Chameleon Village
Chameleon Village
3
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience the true colours of Africa and rich cultural heritage in the form of art, curios, music, food, fashion and design at Chameleon village biggest African market. open 7 days a week, from 8-5pm. Shopping at the biggest Crafters Market with décor and home products, art galleries, and the Ugly duckling décor shop definitely worth a visit. Great atmosphere at 4 restaurants, Beef and Reef restaurant, Buffalo bar, Al medina, with live music, craft beer, cocktails , gourmet burgers, prawns, authentic Indian cuisine, Traditional Mozambican food, delicious Steak restaurant etc. Family entertainment at the Lion & Tiger Park open 7 days a week from 8.30-5pm. entrance R120 of adults, kids under 12 R30, this include the interaction with the lion cubs. Reptile and Snake Park with live snake shows that’s not to be missed Open 7 days a week 8-5pm, entrance R100 adults, R40 kids under 12. Live snake shows 11h00, 13h00, and 15h00. Chameleon – exceptional value for money. Open 7 days a week.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
209 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
54
Average
70
Poor
17
Terrible
31
JPadman
Johannesburg, South Africa46 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It is winter currently hence not all attractions are open. We had breakfast at the Madagascan Cafe, a massive outdoor sit down cafe style restaurant. The food the service was very poor, the time it took for basic orders for Eggs Benedict was very disappointing at over 40kg s when the restaurant was very quiet. The outlet is very expensive for the other meals as it seems to be a tourist trap. I would be more supportive of the prices if the food and service was excellent. We visited the animal conservancy and it has a selection of snakes and small animals all rescued and the experience was also average and you paid extra for it at R150 per adult. It is about a 30min visit and there are snake shows where they talk about snakes and let you hold a snake. There is a bungee bounce area which is excellent, a Ko Cart area which gets very busy and was also excellent. Overall an average experience on a lazy Sunday.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luci Langdon
Johannesburg South, South Africa4 contributions
Dec 2019
The vendors are to the point of abusive. I brought my business associates from Germany and they were most insulted by the way they were treated by these South Africans.
Their tactics included trying to make my associates feel guilty by telling them that they have children to feed, one of the vendors even said, “But, your country is rich and ours is poor and our president, he doesn’t care about us”
They tell you looking is free, which I beg to disagree, it's emotionally draining to keep telling these people over and over again that you are simply looking. I even asked if they would kindly leave us alone to browse please, to no avail. Should you decide to not purchase anything after looking, the vendors click their tongues at you, mutter some words in their mother tongue which I can only assume by the body language accompanied by the words that it is most derogatory and made my associates feel most uncomfortable.
I have read some other reviews from unhappy visitors and note that their complaints were met with excuses and hostility from the managing staff of Chameleon Village. One reviewer mentioned that one needed to be good to haggle and be HARASSED to shop at the village, the response from the public relations manager from the village was somewhat patronizing, by defining the word haggle and then not even addressing the fact this visitor felt harassed. In another response the manager dismissed a visitor’s complaint and said that this behaviour from vendors is not unique in the typical market setting. I beg to disagree. In my many years of market going, I have always been met with very friendly, respectful vendors, yes, they tried to haggle and sell their goods, of course, but at no point did I ever feel I was being attacked or disrespected. At Chameleon Village it is overwhelming and makes for a very unpleasant experience. The manager said that action will be taken to resolve the problems being experienced by visitors, but to date, there has clearly been no improvement. I would suggest that the manager/s of this establishment start taking these complaints seriously, as it feels it has become quite out of hand, they are really spoiling it for the visitors and the vendors there that are not abusive.
Here is my personal suggestion towards a solution: Number stalls. Visitors can take a card from the front (which should be marked clearly to offer them to do so wheron they can report in the way of marking with a cross, which vendors made their experience an uncomfortable one, a very easy customer satisfaction survey with the space to elaborate if they want to. The vendors should all be notified that this system will be put into place. This I feel will make the vendors far more mindful as to how they approach visitors going forward. Alternatively, a manager can be present, walking around the market and looking out for abusive behaviour, or people can be hired to do this. I think you have a problem on your hands and I think you actually do need to take action now. Please try to take this criticism constructively, remember that feedback is valuable to your business and try not to be defensive but rather open to suggestions to improvement. Many thanks for taking the time to read my review.
Their tactics included trying to make my associates feel guilty by telling them that they have children to feed, one of the vendors even said, “But, your country is rich and ours is poor and our president, he doesn’t care about us”
They tell you looking is free, which I beg to disagree, it's emotionally draining to keep telling these people over and over again that you are simply looking. I even asked if they would kindly leave us alone to browse please, to no avail. Should you decide to not purchase anything after looking, the vendors click their tongues at you, mutter some words in their mother tongue which I can only assume by the body language accompanied by the words that it is most derogatory and made my associates feel most uncomfortable.
