Discover These Must-Visit Heritage Sites on Heritage Day

Hey there! Did you know that South Africa is a truly unique and diverse country? It’s pretty amazing! We’re even known as the Rainbow Nation because of our wonderfully diverse cultures. And you know what? We celebrate and honor our diversity on the 24th of September each year, which is known as Heritage Day. It’s a special day for all of us.

Now, if you’re wondering what to do to make this public holiday extra special, I’ve got a fantastic suggestion for you – why not visit one of our incredible Heritage sites? There are so many amazing places to explore across South Africa, and I’ve handpicked a few of my favorites just for you:

Maropeng Visitor Centre, Gauteng

Welcome to Maropeng, located in Gauteng, an incredible destination that serves as the official visitors’ center for the Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind is an extraordinary place, designated as a World Heritage Site by The United Nations in 1999. Here, you’ll embark on a fascinating journey into the development of humans, unveiling the mysteries of our origins with the help of captivating storytelling. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience packed with knowledge, wonder, and excitement that the whole family can enjoy. Maropeng is brimming with interactive activities designed specifically for children, ensuring that the younger ones also have a blast. We’re open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, so come and explore!

Robben Island, Western Cape

Let me tell you about Robben Island – it’s a special place that holds historical significance. You might have heard about it because it’s where Nelson Mandela, our former President, was imprisoned for a long time. But he wasn’t the only important person who was locked up there. Even former presidents like Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe had to spend time on Robben Island. It’s incredible to think about how these leaders were all in the same place at one point.

Now, you might be wondering what happened to the prison. Well, it closed down in 1996, but instead of being forgotten, it was turned into a national heritage site. This means that people can visit and learn about the island’s important role in our history. In fact, it’s even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a big deal!

But that’s not the only special place I want to tell you about. Have you ever heard of the Big Hole in the Northern Cape? It’s pretty amazing. This huge hole was created during the diamond rush in Kimberley, which happened back in the late 1800s. People from all over the world came to this small town in search of diamonds, and they found a lot of them! The Big Hole is the result of all that digging and searching.

Today, the Big Hole is a popular tourist attraction. You can visit and see the massive hole for yourself. There’s even a museum there that tells the story of the diamond rush and how it shaped the history of Kimberley. It’s a fascinating place with so much to learn and discover.

Have you ever heard of the Big Hole in Kimberley? It’s pretty remarkable. It’s actually the deepest hand-dug excavation in the world, going down a staggering 200 meters! Can you imagine that? But here’s something even more fascinating: over a century ago, before anyone knew there were diamonds there, it was just a regular hill.

Once word got out about the diamonds, the mine became really popular. But when it closed its doors in 1914, they didn’t just abandon the place. They turned it into a tourist attraction, and boy, have they made it something special.

When you visit the Big Hole, get ready for an adventure! You’ll go underground and experience what it was like to dig for diamonds back in the 1800s. Trust me, it’s a pretty awesome experience. And there’s more! You’ll also watch a movie that tells you all about the diamond history in Kimberley. It’s an incredible place to explore and learn.

Limpopo’s Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

Welcome to Mapungubwe, a remarkable place nestled on the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Here, wildlife enthusiasts like you can revel in the beauty of nature and encounter an array of captivating animals. From majestic black rhinos and spirited wild dogs to graceful gemsboks, nimble blue wildebeests, and elusive kudus, this haven is teeming with an abundance of diverse wildlife.

Mapungubwe is not only a sanctuary for animals but also holds historical significance. It was once the thriving capital of South Africa’s first kingdom, flourishing to become the largest in the sub-continent. However, by the 14th century, this grand kingdom met its demise and was left abandoned, creating an intriguing enigma that captivates the imagination.

As recognized by UNESCO, the remnants within the Mapungubwe cultural landscape serve as a vivid testament to the effects of climate change. They bear witness to the rise and fall of the Mapungubwe kingdom, vividly illustrating a culture that, despite its grandeur, ultimately succumbed to irreversible change.