8 Awesome South African Themed 3D Prints

Hey Makers! We have another list of 3D Prints for you but as you may have guessed from the title of the post this list is not your average top 8 3D Prints list. We decided that with the 25th May being Africa Day a good way to celebrate would be to share some awesome South African themed 3D Prints for you to try. While this list is by no means exhaustive, we feel it represents a nice variety of models that many Makers can enjoy.


Image of 3d printed South African map

South African Provinces Puzzle

Download Model by p3ddp

This list would not be complete if we didn’t include some kind of map of South Africa. This simple but fun print has been split into the 9 provinces of South Africa so parts can be printed in different colours and fit on smaller 3D Printers. What makes this such a great print is its ability to be a fun puzzle, a way to teach your kids the names of the South African provinces, and even a colourful display piece if glued together.

Image of 3D Printed South African keyring

South African Keychain

Download Model by mathgrrl

So while having a nice puzzle/display piece at home is nice many people want a more compact way to show their love for their country. Instead of an external hoop the model features a hole where Lesotho is located so that you can securely attach a keyring without fear of it breaking free. This keychain is the perfect addition to any set of keys and can be a great little souvenir to give friends and family who visit from overseas.

Topographic map section of table mountain

Table Mountain Topographic Model/Map

Download Model by TheOmelette

One of the iconic landmarks in South Africa is Table Mountain. This prominent flat-topped mountain overlooks the city of Cape Town and is a significant tourist attraction. The plateau can be reached by cable car or for the more adventurous by hiking. Activities on the mountain include rock climbing, caving, and mountain biking. This model is a wonderful display piece especially if painted.

Model of the Southern African Large Telescope

SALT: Southern African Large Telescope

Download Model by SAAO

If you follow us on Twitter you will have seen that in March our CTO, Robert Mawbey, visited the S.A.L.T. The Southern African Large Telescope was built in 2005, is located near the town of Sutherland, and is the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. Research using S.A.L.T has led to important discoveries due in part to its ability to take “snapshots” of stars in very quick succession and its unusual wavelength optimization. This model consists of various parts and is an incredible display piece or project to do with the family.

Safari themed 3D Printed tunnel book

Tunnel Book – Africa

Download Model by rimmer2049

Tunnel books date all the way back to the mid-18th century. The concept was inspired by theatrical stage sets such as live plays with movable set pieces. Traditionally they contain pages that are held together by folded strips of paper on each side. The overall effect is an illusion of depth and perspective. This 3D Printed version of a tunnel book aims to replicate that effect and features an African safari theme. It is possible to take this model to the next level by adding some LEDs for lighting which can make this a great display piece.

Image of reconstructed and 3D Printed Homo Naledi skull

Homo Naledi Complete Skull Reconstruction

Download Model by dricketts

This species of extinct early human ancestor, named Homo Naledi, was discovered in 2013 by the Rising Star expedition team near Johannesburg, South Africa and has stunned the paleoanthropology and archaeology world. This model has been reconstructed based off the scans of multiple specimens skulls. This print is perfect for anyone interested in paleoanthropology, archaeology, and the history of mankind. It can also be used for a fun school lesson about evolution.

3D Printed South African potjie pot

African Potjie Cooking Pot

Download Model by kimlg

The potjie, descended from the Dutch oven was brought from the Netherlands to South Africa in the 17th century and is found in the homes and villages of people throughout southern Africa. They are commonly made of cast iron with 3 legs and are used as slow cookers for various types of stews. While this model is not designed to make you a hearty meal it can be used as a fun little planter pot for some small succulents or even as a unique storage container.

3D Printed lion and wood statue

Lion on a Wood (Simba)

Download Model by cncmodels4you

This stunning model depicting one of Africa’s Big Five is a print that was previously featured on our social media as a project by one of the DIY Team. Lions are large cats that live in groups called prides with the male lions being are larger than females and having a prominent mane. No matter how many times you see them they are always a special sighting when on safari. The model is a combination of a male lion head and twisted wood base which gives it a very African feeling. This model can be a beautiful painted display piece or even turned into lamp stand with a little bit of extra work.


If you enjoyed this list of South African themed prints and want to see more then be sure to check out the rest of our blog for other interesting topics and posts. If you have South African themed 3D Prints then feel free to share some info and a link to them in the comments below. Keep up to date with all things DIYElectronics by checking out our social media, FacebookInstagramTikTok, and Twitter. If you want to check out our store, click this link.

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