The air is thick with Spring and the sweet scents of heritage and history. It's Heritage Month in South Africa, and the Mother City is pulling out all the stops. Get ready to embark on a whirlwind tour of culture, cuisine, and charm that'll make your ancestors proud (or provide a grand new adventure if you're visiting from out of the country).
Cape Town isn't just a pretty city with a mountain that serves as a table. From the indigenous Khoisan to the Cape Malay people and everyone in between, this city is a living, breathing history book — with wonderful snacks and delicious wine.
Cape Town's museums (attached to the Two Oceans Aquarium and also a Planetarium) are bringing the past to life faster than you can say "Robben Island." Speaking of, be sure to Take a ferry to this UNESCO World Heritage site and follow in Nelson Mandela's footsteps.
If a rainbow was moulded into a neighbourhood, you would have the Bo-Kaap. These animated houses are more than just pretty facades; they're a testament to the area's Malaysian, African, and Indian heritage. You should make a plan to visit during golden hour for photos that'll make your followers green with envy (and pink, yellow, and blue).
Be sure to also check out the District Six area and its Museum, which tells the poignant tale of forced removals during apartheid. It's a sobering reminder of the past and a celebration of resilience.
Did you know that some of the oldest vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere are just a stone's throw from Cape Town? Take a day trip to Constantia or Stellenbosch and swirl, sniff, and sip your way through centuries of winemaking tradition.
No heritage tour is complete without paying homage to the grand dame herself — Table Mountain. Whether you hike up or take the cable car, the views are nothing short of spectacular. And it wouldn't be a full Cape Town visit without visiting the smaller sibling — Lion's Head — which offers an easier walk (no cable car) but just as wonderful views!
Cape Town's cuisine is a history lesson you'll return to for seconds and thirds. From aromatic Cape Malay curries to hearty African stews, every bite is a tasty tribute to the city's diverse heritage. Don't leave without trying Koesisters (sweet doughnuts), bobotie (a tasty, spiced lasagna dish), and Gatsbys (sandwiches big enough to feed an entire family).
Head to markets like the Old Biscuit Mill or the V&A Waterfront Market to experience regional crafts, foods, and live music and be sure to sample local dishes such as biltong, mielie pap, and bunny chow at these restaurants and food stalls.
This Heritage Month, come for the sights, stay for the stories, and leave with a heart full of memories (and probably a few extra cm on the waistline; those koeksisters are addictive).
Get ready to make some history of your own in the Mother City!
Need a place to stay that is central, affordable, and of excellent quality? Look no further than the newkings boutique hotel — your perfect home-away-from-home, only a short distance from all the suggested activities above!
Related: Check out their Spring specials!
