Cultural heritage tourism is one of the big motivators of travel. But with a country like South Africa, with 11 official languages, cultural heritage could look like a great many things. We asked six well-travelled writers and journalists to tell us which places of significance they would recommend to South Africans.
1. The Inanda Heritage Route
Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Journalist Victor Dlamini has travelled the world for the last 21 years, but KwaZulu-Natal remains one of his top destinations.
Every South African should get there because…
This is possibly one of the most important pieces of heritage real estate in the country, showcasing as it does three figures who left a powerful imprint on our country.
You might be surprised to know that…
John Langalibalele Dube travelled to the United States to study at Oberlin College in Ohio in 1887.
Where to stay
Gumtree Lodge, Mt Edgecombe. Set on rolling lawns surrounded by the Mt Edgecombe Golf Estate, the rooms look on to a pool and bar area, there is Wi-Fi, aircon, DStv and a friendly bulldog called George. From R345 per person per night sharing, including breakfast.
Tel 031 539 1360, www.gumtree-lodge.co.za
Gateway Country Lodge, Umhlanga. Despite being a mere 1.5 kilometres from Umhlanga’s beachfront, the lodge’s garden and spirited birdlife give it a country feel. There is Wi-Fi, DStv, aircon and a private balcony. From R550 per person per night sharing, including breakfast.
Tel 031 566 1206, www.gatewaycountrylodge.co.za
2. Clarke’s Bookshop
Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Nadia Davids is an award-winning playwright, and has recently released An Imperfect Blessing, a book about Walmer Estate in Cape Town.
Every South African should get there because…
Supporting independent bookshops is not just a pleasure, it’s an act of good citizenship. Maintain independent bookshops and you maintain independent thinking.
You might be surprised to know that…
Anthony Clarke, the shop’s eponymous owner, was instrumental in saving The Resurrection, a fresco by Italian Renaissance master Piero della Francesca, from destruction in World War II. Clarke, a British officer, ordered his men to hold fire when he remembered that Sansepolcro, the town they were about to bombard, was home to the masterpiece.
Where to stay
District Six Guesthouse, District Six. Staying at this former slave lodge is like visiting an old Cape Malay aunt – one with a 12-bedroom home overlooking Cape Town harbour. Rooms are modest but tastefully furnished. B&B rates are from R375 per person per night sharing.
Tel 021 447 0902, www.districtsixguesthouse.co.za
Cape Cadogan, Gardens. It’s just off Cape Town’s lively Kloof Street, but this hotel is a bubble of calm. Bedrooms combine old-world elegance with modern conveniences. From R1 260 per person per night sharing.
Tel 021 480 8080, www.capecadogan.co.za
3. Kwa Mai Mai Market
Photo by David Ross.
Maria McCloy is a journalist and publicist with a special knowledge of fashion and urban culture, and recently delivered a TEDx talk on authentic African aesthetics that inspire the world.
Every South African should get there because…
Kwa Mai Mai’s beadwork and cultural artefacts are the finest in the city in a non-corporate, non-touristy environment.
You might be surprised to know that…
The naming of the market is a mystery: one story is that Mai Mai was the nickname of Saul Msane, the first compound manager. Others say the name relates to the sound of wounded miners crying ‘My, My’. Other stories say it was the manager of the mine at the time, John Gluyas, who would whisper ‘My, My’ whenever an injured miner came out of the mine.
Where to stay
Curiocity Backpackers, Maboneng. In the heart of the precinct is this haute-industrial salute to the idea that affordable accommodation doesn’t need to compromise on character or comfort. From R160 per person per night for dorm beds and R360 per night for double rooms. See our comprehensive review in the December issue of Getaway magazine.
Tel 011 592 0515, www.curiocitybackpackers.com
12 Decades Art Hotel, Maboneng. In the centre of Maboneng is the 12 Decades Art Hotel. Each of its dozen individually decorated rooms tells the history of Joburg by decade. It’s a safe, self-catering hotel surrounded by trendy bars, eateries and bustling markets with secure basement parking. From R450 per person per night sharing.
