Have you ever wondered where your family story began?
A trip to many of the South African heritage sites is a journey into your roots. Heritage travel allows you to step into the past and discover the people and stories that have shaped modern South Africa.
A survey found that 75% of South Africans have already taken, or plan to take, a heritage holiday to explore their roots. Heritage travel in South Africa is growing, offering a chance to experience the culture, communities, and traditions behind it.
Explore South African Heritage Sites That Connect You to Your Roots
Cape Town and the Cape Malay history
The Bo-Kaap, on the slopes of Signal Hill, is all about colour and culture. Its cobbled streets and pastel homes tell the story of a community rooted in Indonesia, Malaysia, and across the Indian Ocean. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, try a cooking class, or wander the streets to soak up centuries of food, faith, and tradition.
Franschhoek: French Huguenot Heritage
The French Huguenots founded Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands in the 1600s. Their legacy survives in architecture, vineyards, and a refined lifestyle. Step into the Huguenot Memorial Museum. While there, stroll through the local vineyards and learn more about their history.
You can tick some of these underrated spots from your travel bucket list while in Franschhoek.
KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields: Living History
The battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal offer a deeper, emotional connection to South Africa’s story. Sites like Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift reveal courage, conflict, and resilience. Ensure you book a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding and bring these events to life. Zulu warriors, Boer pioneers, and British forces shaped our country’s modern identity.
Voortrekker Monument: Pioneer Heritage and Culture
The Voortrekker Monument celebrates the courage and traditions of the Voortrekkers (Afrikaans Boers). Exhibits allow you to explore their daily life and stories from the Great Trek, while events also bring this heritage to life. Visiting the monument offers a glimpse into a community that shaped part of South Africa’s history.
Basotho Cultural Village: Living Heritage
For an immersive experience, visit the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It lets you walk in the footsteps of the Basotho people, gaining insight into their homesteads, craft demonstrations, food, and dance. This museum brings culture to life, perfect for travellers exploring living traditions and ancestral connections.
Cradle of Humankind: Origins travel
Visit the Cradle of Humankind, where ancient hominid fossils show that all humans share roots in this land. The site is home to the largest known concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world
Tips for a Meaningful Heritage Holiday
- Go local: Choose guides who share personal stories and local knowledge.
- Mix experiences: Pair site visits with cooking classes, crafts, or homestays.
- Be respectful: Ask before photographing and observe local customs.
- Take your time: Heritage travel is best savoured slowly.
Ready to explore South African heritage sites and trace your family roots? Your next trip could connect you with the people, places, and stories that shaped your past.
