Art, heritage, monuments and history - its a cultural safari in SA

Perhaps one of the most outstanding things about South African culture is that it’s not one single culture but rather a diverse and vibrant mix of traditions, languages and people. We celebrate a number of cultural attractions in South Africa which are definitely worth visiting. Here are some of our favourites cultural spots…

A group of elderly women perform a traditional rain dance known as lesoko at Queen Modjadji's palace to summon precious rains.

Robben Island

As you make your way through the corridors of Robben Island, you get transported to a time in South African history where the country reached a turning point. Standing in the jail cell that housed Nelson Mandela for so many years brings to heart the emotional story of the South African struggle for democracy and equality.Today, you can catch a ferry ride to what is now called “The Robben Island Museum” and experience an immersive experience tour led by former political prisoners who draw a vivid picture of life in prison. It’s one of the world’s greatest cultural heritage destinations both for its tragedy and its triumph.

Lesedi Cultural Village

At the Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village, you can experience the colourful sights and sounds of authentic African villages and learn about the ways of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele people. Traditional song and dance and a feast fit for a king top off an unforgettable day and night. Located near Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa's North West province, Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village is a flagship cultural tourism destination for visitors interested in learning more about South Africa's traditional people and cultures.

Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng Visitors Centre

Maropeng is the official visitors’ centre for the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. Its name means ‘returning to the place of origin’ in Setswana, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. At Maropeng Visitor Centre you will journey back in time from the start of our universe, some 14-billion years ago, to the present and beyond. There are more than a dozen major fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind, and as not all these sites are open to the public, the Maropeng centre was developed to provide visitors with an overview of the significance of the area as well as the story of human development.

Maloti-Drakensberg Heritage Route

If you’re into culture, art and crafts, the Maloti-Drakensberg Heritage Route is the place for you. From the landscape painters of Clarens and the Basotho cultural villages to the vast network of ancient rock art, it is here that South African culture comes to life on this unforgettable journey. The Maloti-Drakensberg Heritage Route is a joint eco-tourism initiative between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The route covers about 13 000km2 of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery along South Africa's north-eastern border with Lesotho.

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum, close to downtown Johannesburg, focuses on the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 (when the white-minority National Party was voted into power) until 1994, the year in which the country held its first fully democratic elections. Visitors to the museum are greeted with a very real reflection of what it was like to live in a racially segregated society. The museum has two entrances labelled 'White' and 'Non-white', and depending on which ticket you are issued, you will be ushered through one of the two.

South African Art Galleries and Museums

South African art galleries and museums are invaluable resources for understanding and interpreting the country's history and cultures. Custodians of the past, these institutions also track the present and offer insight into the future. For the visitor to South Africa, local museums and galleries offer lots to explore and wonder about. The country's 300 plus museums are housed in prestigious historical buildings, in cutting-edge modern constructions, on university campuses, in cultural villages or in old houses. Some are even aspects of the natural landscape, such as the caves which protect ancient rock art. Some of the must-see galleries are Joburg Art Gallery, The Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank and in Cape Town visit the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA).

South Africa is jam packed with cultural activities for you to enjoy all over the country so start planning your cultural safari today!

KEYES ART MILE – ARTISTIC HUB AND CULTURAL TRIUMPH

Keyes Avenue is an open fusion of art and architecture – where art, design, life, leisure, fun, friends and work will form one seamless experience. This is the vision of Keyes Art Mile – a neighbourhood with art at its heart. Residences, cafés, coffee-on-the- go, artisan eateries, as well as vibrant shops and spaces new to the Johannesburg scene, complete the experience.”