Tel 0861 226 787, www.urbanhiphotels.com/12-decades
4. Danger Point, Gansbaai
Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Darrel Bristow-Bovey is a Getaway columnist and travel writer. He recently launched his fifth book, One Midlife Crisis and One Speedo.
Every South African should get there because…
It is the only opportunity, anywhere in the world, to simultaneously see one of the world’s densest populations of whales and the world’s densest population of great white sharks sharing the same waters.
You might be surprised to know that…
Legend has it that the famous ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, the subject of Richard Wagner’s famous opera, was first spotted from the site where the Danger Point lighthouse now stands.
Where to stay
Stanford River Lodge. Perched right on the river in this charming Overberg village, this is a perfect spot for kayaking, hiking and bird-watching. From R375 per person per night sharing. See our guide to Stanford in the December issue of Getaway magazine for more information.
Tel 028 3410 444, www.stanfordriverlodge.co.za
Farm 215, Uilkraal Valley. Twenty kilometres outside Gansbaai in the Uilkraal Valley is Farm215, a retreat set inside a conservancy, where the fynbos colours the landscape. For the adventurous, there’s horse riding on the beach, wine tasting and walking trails. From R850 per person per night sharing.
Tel 028 388 0920, farm215.co.za
5. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Zululand
Photo by Scott Ramsay.
Scott Ramsay spent most of last year undertaking, and writing about, his ‘Year in the Wild’ in South Africa’s National Parks and many other provincial reserves.
Every South African should get there because…
It’s our country’s oldest park – and symbolic of our original home, where modern man first evolved in the savanna woodland of Africa. When you visit Imfolozi – either as a day visitor or a wilderness trailist – you are making a journey into the heart of Africa.
You might be surprised to know that…
The Zulus were the region’s first formal conservationists. Shaka, king of the Zulus, set aside the area of Imfolozi to be conserved for his exclusive hunting. Specific hunting seasons were defined and certain animals, such as white and black rhino, were not allowed to be hunted.
Where to stay
Mpila Camp. Atop one of the highest hills inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is Mpila Camp. It has 34 self-catering chalets and safari tents, is unfenced and lions, hyenas and leopards are seen and heard in camp. R900 per night for a chalet (sleeps two).
Tel 033 845 1000, www.kznwildlife.com
Five-day primitive wilderness trail. To get a real feel of this untouched reserve, sign up for this fully guided trek. From R2 800 per person for the trail, including all food, a backpack and sleeping bag.
To book, email [email protected] or visit www.kznwildlife.com
6. /Xam Rock Art, Cederberg
Photo by Don Pinnock.
Travel writer and photographer Don Pinnock is passionate about exploring the impact of humans on planetary processes.
Every South African should get there because…
It’s one of the wildest, most beautiful and magical places in South Africa.
You might be surprised to know that…
/Xam rock art in the area could be over 10 000 years old and there are thousands of rock art sites and many more probably still to be found.
Where to stay
Sanddrif Cottages, Cederberg. Waking up at Sanddrif Cottages, nestled in a wild valley between peaks, you can smell adventure. Almost in its backyard are the Wolfberg Cracks and across the valley looms the Maltese Cross. The resort has 16 fully equipped self-catering chalets and 30 well-run camping sites. Chalets from R750 (for up to four people) per night and camping is R160 per person per night.
Tel 027 482 2825, www.cederbergwine.com/sanddrif
Traveller’s Rest, Cederberg. For breathtaking scenery, great rock art sites and cosy cottages, Traveller’s Rest is tops. The Sevilla Trail covers five kilometres of rock art sites along the Brandewyn River and starts at the lodge’s restaurant, which serves traditional kos such as waterblommetjie bredie and roosterkoek. From R200 per person per night.
Tel 027 482 1824, www.travellersrest.co.za
Read more about the stories surrounding these amazing places in
Getaway’s December issue, on sale now!
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