The celebration of Heritage Day is a nod to the country’s culture, history, and African roots. The importance of this day is to celebrate the cultural diversity of beliefs and traditions throughout South Africa.

Now that ”cupcake” has eased lockdown restrictions you may like to explore our diverse country, especially this Heritage Month.

Here are 5 historical attractions in the country for visitors:

The Union Buildings in Pretoria

The Union Buildings in Pretoria have been preserved and renovated but still maintain their old-world character, as designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1908. This is where the parliament of South Africa meets to go over issues and decisions for the country. The buildings also house South Africa’s two Parliamentary chambers, one for the House of Assembly (lower house) and one for the National Council of Provinces (upper house).

Robben Island in Cape Town.

Robben Island is a little over an hour ferry ride from the City of Cape Town. It used to be a prison that was inhabited by the late Nelson Mandela and others who were imprisoned during the Apartheid era. Here you’ll gain a better understanding of the atrocities that were inflicted on him and his fellow prisoners, as well as what it was like to live in confinement all day with only limited contact with the outside world. This is a powerful experience that shows us all how fortunate we are to live in a free country.

The Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg, a World Heritage Site

The Cradle of Humankind is an international World Heritage Site that was declared in 1999 and is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This site is a beautiful example of South African culture and history. As the oldest site of human habitation on the planet, The Cradle of Humankind is rich in history. Plus, it is home to breathtaking views and the Sterkfontein Caves.

Exhibits detail ancient life and technology as well as bronze age elephants both as living animals and as mythological figures. Kids will love engaging with hands-on interactive exhibits, while adults can explore everything from landscape evolution to documenting cultural transitions, through archaeology at this internationally acclaimed world heritage site.

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Limpopo

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is another World Heritage Site that is located in the Limpopo province. The site has many different ancient ruins which date back to 1275. These include houses, granaries, mines and fields. The ruins are the remains of settlements that were inhabited by people from the Sotho ethnic group in Mapungubwe.

This site is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Africa and has been made accessible to tourists. There are a lot of different types of activities that you can do when you visit this place. One of the activities available at Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape includes taking a tour around the area on foot or on a bicycle. As you go around, you will get explanations from expert guides about what each area of this site represents and why they are significant.

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, Northern Cape

Check out Richtersveld’s Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the Northern Cape. It is an important medicinal plant reserve and home to the Nama people. The landscape of this area is also great for hiking and camping with amazing mountain ranges and succulent plants. The Richtersveld is a beautiful and rugged landscape with Afro-desert plants and anything but typical, especially when compared to other areas in the cape where you may find large numbers of succulents.

Celebrate Heritage Day with visits to some of the most historic sites in the country that will help you learn more about South African culture, history and heritage. You can visit these five historical destinations on public tours so that you can see what life was like during apartheid or even before it existed at all! If you do visit, even if it’s just for a few days, make sure you see some of the historic places in the country. You won’t regret it!

Whether you go for the great packages on which we can advise you, or you want your own itineraries entirely, we are there to get you the best deals possible. It is what we know and nobody does it better than we do – so talk to us today.

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