Is There a Starbucks in South Africa? Locations, Hours & Coffee Alternatives 2025

Yes — South Africa has Starbucks locations. The first store opened in Johannesburg in 2016, and since then Starbucks has expanded into several major cities. As of 2025, you can find Starbucks in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban, primarily in shopping centers, airports, and busy urban districts.

Starbucks in Johannesburg

Johannesburg was the first South African city to welcome Starbucks, and it remains the largest hub for the chain. Key locations include:

Rosebank Mall – the flagship Starbucks in South Africa, known for its spacious seating and strong digital nomad presence.

Sandton City Mall – located in Johannesburg’s business district, popular with professionals and travelers.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – ideal for grabbing a coffee before or after international flights.

Starbucks in Cape Town

Cape Town, famous for Table Mountain and its vibrant waterfront, has a growing number of Starbucks cafés:

Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront – a central location for tourists exploring the harbor.

Cavendish Square Mall – serving locals and students in the Claremont area.

City Center Cafés – convenient stops for travelers staying downtown.

Starbucks in Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, also features Starbucks outlets, often found in:

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre – one of Africa’s largest malls, home to a popular Starbucks.

Central Districts – smaller outlets serving government workers and business professionals.

Starbucks in Durban

Durban’s coastal city vibes have attracted Starbucks to several locations, especially:

Gateway Theatre of Shopping – a massive mall with a busy Starbucks branch.

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) – a go-to spot for travelers flying in and out of KwaZulu-Natal.

Hours of Operation

Starbucks hours in South Africa typically align with mall schedules:

Standard Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Airport Starbucks: Often open earlier (as early as 5:30 AM) to serve travelers

Hours vary by city, so checking on Google Maps before visiting is recommended.

Starbucks Alternatives in South Africa

While Starbucks is available, South Africa also has a thriving local coffee culture. Some popular alternatives include:

Truth Coffee (Cape Town): Consistently rated among the best coffee shops in the world.

Bean There Coffee (Johannesburg & Cape Town): A direct fair-trade roaster offering single-origin African beans.

Motherland Coffee Company (nationwide): A South African chain with multiple outlets, offering a Starbucks-like experience with African roots.

Vida e Caffè (nationwide): A Portuguese-inspired coffee chain found in nearly every major city.

Tips for Travelers

Currency: All Starbucks accept South African Rand (ZAR).

Wi-Fi: Most Starbucks in South Africa provide free Wi-Fi, making them popular among remote workers.

Menu Notes: You’ll find Starbucks classics like cappuccinos, flat whites, and Frappuccinos. Seasonal favorites such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte may be available, depending on the year.

Starbucks Expansion in South Africa

Starbucks continues to expand in South Africa. With tourism increasing, more stores are expected in coastal destinations and business hubs. Cities like Port Elizabeth and Stellenbosch may soon see new branches.

Quick FAQs

Q: Is there a Starbucks in Cape Town?
A: Yes, including locations at the V&A Waterfront and Cavendish Square Mall.

Q: How much does a Starbucks coffee cost in South Africa?
A: A latte typically costs around 40–50 ZAR ($2.20–$2.75 USD), making it affordable compared to Europe or the U.S.

Q: Does Starbucks South Africa offer plant-based options?
A: Yes, most locations provide soy, almond, and oat milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts

So, does South Africa have Starbucks? Yes — with multiple locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. The chain is steadily expanding, making it easy to find a familiar coffee if you’re traveling.

At the same time, South Africa’s local cafés are some of the best in the world. From Truth Coffee to Vida e Caffè, there are countless places to enjoy a latte, cappuccino, or African-sourced espresso. Whether you stick with Starbucks or dive into local coffee culture, South Africa offers plenty of options to fuel your adventures.