One of South Africa's largest malls, about 25 km north of central Johannesburg.
Mall of Africa is one of South Africa's largest shopping centres, located at the corner of Lone Creek Crescent and Magwa Crescent in Waterfall City, Midrand, about 25 km north of central Johannesburg in Gauteng province. Opened in the mid-2010s as part of the Waterfall City development, it sits roughly midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria and draws shoppers from both. It is open Monday to Saturday from about 09:00 to 20:00 and on Sundays from about 10:00 to 20:00.
The mall is built around a mix of fashion, electronics, dining and entertainment. Anchor tenants include major South African department stores and supermarkets, alongside a large selection of international fast-fashion and premium brands, sportswear, shoe and accessory shops, technology stores, homeware and beauty outlets. Its design, with open-air streets and covered walkways, gives it a town-square feel compared with a conventional enclosed mall. Prices are mainly mid-range, positioned between Rosebank and Sandton City, with occasional premium and luxury names. All goods are authentic and fixed-price, and there is no informal bargaining. Visitors seeking African crafts and curios will have more choice at dedicated craft markets.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Foreign visitors can claim VAT refunds on qualifying goods when leaving South Africa, provided the items come from registered vendors with proper tax invoices and meet the minimum purchase value, so keeping receipts and invoices is important.
The atmosphere is busy and family-oriented, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Because of its size, it is easy to spend several hours walking the complex, and the wide range of food options, from food courts and fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops, makes it practical to plan meals within the mall. Entertainment includes a cinema complex and family attractions, giving it a wider draw than shopping alone.
The mall is not on the Gautrain line, so most visitors arrive by car or ride-hailing service, and there is extensive on-site parking. Because it is some distance from central Johannesburg, it suits travellers based in Midrand or Sandton or those heading between Johannesburg and Pretoria, rather than those staying near the city centre.
| Hours | Mon-Sat 09:00-20:00; Sun 10:00-20:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Address | Lone Creek Cres and Magwa Cres, Waterfall City, Midrand 1685 |
Location
Lone Creek Cres and Magwa Cres, Waterfall City, Midrand 1685
-25.9976, 28.1097 View on map
Highlights
- One of South Africa's largest shopping centres
- Fashion, electronics, dining and entertainment under one development
- Open-air street layout with covered walkways
- Wide choice of restaurants and food courts
- Open until 20:00 every day
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by car or ride-hailing, as the mall is not on the Gautrain line.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the busiest weekend and school-holiday crowds.
- Keep tax invoices for larger purchases to support a VAT refund claim.
- Plan for several hours, as the complex is very large.
- Note the parking area or level to find the car easily afterwards.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends, school holidays and the pre-Christmas period are the busiest.
Accessibility
The mall has lifts, escalators, ramps and accessible parking and facilities, and its wide walkways make wheelchair and pushchair movement generally easy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mall of Africa?
It is in Waterfall City, Midrand, about 25 km north of central Johannesburg, roughly between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Can visitors reach it by train?
It is not directly on the Gautrain line, so most visitors use a car or ride-hailing service.
What are the opening hours?
Hours are about 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00 to 20:00 on Sundays.
Is bargaining possible?
No, prices in the mall are fixed. Seasonal sales are the main way to save.