South Africa boasts a rich history, striking natural beauty and a culture that is nothing short of impressive.
Many parts of the country are worth exploring for insightful, empowering, fun and memorable experiences.
Knowing your country is an empowering thing. Here’s a look at a few attractions which every South African deserves to visit at least once:
Robben Island
Picture: Getaway Gallery
Located in the Western Cape province, Robben Island is an important aspect of South Africa’s heritage. It holds a symbolic value that is found in its sombre history. The attraction is famously known as the place where the late Apartheid struggle icon, Nelson Mandela, spent 27 years imprisoned.
At various times between the 17th and the 20th century, Robben Island was used as a military base. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and offers a rich, interesting and educational experience.
Apartheid Museum
Apartheid Museum. Picture: Wikimedia Commons / Katangais.
The Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg and is the place to be for a chance to learn more about South Africa’s darkest era. As you journey down memory lane, you will delve into how segregation took place based on race, and how people were separated into different groups according to their features.
You will also be able to view a number of exhibits, including text panels, film footage and painful stories which expose the atrocities committed during the Apartheid era. Although it is an informative reminder of the past, the attraction also stands as a beacon of hope for all mankind.
Gold Reef City
Picture: Paul Saad
Situated in Gauteng, Gold Reef City is worth visiting. The attraction offers a rush of adventure through a variety of exciting activities for both adults and children.
The theme park is the largest of its kind in South Africa and offers plenty of thrilling rides. To relax after all the fun adventures, there are a number of dining options where you can seal off your day trip with some scrumptious food.
The Cradle of Humankind
Picture: Melanie van Zyl
The Cradle of Humankind is an important attraction. It is home to limestone caves which carry a rich fossil record for human evolutionary studies. Thus, it is the ideal place to learn more about human evolution and heritage.
The site’s official visitors’ center showcases in-depth detail pertaining to how humans lived using spectacular storytelling methods. Undoubtedly, a visit to the site grants an insightful and fascinating historical experience.
Hector Pieterson Memorial
Image; Getaway Gallery
Located in Soweto’s Orlando West, the Hector Pieterson Memorial commemorates the life of Hector Pieterson and all those who marched through Soweto on the 16th of June 1976.
In visiting the memorial, you will learn more about the Soweto youth uprising, South Africa’s unfair history, as well as what it took for the country to be where it is today.
ALSO READ: Best views in South Africa
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park (Picture: Unsplash / FrankvandenBergh)
The Kruger National Park is one of the African continent’s most popular safari destinations. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in the world.
The Park is known for being home to the Big 5, and you can choose between different game drives, as well as thrilling walk safaris.
UShaka Marine World
Source: Facebook / @ uShaka Sea World
uShaka Marine is a world-class entertainment destination effortlessly loved by many. The Durban-based marine theme park provides a lot of water fun, sea life and unforgettable experiences.
At the theme park, you can view the largest aquarium in the Southern hemisphere or indulge in the world of water slides and pools all day long. Zip-lining is also available, as is the famous Kid’s World which is a play paradise for young ones.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Picture: Sourced / Peter Kirk Media
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most treasured natural wonders. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna.
The beauty of the Park truly lives up to its name as the word ‘iSimangaliso’ means ‘miracle’ or ‘wonder’. The Park offers a number of impressive wildlife opportunities to enjoy, including safaris where you can spot species such as hippos, zebras, elephants, crocodiles and rhinos.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Tips to balance work and wanderlust