I have read some other reviews from unhappy visitors and note that their complaints were met with excuses and hostility from the managing staff of Chameleon Village. One reviewer mentioned that one needed to be good to haggle and be HARASSED to shop at the village, the response from the public relations manager from the village was somewhat patronizing, by defining the word haggle and then not even addressing the fact this visitor felt harassed. In another response the manager dismissed a visitor’s complaint and said that this behaviour from vendors is not unique in the typical market setting. I beg to disagree. In my many years of market going, I have always been met with very friendly, respectful vendors, yes, they tried to haggle and sell their goods, of course, but at no point did I ever feel I was being attacked or disrespected. At Chameleon Village it is overwhelming and makes for a very unpleasant experience. The manager said that action will be taken to resolve the problems being experienced by visitors, but to date, there has clearly been no improvement. I would suggest that the manager/s of this establishment start taking these complaints seriously, as it feels it has become quite out of hand, they are really spoiling it for the visitors and the vendors there that are not abusive.
Here is my personal suggestion towards a solution: Number stalls. Visitors can take a card from the front (which should be marked clearly to offer them to do so wheron they can report in the way of marking with a cross, which vendors made their experience an uncomfortable one, a very easy customer satisfaction survey with the space to elaborate if they want to. The vendors should all be notified that this system will be put into place. This I feel will make the vendors far more mindful as to how they approach visitors going forward. Alternatively, a manager can be present, walking around the market and looking out for abusive behaviour, or people can be hired to do this. I think you have a problem on your hands and I think you actually do need to take action now. Please try to take this criticism constructively, remember that feedback is valuable to your business and try not to be defensive but rather open to suggestions to improvement. Many thanks for taking the time to read my review.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrabotha
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa190 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
My wife and I found ourselves on the road and saw this place. There is a nice variety of shops for food and you will find something to your taste. If you want African art it is the place to go. Was really impressed and will definitely stop for lunch next time.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pushkin24
hampshire44 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We are South African born but now live in the UK. We were out on holiday and decided to stop here on our way back to Fourways. I had read lots of reviews saying the vendors were pushy and that it would be a horrible experience. I expect things may have changed because that wasn’t our experience at all. The place is huge and there’s a lot of repetition of the products. You’ll engage with the sellers but we didn’t find them aggressive or insistent. It’s normal African haggling. The price you’re given initially isn’t what you’ll pay. Go for a fair bit of negotiation but also taking into account that they need to make a living. We bought a lot of small bits to take back for friends and family. It does all add up though! Cards are accepted. The beaded keg rings are great value. There’s also some nice art on offer. Unfortunately space didn’t allow us to buy any. We had also shopped at Monte Casino for key rings and paid a whole lot more than we did here.
We didn’t find the restaurant choice that great so decided to go elsewhere for lunch.
Parking is free and the place is undercover. The restaurants have largely seating that is outdoor. It was hammering down with rain when we went so that probably added to us being put off by dining here as the outdoor walkways were ankle deep in places.
I’d be surprised if tourists and locals didn’t enjoy this shopping and browsing experience. My photos probably show more than I can write here.
We didn’t find the restaurant choice that great so decided to go elsewhere for lunch.
Parking is free and the place is undercover. The restaurants have largely seating that is outdoor. It was hammering down with rain when we went so that probably added to us being put off by dining here as the outdoor walkways were ankle deep in places.
I’d be surprised if tourists and locals didn’t enjoy this shopping and browsing experience. My photos probably show more than I can write here.
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GBERTQ
15 contributions
Mar 2023
Was just here this past weekend and I met some of the most wonderful people. Very friendly and also very passionate about their job. They definitely want to make a sale so be prepared to bargain. There is a great selection of products some are similar in each area, but don't forget to dig and look at each area. I found some things that were unique to each shop that just glancing at the shop would have made me think it was the same as the last one but when i went in they had multiple items that were different and made me want to buy more. The quality is good for local items. Take a minute to talk with the salespeople, they are very friendly and fun to chat with. After all they are people too. I particularly had a great chat with Edmund and Ray who were within the first couple of stores after entering. Edmund is in charge of some wonderful paintings. Ray is in charge of African tribal decor and had so many masks that i had a hard time choosing. They were many stories to be told and i could have stayed there all day. The items i purchased from them were top notch. Thanks for all your help and everything you suggested i am still happy with. Looking forward to doing business with you again.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benico v
1 contribution
Apr 2023
The Harassment in the big market became so unpleasant that our adult children just fled to the outside in order to escape the scenario. My wife wanted to buy a wooden "safari doll" (we failed to buy one in Zanzibar last year in January) ... but 4 men stormed us and tried to force us to buy something that we did not want. Also, the price was R1200, while the one in Zanzibar was R450 for twice the size.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Johannesburg, South Africa229 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
The whole open air restuarant have a beautiful h theme and allow adults to be based at a table with a view of the play areas.
