Take yourself off the tourist track to see these 5 lesser-known spots in South Africa.
Photo © iStock/DavidCallan
South Africa is home to hundreds and thousands of exciting and fascinating activities that locals and visitors alike partake in on a daily basis. However, there are some not as well known as the other major attractions and highlights.
Here are some of the more unique and interesting activities that you should get up to while on a visit to sunny South Africa.
- Shakaland Zulu Experience
- Hoerikwaggo Trail
- Birds of Eden
- The Apartheid Museum
- The Namaqualand Flowers
1. Shakaland Zulu Experience
A visit to the Shakaland Zulu cultural village is a unique, culturally enhancing experience that will ignite the inner warrior in you. Shakaland is at Zulu Kraal, near Eshowe in the Nkwalini Valley, (Zululand) and is only a 2hr drive from Durban. Here, you can participate in and experience the Zulu cultural programme of traditions, which includes spear making, pottery, weaving, hut building, Zulu etiquette, traditional dress, and learning about the layout and social structure of the kraal.
You can also watch the foot-stomping tribal dancing and singing by the warriors wearing traditional animal skins, as well as
2. Hoerikwaggo Trail
Hiking up Table Mountain isn't the only ‘must hike’ route in South Africa. How about hiking from Table Mountain to Cape Point? It's called the Hoerikwaggo Trail. This five–seven day, 38.5mi (62km) hike claims to rival the Inca Trail in Peru.
Hoerikwaggo, which means "mountain in the sea" in
Comfortable accommodation specifically built for the Hoerikwaggo Trail is provided along the route, and offers a much-deserved rest at the end of the day after exploring the natural wonders and diversity of the region.
The hike is a unique and fun way to spend time in the outdoors, and you'll witness some stunning views of the Cape landscape from the many lookouts along the way.
3. Birds of Eden
Just a few kilometers east of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route, you'll find the largest, single span aviary in the world. At the Birds of Eden, the birds are free to fly in an enormous two-hectare dome that spans over a massive indigenous forest.
Wooden walkways lead through the forest, over rivers, and behind waterfalls. There are even storms emulated within the dome with claps of thunder and short cloudbursts from the irrigation system, providing an overwhelming experience of nature and wildlife.
It's a safe environment for over 2,000 previously caged birds, who now fly free through the expansive dome. The park also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary (after undergoing rehabilitation). There are also about 100 species of African birds, some of which are endangered.
It's a stunning place to visit and offers many opportunities to capture that perfect photo of some very colorful, and often friendly, inquisitive birds.
4. The Apartheid Museum
A visit to the Apartheid museum is essential if you wish to learn more about South Africa’s
Located only 15 minutes from Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, the museum is the first of its kind, offering insight to the rise and fall of apartheid. The 22 individual exhibition areas take visitors through a dramatic and emotional journey through the years of tyranny that government inflicted upon the minority groups from the 1940s through to the early 1990s. The exhibitions include large blown-up photographs, metal cages, concrete floors, and provoking film footage of scenes illustrating the events and human stories that were directly affected by apartheid.
There are, of course, positive events that focus on the post-apartheid times, such as when former president Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa in 1994 and a new democracy was born – becoming a shining beacon of hope and freedom to all South Africans.
No matter what, you'll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of South Africa, having
5. The Namaqualand Flowers
Every year during spring (from September–early November), the indigenous flowers in the Namaqualand region come into full bloom, literally covering the landscape with a carpet of colors. This incredible phenomenon never ceases to amaze visitors, and even the locals cannot get enough of the flowers in spring.
The amount of rainfall from the winter will determine the type of flowers that germinate at a specific time and place, so no matter where you are you'll always be in for a surprise with a constantly changing landscape. Travelers are advised to check weather conditions before visiting. If there's a drought, there may be no flowers.
Many companies offer tours through the Namaqualand Flower Route, which is only about a five-hour drive north of Cape Town. Included in the route are the Richtersveld National Park, Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve, and the Goegap Nature Reserve that provides picnic spots and overnight facilities.
There are hiking and cycling trails as well, that allow visitors to get right up and personal with the fauna, offering ample opportunities to take photographs and admire the view.
It's highly recommended to take a drive up to the Namaqualand. Not only are the flowers a natural wonder, there are also some great guest houses and B&B’s where you can stay and explore the small towns and villages in the area. The perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
About the Author: Thea Felmore
Ever since the travel bug bit 10 years ago, I have been traveling the world visiting fascinating and captivating countries. When I am not gallivanting around the globe, you will find me at home in Cape Town, writing eagerly about my adventures and saving up for my next trip. Between that, I manage to fit in time for my BA degree studies in English and
Want to know more about South Africa? Check out our podcast. We talk shark culling to conservation, the photographer who survived a deadly snake bite, plus how World Nomads swings into action when something goes wrong.
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