HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMS - HIGHLIGHTS |
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Southern Africa is a very rich region in terms of culture and heritage. Many landmark events relating to the dawn of civilisation and human culture first started here. This culture and heritage is proudly archived and displayed at many museums across the country, while our art - both traditional and more modern - is housed and displayed in countless art galleries. The history of South Africa is tumultous, and mnay battles, skirmishes and wars have taken place. There are mnuments to the fallen soldiers that can be found along many battle routes throughout the country, while museums and monuments relating to apartheid and our more recent history are also fascinating. There is so much to learn, while being entertained at the same time! By no means exhaustive, these highlights can help you plan your special trip to the southern tip of Africa. |
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Western Cape |
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| Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa | Take a tour to historic and notorious Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and laboured in the limestone quarry. Tours depart daily from the Waterfront. |
| The Gold of Africa Museum, Cape Town, South Africa | The Gold of Africa Museum, in the centre of Cape Town, hold what has to be one of the best collections of African gold tribal artifacts. |
Eastern Cape |
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| The Nelson Mandela Museum, Transkei, South Africa | Situated in Qunu, in rural Transkei at the birthplace of the great leader, this living museum is a fitting tribute to Nelson R Mandela, one of the most beloved global figures of our time. |
Gauteng |
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| Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, South Africa | The Apartheid Museum, is the first of its kind and has exhibits illustrating the rise and fall of apartheid. Its neighbour, Gold Reef City, with its rides, is popular with the kids! |
| Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, Soweto, South Africa | The Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto honours the victims of June 16 and the beginning of the end of apartheid. Vilikazi Street was where police opened fire on a quietly protesting group of school children. |
| Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton City, Gauteng, South Africa | A 6m high bronzed statue of Nelson Mandela overlooks the square. Connected to Sandton City, the square is surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and excellent high street shops. |
Mpumalanga |
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| Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, South Africa | The historical town of Pilgrim's Rest was declared a living museum and is a provincial heritage site in its entirety. Step back in time, and can get a sense of what the gold rush days of old. |
| Accommodation | If you are looking for accommodation anywhere in South Africa, the all new AA Travel Guides homepage is a great place to start your search. They have real-time booking online and good information on most South African towns including Cape Town, the Garden Route, Knysna, George, Durban, Sun City, Sabi Sands, and the Kruger National Park, as well as covering accommodation in the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. Click here |