Been down to Rosebank recently? Needing some cultural exploration? Well, how about the Keyes Art Mile?  Paved streets lined with indigenous trees and plentiful parking facilities, the precinct is breathing new life into the area and builds on the existing heritage of the avenue. Within walking distance of the mall of Rosebank, you’ll find the start of Keyes Art Mile – an exciting new development set to revitalise a formerly quiet street and an inspired hub of art and design.
The opening of Trumpet marks the beginning of a cultural revamp in this part of the city. With the addition of this iconic building, a constellation of handpicked leading galleries now reside here – the 100-year-old Everard Read, CIRCA Gallery, SMAC and Southern Guild and WHATIFTHEWORLD.
Excited much? We sure are!

What to see
The Trumpet building houses a collaborative gallery from Southern Guild and Whatiftheworld as well as Cape Town’s contemporary art gallery SMAC Gallery – so get ready for art, art and more art. These three globally respected galleries bring a selection of South Africa’s world-class artists and designers to Johannesburg to showcase their talents.
Enjoy South African design and artistic influences with designer boutique stores such as Missibaba, known for their gorgeous statement handbags. Expanding on this artful experience are Anatomy Design, Missibaba and Okapi who happily sit beside the timeless modern masters of international design – Kartell, Moroso and Cassina and Shelflife up the cool factor in its fast-flying limited edition sneaker store.

Where to eat
Adding culinary cafe culture to the street front are Milk Bar and the burger joint BGR’s alongside the new concept restaurant Marble, by acclaimed chef David Higgs. Retro-chic African café, Milk Bar, named after Abu’s Milk Bar in downtown Addis Ababa, is a retro-chic Africa-themed café – a celebration of colour and African-made items with fresh, fun decor.
Two Americans missed the taste of home so much that they decided to open a burger joint. Ground beef patties with no basting, super fresh buns (or the Paleo alternative of a lettuce wrap) and basic toppings are simple and make the burgers at BGR’s an absolute hit.
A triple volume atrium leads visitors to the second floor where the MESH Club promises to create “common ground for uncommon people”. This curated, member-based community provides a workspace and platform for entrepreneurs, business minds, artists, professionals and young creative thinkers to connect, network and collaborate, surrounded by state-of-the-art technology and a beautifully designed environment.

Visit today and enjoy the vision…
The vision for Keyes Art Mile is that it is a place of inspiration and original wonder. Instilling in people a feeling of local pride and becoming a creative place to connect, share and communicate. Keyes Art Mile represents a new approach to city living – a place built to inspire and encourage creative living and generosity of design in a highly connected world in the heart of vibrant Johannesburg.

Winelands Activities

Say hello to summer and all the celebrations and events that come with it! Many wine farms in the Western Cape offer unique experiences, for example, combining tasty treats with some of the best wine selections in the world. Have a look at some of the unique food and wine pairings available on various wine farms, as well as some of the fun wine orientated facts and activities our Winelands have to offer.

PAIRINGS

Chocolate & Wine Pairing at Waterford Wine Estate

The Chocolate and Wine tasting is a unique flavour experience. Kevin Arnold and Chocolatier Richard von Geusau have created a series of dark and milk chocolates that, when paired with our Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Natural Sweet wines give you totally unique taste sensation.

Ice Cream & Wine Pairing at Somerbosch

Somerbosch Wines has recently introduced a new wine tasting experience featuring 4 red wines and home-made red wine ice cream. Wines include Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.

Cupcake & Wine Pairing Delheim Wine Estate

Delheim believes you can have your cake, pair it with delicious wines and then of course, eat it. The unique pairing experience allows you different cupcake options to sip along with their fine wines. Experience interesting flavours, such as a rooibos cupcake infused with lemon, paired with Delheim’s fruity, unwooded Chardonnay.

Turkish Delight & Wine Pairing at Lourensford Wine Estate

Enjoy a unique Turkish delight and wine pairing experience at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.  The wine estate also offers a chocolate and wine pairing experience, if Turkish delight is not your palate. 

ACTIVITIES

The longest and shortest wine routes

Ever been on a walkable wine route? Bosman’s Crossing, at the lower end of Dorp Street in Stellenbosch, is home to the only walkable wine route in the world. There are about 4 wineries within 400m. This is also known as the World’s Shortest Wine Route.

