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Attractions every South African should visit at least once

From the Kruger National Park to The Cradle of Humankind, South Africans should visit these eight gems at least once.

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

Photo: Getaway Gallery

Located in the Western Cape, 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 Apartheid struggle icon former president 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 also served as a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, including an isolated leper colony in 1845.

The attraction was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and offers a rich, interesting and educational experience.

Apartheid Museum

Apartheid Museum. Photo: 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 such as skin colour, language and even the texture of their hair.

Additionally, you will 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 museum also stands as a beacon of hope for all mankind.

Gold Reef City

Photo: 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

Photo: 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’ centre 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. Photo: Unsplash/FrankvandenBergh

The Kruger National Park is one of the continent’s most popular safari destinations. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and it offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in the world.

The Park is known for being home to the big five, and you can choose between different game drives, as well as thrilling walk safaris.

UShaka Marine World

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

Photo: Sourced/Peter Kirk Media

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of KZN’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.

ALSO READ: Tips to balance work and wanderlust

The post Attractions every South African should visit at least once appeared first on Getaway Magazine.

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