Snake and animal park:
Toddlers of 3yr age was free entry into the snake and animal park, adults R100
It was just awesome to attend the 11am show inside, about 20min long allowing the kids to touch some reptiles in a safe environment.
Electric Car
Toddlers self drive for R10 per lap, more laps were discounted
Splash pools and fountains
Bring your swimmers along.
Snake and animal park:
Toddlers of 3yr age was free entry into the snake and animal park, adults R100
It was just awesome to attend the 11am show inside, about 20min long allowing the kids to touch some reptiles in a safe environment.
Electric Car
Toddlers self drive for R10 per lap, more laps were discounted
Splash pools and fountains
Bring your swimmers along.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donatella Candido
World25 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
One of my favourite spots in Hartbeespoort for shopping, dining and some adventure! The whole of Chameleon Village has a holiday vibe throughout and just spending a few hours there feels like a mini vacation at the beach, especially in summer when the splash pools are busy.
Good food at the restaurants with live music on weekends and some of the shops also offer delicious homemade products, like cake pops and spiral potatoes. An interesting mix of products from authentic African artworks to educational toys, clothing, quirky furniture, beauty products and plush toys. I buy all my presents there.
The conservation parks are interactive and a real educational experience for any age group. if you are the sporty type, you can play putt-putt or archery and paint balling at Adventure Freaks where you can also ride drift trikes and go karts. The bungee bounce is great fun for the young ones.
Good food at the restaurants with live music on weekends and some of the shops also offer delicious homemade products, like cake pops and spiral potatoes. An interesting mix of products from authentic African artworks to educational toys, clothing, quirky furniture, beauty products and plush toys. I buy all my presents there.
The conservation parks are interactive and a real educational experience for any age group. if you are the sporty type, you can play putt-putt or archery and paint balling at Adventure Freaks where you can also ride drift trikes and go karts. The bungee bounce is great fun for the young ones.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidayRH
South Africa2 232 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Situated in Hartbeestpoort dam.
African souvenirs for tourists and locals.
Lovely drive for families and couples or just a breakfast motorbike ride on a Sunday.
Safe parking.
Abundance of restaurants.
Entertainment.
Kiddies activities and snake and reptile park available to enjoy.
We had a delicious halaal breakfast at Al Medina restaurant.
Friendly staff.
Budget prices.
Beautiful dam amenities around the area to fill your day.
Popular tourist spot.
African souvenirs for tourists and locals.
Lovely drive for families and couples or just a breakfast motorbike ride on a Sunday.
Safe parking.
Abundance of restaurants.
Entertainment.
Kiddies activities and snake and reptile park available to enjoy.
We had a delicious halaal breakfast at Al Medina restaurant.
Friendly staff.
Budget prices.
Beautiful dam amenities around the area to fill your day.
Popular tourist spot.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ikilledkenny
Waldenbuch, Germany129 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
As soon as you walk into the market the vendors lunge at you and try to sell you their overpriced goods. Since I'm a polite person I looked at the first vendor's stuff and decided to buy two things. After we'd agreed on the price and I'd given him the money he handed my stuff over to the next vendor "to pack it" so that that guy could talk me into buying some stuff again. The third guy whom I told I wouldn't buy anymore stuff told me something about how he hadn't sold anything all day and he needed support (sound familiar?) so I only bought something small and said that was it, I wanted to leave. Again my stuff was passed on to a guy who said he was the artist and didn't want to sell me anything (which he did after all). I am a very quiet person but at that point I was close to tears and actually started yelling at them to give me my stuff and leave me alone. I was so glad to get out of there! I realized later that it was also terribly overpriced. At the time I was so caught up I wasn't getting the conversion right.
This was the worst shopping experience in my whole live. I can only recommend to give this place a wide berth!!!
This was the worst shopping experience in my whole live. I can only recommend to give this place a wide berth!!!
Written 19 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We apologise for your unhappy experience. We are addressing the harassment with new management employed last month, overcharging is a problem and we will address immediately. We appreciate your input.
Written 20 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is it safe , The past reviews suggest not... and I'm.concerned about visiting. If not this one are their any other recommendations
Written 15 September 2024
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