South Africa is also home to the longest wine route in the world. Spanning a distance of 850km, Route 62 is said to be longest as it stretches from Cape Town all the way up Port Elizabeth. Innovation and knowledge, combined with terrain and a mild balanced climate results in the outstanding wines on Cape Route 62. The easily accessible towns nestled along the valleys, all offer ample opportunity for discovery – from wineries and game reserves to tribal art, cultural tours and adventure activities – this is a must-do route for sure.

Stellenbosch Bike Tour –Adventure Shop

How about a guided bike tour of the town of Stellenbosch? Hear all about its interesting history, its beautiful architecture and yummy restaurants. If you are into hiking, why not go on a guided hike to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve – This lasts about 4/5 hours and includes two wine tastings, a snack pack, equipment, and a cellar tour. It costs R580 per person.

They also offer the popular Vine Hopper tour at R250 per person per day which includes stops at 6 wine farms (you can choose from the Southern and Northern Route). This is the safest way to enjoy a full day of wine tasting and you can get on and off the bus whenever you want.

For more info: 021 8828112

Jordan Wine Safari  

At Jordan wines you can experience wine tasting with a difference. You can go on an hour and a half wine safari taking in views of False and Table Bays as well as the flora and fauna of the Cape Winelands while tasting wines amongst the vines. This also includes a cellar tour. It costs R350 per person for 1 to 5 people and R280 per person for 6 to 10 people.

For more info: 021 8813441

Blending Experience at Middelvlei Wine Estate

Learn about the art of winemaking with the Momberg Family, who offer a fun Middelvlei Wine Blending Experience! Choose up to three wine components and make your own special blend. The blending session is 1.5 hours long and is by appointment and subject to availability. You need a group of 6 people minimum.

For more info: 021 883 2565

Brilliant Backpacking along the Garden Route

South Africa is the ultimate destination for wanderlusters looking to backpack their way through the adventure of a lifetime. The country is renowned for scenic beauty, friendly people and sun-soaked coastlines. What better place to set off on a backpacking adventure than the spectacular Garden Route in the Western Cape.

Let it be the canvas of your journey like Kash Bhattacharya who began his adventure at  Chinsta in the Eastern Cape and went all the way along the Western Cape coastline to end up in Cape Town.  This led him to put together an impressive guide to packing in South Africa, covering the best accommodation, routes, and unforgettable experiences.

Here are a few of his stops:

Chintsa

“The perfect way to start your day in Chintsa is to go for a walk along the beach at dawn (it’s right on the doorstep of the hostel). Check out the beach horse trail (R350/€33 – 3.5 hours long) that leaves from the hostel at sunrise, before enjoying your breakfast and coffee on the sun terrace.”

“ The craft beer revolution has come to Chintsa, and there is a fantastic local brewery, the Emerald Vale Craft Brewery. There you can get a tour of the factory and afterwards have a few tastings before hopping back onto the bus feeling refreshed “ he says.

Port Alfred, Bathurst, Grahamstown

“Port Alfred is a sleepy little town with magnificent sand dunes, which makes it popular with sand boarders. The frontier town of Bathurst is just a 15-minute drive from Port Alfred on the R67 to Grahamstown, and it’s here you can visit the historic Pig and Whistle Inn. It’s a family run Inn, and the onsite pub is the oldest continuously licensed pub in South Africa.”

Follow the whole journey stop by beautiful stop...

Kash continues to share his experiences in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna and Hermanus before heading on the home stretch to Cape Town.

The guide will have you itching to put on your backpack and discover the secrets of the Garden Route for yourself. Check out the rest of his journey and read The Backpackers Guide to South Africa 

Push your limits with South Africa’s top endurance events

South Africa is step by step picking up its stripes for being one of the noticeable nations on the planet to host perseverance occasions. These occasions have been made for the adrenaline fan, competitor, wellness master and any warrior-hearted person.

