Exploring South Africa’s Heritage on a Road Trip

South Africa is a land of rich cultural heritage and historical significance, with cultures that date back thousands of years. Today, our country symbolises ethnic diversity and multiculturalism, celebrating these values at every opportunity.

It’s no surprise that travellers can experience this through countless monuments, museums, memorials, and archaeological sites. You can even turn a simple history lesson into an immersive road trip, spanning everything from the echoes of ancient civilisations to the tales of modern struggles for freedom.

We’ve put together four road trip itineraries that will take you through South Africa’s storied history from the Cape of Good Hope to the Cradle of Humankind. Read on for some travel inspiration.

Photo: Getty

The Cradle of Humankind: A Journey to Our Origins

The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in the world. It’s just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and offers a deep dive into the origins of humankind, with numerous archaeological sites and museums that are both educational and fun for the whole family.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Sterkfontein Caves: These limestone caves have yielded some of the most important fossils ever discovered, including the famous Australopithecus fossil, Mrs Ples. Guided tours take you through the caves, providing insight into the early hominids that once inhabited the area.
• Maropeng Visitor Centre: An interactive museum that offers exhibits on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. It’s a fantastic educational stop for families and history enthusiasts.
• Kromdraai Fossil Site: Another significant site where visitors can learn about early human evolution and the natural history of the area.

Travel Tips

• Comfortable Footwear: Many of the attractions involve walking and exploring caves, so ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes.
• Engage with Exhibits: Encourage children to interact with the museum exhibits for a more immersive learning experience.
• Plan Ahead: Check the timings and availability of guided tours to make the most of your visit.

Photo: Getty

The Freedom Route: Tracing South Africa’s Struggle for Liberation

No visit to South Africa is complete without a lesson on our country’s recent history. That’s what makes the Freedom Route such an incredible journey. It takes you through key sites of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle in Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering a profound understanding of the country’s progress towards freedom and democracy. This route is ideal for those who wish to pay homage to the heroes of the struggle and learn about the events that shaped modern South Africa.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Robben Island: Located off the coast of Cape Town, this island prison held many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. The guided tours, often led by former inmates, provide a deeply personal perspective on the country’s history.
• Apartheid Museum: Situated in Johannesburg, this museum offers a comprehensive and moving exploration of apartheid’s history through powerful exhibits and personal testimonies.
• Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum: Located in Soweto, this museum commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where students protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. The memorial is named after Hector Pieterson, one of the first students to be killed during the protests.

Travel Tips

• Respectful Engagement: These sites are of great historical and emotional significance, so approach them with respect and sensitivity.
• Educational Materials: Read up on the history before visiting to provide context and enhance your understanding.
• Guided Tours: Opt for guided tours where available, as they often offer deeper insights and personal stories. You’ll also be supporting our local tourism industry!

Photo: Getty

The Battlefields Route: Exploring South Africa’s Military History

The Battlefields Route in KwaZulu-Natal showcases yet another troubled period of South African history: colonial conflicts between settlers and indigenous peoples. Key moments in this period include the Second Boer War (Anglo-Boer War) and the Battle of Blood River (during the Great Trek) – both of which shaped apartheid and modern South Africa.

History buffs and those interested in military history come from all over the world to visit these sites, which span 82 battlefields, forts, museums, and places of remembrance across KwaZulu-Natal. Plus, you get the added benefit of driving through stunning natural landscapes like the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the Drakensberg Mountains. It’s truly an all-in-one adventure for the whole family.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Isandlwana: The site of the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879, where the Zulu army achieved a stunning victory over British forces. Guided tours and monuments provide detailed accounts of the battle.
• Rorke’s Drift: Following the Battle of Isandlwana, a small British garrison defended the mission station at Rorke’s Drift against a massive Zulu assault. The site now features a museum and memorials.
• Blood River: The site of the Battle of Blood River, where the Voortrekkers fought the Dingane and over 25,000 of his Zulu Kingdom forces. It’s also famously commemorated at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. The Blood River Heritage Site includes replicas of the Voortrekker laager (wagon circle) and offers insights into this pivotal battle – and its repercussions.

Travel Tips

• Guided Tours: Local guides can bring the history to life with detailed narratives and re-enactments.
• Historical Research: Familiarise yourself with the history of the battles beforehand to fully appreciate the significance of the sites.
• Respect the Sites: Many of these sites are sacred, so be respectful of the grounds and any local customs.
• Keep in mind that if you want to explore the Drakensberg and other wilderness areas, you’ll be better off in a 4×4 rental or a comfortable SUV that can seat the whole family.

Photo: Getty

The Cape Malay Cultural Route: A Taste of History

The Cape Malay Cultural Route in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap district offers a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Bo-Kaap was born out of the Cape’s Muslim slave community, many of whom were brought here against their will from as far afield as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. It became a haven for skilled artisans – many of whom helped build Cape Town – and a place where people could practise their Muslim faith freely, especially once liberated slaves made this suburb their own.

Today, Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions. Locals continue the tradition of painting their houses with bright colours, making it one of the most photographed places in South Africa. Cape Malay culture remains strong here, although it is under threat from increased gentrification. In 2019, 19 sites in Bo-Kaap area were finally declared National Heritage sites.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Bo-Kaap Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Cape Malay community, including their contributions to Cape Town’s diverse society.
• Auwal Mosque: The oldest mosque in South Africa, offering insights into the Islamic heritage of the Cape Malay people and the community’s role in political resistance.
• Cape Malay Cooking Tour: Join a guided tour that includes cooking classes and tastings of traditional Cape Malay dishes such as bobotie, samoosas, and koesisters – not koeksisters!

Travel Tips

• Cultural Sensitivity: The Bo-Kaap is a residential area, so be mindful of the locals and their privacy. Make sure to respect Muslim traditions.
• Culinary Adventure: Don’t miss the chance to taste and learn about Cape Malay cuisine – it’s a delicious part of the cultural experience.
• Walking Tours: Explore the area on foot to fully appreciate the architecture and street art. Local guides are incredibly knowledgeable.

Photo: Getty

Embarking on a cultural road trip through South Africa is a journey through time, offering an immersive experience that brings history and heritage to life. Whether you’re tracing the steps of early hominids in the Cradle of Humankind, exploring the poignant sites of the Freedom Route, delving into military history on the Battlefields Route, or savouring the cultural richness of the Cape Malay community, each trip offers unique insights and memorable experiences.

With Drive South Africa’s extensive range of rental vehicles, you can choose the perfect car to suit your journey, ensuring comfort and reliability. Simply use the booking tool at the top of the page to get started!