Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation. South Africans celebrate the day, nationwide by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa.
SA is full of amazing experiences that allow people to explore different cultures, and see and do things that bring the country’s diverse heritages to life.
In celebration of Heritage Day 2022, Airbnb is highlighting a number of unique Airbnb experiences that will transport travellers to the heart of SA and what makes up the South African culture. All experiences all available to purchase through Airbnb!
The Great Outdoors
Johannesburg: Soccer has become deeply entrenched in SA culture and South Africans have a love for the sport, it’s showed by its supporters. One of the most authentic ways to experience the SA soccer culture is playing soccer with the locals of Soweto.
Playing soccer in Soweto
KZN: For the nature lovers, experience a 2.5 – 3hour hike through ReserveFalls and have the most refreshing cool down at the top of the waterfall. Walk through the ‘jungle’ of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and stand in the shadow of the ancient Kloof Plateau near the Molweni and Nkutu Rivers. The hiking trail takes you through the woods, keeping the temperature fairly cool.
Hike through ReserveFalls
Cape Town: Put on your cycling shorts and cycle through the lifestyle, history, and heritage of the vibrant community of Khayelitsha. Explore local landmarks in Cape Town’s largest township while having the opportunity to chat to entrepreneurs that reside in the area, and you might even get to experience the lively nightlife.
Cycling through Khayelitsha
Heritage in Gourmet Experiences
Johannesburg: Tawana culture is known for their locally brewed beer, quasi-style food and local dance. Explore the culture by being able to brew your own beer, indulge in locally-inspired foods, and dance to the rhythm of Africa in cultural and gumboot dances. The experience is titled, ‘Gear up for the Tswana Culture’
Gear up for the Tswana Culture
Cape Town: Learn about SA culture through the art of storytelling. Take an off-the-beaten-track tour of downtown Cape Town that will tickle your tastebuds, from Malian and Ethiopian cuisine to authentic African dishes and homemade drinks.
Off – The – Beaten Track Tour
KZN: The SA Indian culture is all about flavour-packed foods including delicious chutneys and spicy curries. The Indian foodie experience takes you through the ultimate Indian gourmet experience showcasing some of Durban’s most renowned Indian culture and food heritage.
Indian Foodie Experience
Township Explorations
Cape Town: In SA culture, the use of fresh, local ingredients is very important, this is evident in townships. Learn about organic gardening and indigenous plants in a townships indigenous garden experience, and connect with the earth as well as the local community.
Townships indigenous garden experience
KZN: Markets are one of the best ways to explore different cultures, from clothing to food, jewellery to traditional furniture. If you’re in KZN, you can explore a vibrant market, with a guide who will show you around the nine markets of Warwick as you explore local beadwork, traditional herbs, and medicines, and pick up some very interesting historical facts about Victoria Street, Brook Street, Berea Station, and more.
9 Markets of Warwick
Johannesburg: Soweto, one of the most famous South African townships, offers a half-day bus tour that will take you to explore Soweto’s vibrant personality and culture around the area. From Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, to Vilakazi Street to explore the “hometowns” of former President Nelson Mandela and the Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum – Soweto vibrant tour
The art and music scene
Cape Town: Explore jazz history and culture through Cape Town Hidden Jazz Nights, where you’ll learn about legends such as Robbie Jansen, McCoy Mrubata, and Winston Mankunku Ngozi while sinking into the mellow vibes of jazz music.
Cape Town Hidden Jazz Nights
KZN: KZN is the centre of SA’s Zulu culture and heritage. That culture is rich in music and dance.
The authentic tour of the Zulu kingdom takes you on a journey where you will not only witness traditional dancing from young warriors and maidens, but you’ll also absorb the Zulu traditional music and incredible stories that storytellers tell you.
Zulu culture tour
Johannesburg: Maboneng, being the artistic hub of Johannesburg, is filled with art galleries, studios, and innovative art pieces. Take a two-hour guided Maboneng street art tour through the colourful and vibrant streets of Johannesburg’s Maboneng district. It will introduce you to some talented local artists, teach you about the booming art culture in South Africa, and allow you to experience first-hand how art is changing the local communities.
Maboneng Street Art Tour
Something a little different
Johannesburg: A skateboard just became the newest and coolest way to explore Johannesburg. It’s a different experience, skating your way through Marshalltown to see some of the oldest buildings in the city. You then carve your way through Newtown, the home of the city’s first-ever multi-racial cultural centre, where you can see some of the most creative and profound graffiti artwork in the city. If you haven’t skated in your life before – don’t worry, lessons will be provides as part of the experience.
Marshalltown Skatting experience
Cape Town: Coffee lovers, this one is for you. Experience the growing coffee industry, by exploring different parts of the city with unique coffee stories – by e-scooter! The Cape Town E-Scooter Experience gives you a deeper understanding of Cape Town and its surrounding areas, including District Six, Salt River, Woodstock, Bo-Kaap, and the Cape Town CBD.
Cape Town E-Scooter Experience
What will you be doing to celebrate Heritage Day?
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Feature Image: @dbongz_one/Instagram