 There you are, looking to test your limits and abilities this year. You’ve been to a few events in your area and managed to successfully complete the race or trail. Your shelf is packed with trophies and medals that have become part of your home furniture but you still crave an exhilarating and fun experience. If you can relate to the above, read on as we are about to provide you with a list of endurance events you can participate in during your visit to South Africa.

The Comrades Marathon

It is probably the worlds’ largest ultramarathon in the country with a rich history that dates back to 1920. It takes place during the first quarter of every year and hosts approximately 20 000 people.  The Comrades Marathon is a trail from Pietermaritzburg to Durban or from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal, which is about 89km long. Stars were born on this route such as Bruce Fordyce from South Africa, Elena Nurgalieva (Russia) and David Gatebe (also from South Africa).

The Midmar Mile

The Midmar Mile is for the swimming enthusiast who wants to test his or her endurance capabilities and tick it off their long-distance swimming list. However if you afraid of water, please don’t participate in this event. Participants get to swim from a distance of 1500m to three kilometers, depending on the type of race they enrolled for.

ABSA Cape Epic

It is described as the ‘’Tour de France of mountain biking” by Bart Brentjens (a 1996 Olympic gold medallist and former ABSA Cape Epic winner). The Absa Cape Epic is an annual event that is held in the Western Cape, which runs for eight days. Each year there are elite professional mountain bikers who come from all the corners of the world to participate in the 700km race. Of course you must come to the race prepared; this means you have to be prepared both physically and mentally to endure this one.

The Impi Challenge

The Impi challenge is a grueling trail run that is created for the athletic person. It consists of muddy pathways, obstacles and a festival area for contestants and loved ones to unwind and share exciting stories of their experience. There are different categories that you can enter, obviously depending on your fitness level, such as elite athletes, corporate, challenge and dash, and mini for the kids.

The Jeep Warrior Race

If you’ve always been a person that is self motivated and proactive, then the Jeep Warrior race is for you. This is South Africa’s largest obstacle course race series with eight events in four provinces, consisting of three distances – 5km, 10km and 15km, all with challenging obstacles that require a certain level of mental and physical fitness. 

Jump into a heart-pumping South African enterprise safari

Jump into a heart-pumping South African enterprise safari 

It's a given that South Africa is an eminent enterprise goal. Indeed, it's one of the best on the planet! Envision the stories you could tell in the wake of surfing down the Dragon Dune in Mossel Bay or climbing up the relentless Drakensberg mountains!

The main enterprise you can leave on is hot air expanding over the Magaliesberg mountains. Watch the inflatable get readied from the structure by an expert team before you take off to the skies. Amid this time you will be offered hot espresso, crisp rolls or biscuits. There is a wide choice of bundles you can pick, making it appropriate for the solitary explorer or family fun.

For the individuals who need to stay grounded and still experience the excite of enterprise, consider paddling down the Orange River. The Orange River winds through an intense grouping of geography, which incorporates some shocking mountain goes as you wander your way to the Atlantic Ocean. Why not proceed with your experience safari by climbing along the Garden Route – South Africa's best-kept mystery. While the view may drive you to stop and stare for more than a couple of minutes, it's as yet an enterprise worth investigating. The Otter Trail is the ideal place to begin your Garden Route undertaking.

Now that you're casual, how about we increment your heart rate a bit.

Feel the deadness of your feet as you look down the Bloukrans Bridge hopping stage, the world's most noteworthy business bungee. The scaffold is 216m high and you will encounter a drop of 170m. Simply one more exciting action you can discover along the Garden Route. In case you're in Johannesburg, get a similar excite at the Orlando Towers in Soweto for that urban excite ride!

This is the perfect place on the mainland to conquer your feelings of trepidation. Carry on a bit, get a look at flying and turn into a free-vivacious adventurist. Regardless of whether you're with a gathering of companions or are essentially flying solo.

