ardmore Guest farm is a top tip and is situated in the Central Drakensberg.
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