Heritage Day is a cultural celebration that has been deemed a public holiday and is the perfect opportunity to explore South Africa’s vibrant traditions, flavourful cuisines, and unique customs that make up the country’s diversity. Heritage Day doesn’t have to be another public holiday spent indoors. Here are five ways to spend Heritage Day.
Visit a heritage site in your city
Every city has a rich and unique history that fills South Africa with culture. With an array of heritage sites each city has to offer, here are some heritage sites you can consider visiting on Heritage Day.
Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Cape Town’s brightly painted homes of the Muslim community are a photographer, local, and tourist’s dream. Nearby, Bo-Kaap Museum explains the social history of the former slave houses.
Lesedi Cultural Village, Gauteng (Broederstroom)
Experience the unique and vibrant African cultures first-hand at Lesedi Cultural Village which is within the Cradle Of Humankind. You’ll be able to discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of some of the people of Africa by visiting five traditional homesteads that are inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes, living according to tribal folklore and traditions of their ancestors.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KZN
This protected estuary and coastal forest reserve is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. The park's eight interlinking ecosystems boast Big 5 viewing, whale and shark experiences, large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, flamingos and more than 500 bird species as well as the title of Africa’s Largest Estuary.
Try traditional/cultural cuisine
If there's one thing that unites us all, it's food. As a rainbow nation, South Africa has a rainbow of dishes representing the flavours of the country. Many South African dishes can easily be created in the comfort of your own home with a just a simple recipe, but if you’re not up for the challenge and would rather leave it to the professionals, there are many restaurants in your city that cater to different cultural food.
Marco’s African Place, Cape Town
Located in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town, Marco’s African Place is a popular venue for both local and international patrons who are looking to for authentic African cuisine and music. Surprise your palette this heritage month with a taste of Indigenous African and Cape cuisine such as traditional Xhosa dishes, home-brewed African beer, and more, while being entertained with live local music and dance.
Bunny chows in Durban
When you hear “bunny chow” you immediately think of Durban. Bunny chow spots around Durban allow you to experience a range of bunny chows from mutton curry, butter chicken, sugar bean, and more. This Durban-favourite consists of a square loaf of soft, white bread. Then the middle is scooped out and replaced with spicy curry of your choice. This lip-smacking dish is hot, messy, and impossible to eat without using both hands and serviettes, so don’t wear white. Whether you’re on a mission to find the best bunny chow or you want to try a bunny chow for the first time, there is a bunny chow for every palette.
A range of Kota restaurants in Gauteng
The kota (derived from the word “quarter”) is a quarter-loaf of bread, hollowed out and stuffed with anything and everything from French fries, polony, cheese, atchar, etc. The kota resembles the Durban Bunny Chow and is a classic Jo’burg take-away meal filled with flavours and textures absorbed from different cultures.
Host a lekker braai
Heritage Day has taken on a sizzling twist and has been dubbed as "Braai Day." South Africans are known for their love of the open flame and sizzling meat so what better way to celebrate South African heritage than by gathering around a fire with friends and family and sharing memories while creating new ones.
Attend a Heritage Day event in your city
Heritage Day is the perfect excuse to attend events. There are exciting heritage events taking place throughout September that aim to celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage. Be sure to look out for any events that are happening near you.
Tour and explore your city
City Sightseeing, Cape Town
Explore all the top and lesser-known iconic monuments and famous landmarks on the Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. With over 20 stops across two different routes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions.
Ricksha Bus City Tour, Durban
See the top attractions of Durban city on a sightseeing tour that takes in a variety of landmarks highlighting the city’s history and its culture.
City Sightseeing, Johannesburg
Explore the leafy suburbs of Joburg, stopping at all the top attractions along the way, including Melrose Arch and Mandela Foundation before reaching Constitution Hill.
