If you’re visiting Cape Town and have even the slightest love for art, culture, or creativity, you need to make one essential stop: African Trading Port, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. More than just a shop, we are a cultural treasure trove, a living tribute to the diverse artistry of the African continent.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a passionate interior design enthusiast, or someone simply searching for a meaningful memento, African Trading Port offers an immersive and unforgettable experience that connects you to Africa's rich and colourful heritage.

A Living Gallery of African Creativity

Step inside and you’ll quickly discover that African Trading Port feels more like a gallery than a retail store. From floor to ceiling, every corner is bursting with vibrant energy — a visual feast of handcrafted African art, tribal masks, intricate beadwork, woven baskets, bold sculptures, and rare curiosities sourced from across the continent.

Our collection is carefully curated to showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship and diversity of Africa’s many cultures. We feature pieces from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond — each region bringing its own artistic traditions, materials, and motifs to life.

Unlike mass-produced décor, everything you see here has a story: a journey from village to marketplace, from the hands of an artisan to our walls. Every object is infused with symbolism, tradition, and meaning.

More Than Art — It’s a Cultural Experience

Art lovers don’t just appreciate technique — they crave meaning, connection, and inspiration. That’s exactly what makes African Trading Port so special. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just browsing products; you’re traveling through time and across borders. You’re stepping into a vibrant, living mosaic of African culture.

Our team is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about what we offer. Whether you're curious about the symbolism in a particular mask, the significance of a carved wooden stool, or the region a painting originates from, we’re here to tell you the story behind the art.

We believe that understanding enriches appreciation. That’s why every visit is not only a visual experience but also an educational one — a chance to learn about Africa’s ancestral practices, diverse tribes, and artistic expressions that continue to evolve.

Supporting Artisans & Preserving Heritage

Behind every piece in our store is a person — a carver, a painter, a weaver — who has dedicated their life to their craft. By shopping at African Trading Port, you are directly supporting local artisans and small communities throughout Africa.

We believe in ethical sourcing and fair trade, building strong, sustainable relationships with our artisan partners. Many of the techniques used in our collection are traditional, passed down through generations, and your support helps ensure these art forms continue to thrive.

Your purchase doesn't just bring beauty into your home; it helps preserve cultural heritage, supports families, and empowers makers.

The Perfect Blend of Art & Adventure

Situated in one of Cape Town’s most visited locations, the V&A Waterfront, our store is a destination within a destination. Nestled between world-class restaurants, museums, markets, and ocean views, African Trading Port is perfectly located for a cultural detour.

Whether you’re browsing for home décor, a one-of-a-kind gift, or a powerful piece of art that speaks to your soul, African Trading Port offers something you won’t find anywhere else.

Why Art Lovers Keep Coming Back

What makes African Trading Port a must-visit is the deep emotional connection our visitors form with the art. Many of our customers return year after year, not only to add to their collections but to continue their journey of discovering the magic and diversity of African creativity.

Our pieces live in homes around the world — from Cape Town to New York, London to Tokyo — because people don’t just remember what they saw here; they remember how it made them feel.

Discover Africa Through Art

In a world full of fast fashion and throwaway décor, African Trading Port offers something timeless — art that’s deeply rooted in tradition, that honours the hands that made it, and that invites you to connect more meaningfully with the soul of a continent.

Come explore. Come connect. Come experience Africa through its art.

Because at African Trading Port, you're not just buying something beautiful. You're taking home a piece of Africa.