Three more days on the road

Three more days out and about. What's more, three entirely long ones. My body is currently requesting some rest. In any case, each day is still loaded with astounding minutes, chance gatherings, incredible nourishment and magnificent view. Today once more, the scene was shocking and I can't recollect how frequently I said "goodness" so anyone can hear.

From Jeffrey's Bay, it was my longest day up until this point. I was glad to begin riding on Route 62, it sounded practically legendary. There were couple of towns in transit, yet I ceased in Kareedouw at a coffeehouse where some benevolent local people inquired as to whether what I was doing was sheltered. I giggled and revealed to them this was their nation, they ought to know whether it is protected or not!!! I had a colossal bit of cheddar cake, which gave me fuel for more than 30 km.

At that point I achieved Joubertina, and remained at the calm Caravan Park. They gave me the way to one of the bungalows so I could have a shower and utilize the can, and fortunately no one else was there that night so I could stop my bicycle inside and utilize the house amid the evening and night.

From Joubertina, I knew there was

along the 62along the 62

along the 62

a bistro around 20 km not far off. I was imagining about a decent breakfast however when I arrived, it was as yet shut. I ate several rusks (some sort of South African biscotti), which is really awesome for visit cycling as it is light and stuffed with calories. I continued riding, until mysteriously a coffeehouse showed up amidst no place. I requested French toasts and when I went to pay for my second (well, third) breakfast, the proprietor saw that my T-shirt said "Klondike" and stated: gracious I have been to Whitehorse! All things considered, the world is little, she really dealt with for a puppy musher who ran the Quest in 2010... What are the chances, at the end of the day.

The street to Uniondale was delightful and completed with a staggering pass, all declining. I had an awesome time!

The French toasts I had before additionally propped me up for around 30 km. So when I touched base in Uniondale, I halted at the primary bistro. That was extremely fortunate. Not exclusively did I meet a considerable measure of super amicable local people, when I paid for the sustenance (which was delightful), the proprietor, who used to cycle too,

begin of the Uniondale Passstart of the Uniondale Pass

begin of the Uniondale Pass

asked me where I was going, where I was staying, and so forth. He was exceptionally worried that I was wanting to remain at the Caravan Park, as it was being utilized by laborers from outside Uniondale and wasn't sheltered. Regardless of the possibility that the day was youthful, I had as of now sufficiently accelerated for the day, and didn't generally recognize what to do. Andre requesting that I hold up, and in the wake of talking about with his better half on the telephone, I was benevolently welcomed to remain in their bungalow, by their home. What a treat! I met his super benevolent family, and had whatever remains of the day to unwind in their lovely bungalow. I had a bed, a shower, a little kitchenette, and comfortable seats inside and outside. I could dry my tent, get some nourishment for the street and read. It was generally pleasant. Once more, I was exceptionally touched by the benevolence of outsiders. Strangely, Andre's progenitors were French! In the morning, we had espresso at his bistro and afterward I cleared out, not without quietly expressing gratitude toward South Africa and its kin for all the decency and benevolence it continues sending my direction.

Highway 62 is presently drier, and more like a leave

Uniondale PassUniondale Pass

Uniondale Pass

in any case, it is completely delightful. I halted such a variety of times to take photographs. I saw ostriches who got truly frightened of me. At that point I saw a canine out yonder and as I was setting up an arrangement on the off chance that it would pursue me, I understood it was a primate!

Lastly I made it to De Rust. A little, excellent town. Obviously, I ceased at the main decent coffeehouse and once more, chatted with local people while I was getting a charge out of one more tasty dinner (yes, I know I generally discuss sustenance, however this is the thing that cyclists do).

Also, today around evening time, I am the main visitor at the De Rust Backpackers. I made a request to camp, yet the proprietor offered me to remain in a room rather, at a similar cost. I have no firm arrangement for tomorrow. Presently I plan to appreciate that comfortable bed!