10 of South Africa’s OLDEST attractions to visit this Heritage Day

South Africa is home to a variety of attractions that hold both historical and natural significance, many of which are among the oldest and most revered sites in the country and the world. Here are 10 of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic attractions to visit this Heritage Day…

1. The Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng

• Age: Over 3 million years

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. It contains a complex of limestone caves where some of the oldest human fossils, like Australopithecus, have been discovered. This area provides key insights into the origins of humanity and has produced nearly 40% of all hominid fossils. A must-visit if you’re in the Gauteng region this Heritage Day!

2. Robben Island in the Western Cape

• Age: Inhabited for over 500 years

A symbol of the struggle for freedom in South Africa, Robben Island served as a prison for many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, during the apartheid era. The island has a long history, dating back to its use as a leper colony and a military base before becoming a notorious prison.

3. The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town

• Age: Built between 1666 and 1679

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. Constructed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a fortress, it was the center of the Cape’s military and administrative functions. Today, it houses military museums and is an important site for understanding the colonial history of the Cape.

4. The Cango Caves in the Western Cape

• Age: Formed over 20 million years ago

The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are one of the oldest tourist attractions in South Africa, with tours dating back to the 1800s. These vast limestone caves feature incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations and are a popular destination for visitors interested in geology and natural beauty.

5. Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo

• Age: 1 000+ years

Mapungubwe was the center of the first known kingdom in southern Africa, flourishing between 1075 and 1220 AD. This ancient city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important trading center, dealing in gold and ivory with distant civilizations like China and India. It offers visitors a glimpse into early African civilization. A definite spot for Heritage Day!

6. The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria

• Age: Completed in 1949

While relatively modern compared to other entries on this list, the Voortrekker Monument commemorates the Great Trek of the 1830s and 1840s, during which Boer pioneers travelled into the interior of South Africa. The structure is a symbol of Afrikaner nationalism and the pioneer spirit, and it features historical friezes and art – a great option for Heritage Day in Pretoria.

7. The District Six Museum in Cape Town

• Age: Represents a history from the 19th century to the 20th century

District Six was a multicultural neighbourhood in Cape Town before it was forcibly cleared during apartheid in the 1960s. The museum serves as a memorial to the vibrant community that lived there and to the injustices suffered during forced removals. It’s an important site for understanding the social history of Cape Town.

8. The Groot Constantia Estate in Cape Town

• Age: Established in 1685

South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, Groot Constantia was founded by Simon van der Stel, the governor of the Cape Colony. The estate is located in the Constantia Valley and is famous for its historic homestead, classic Cape Dutch architecture, and, of course, its world-renowned wines.

9. Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga

• Age: Established in 1873

Pilgrim’s Rest is a well-preserved 19th-century gold rush town that gives visitors a glimpse into the early days of South Africa’s gold mining industry. The town has been declared a National Monument and retains its historical charm with original buildings and artifacts from the gold rush era.

10. The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal

• Age: Millions of years old

The Drakensberg mountain range, known for its towering peaks and stunning natural landscapes, is also home to some of the oldest rock art in South Africa. The San people (Bushmen) left behind thousands of rock paintings, some of which date back thousands of years. These depictions offer insights into the life and beliefs of ancient inhabitants.