South Africa: History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Buildings on Robben Island bear witness to a dark history; the Vredefort Dome reaches far back into Earth’s history. South Africa brings together historical and geological themes like these with hiking trails, wildlife viewing and protected landscapes. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding what you’d most like to focus on: would you like to see historic sites, learn about geological features, or experience nature on foot and through wildlife viewing?

History across different periods

Between the 17th and 20th centuries, Robben Island was used at various times as a prison, a hospital for groups not accepted by society, and a military base. The buildings are a striking testament to the island’s dark history. Robben Island and its prison buildings also symbolize the triumph of the human spirit, freedom and democracy over oppression.

The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape documents the rise and decline of the first indigenous kingdom in southern Africa, between 900 and 1300 AD. Unlike the varied uses of Robben Island, the focus here is on a clearly defined period in the kingdom’s history.

Experience geology and nature

The Vredefort Dome dates back 2.023 billion years and is the oldest astrobleme discovered to date. With a radius of 190 kilometres, it is also the largest and most eroded astrobleme. It is the only known example with a complete geological profile beneath the crater floor.

Covering almost two million hectares, Kruger National Park brings together an extraordinary diversity of life forms and historical and archaeological attractions. In the South African section of uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, more than 250 endemic plant species and the fauna associated with them find refuge. Endemic plant species are those restricted to a limited area.

Hiking trails and special views

Table Mountain National Park protects one of the richest and most unique ecosystems on Earth. On Table Mountain, trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes. Visitors can also ride a modern revolving cable car to the summit; operation depends on the weather and the operator’s conditions. If you’re planning this ride, check the latest operating conditions in advance.

Peers Cave can be reached via a hiking trail that offers panoramic views over the Fish Hoek Valley, False Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges. As access and trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Wildlife viewing and getting around

At Addo Elephant National Park, visitors can go wildlife viewing in their own vehicles. South Africa’s tourist attractions are best explored with the help of certified tour guides.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park stretches 220 kilometres north from St Lucia to the Mozambique border. Each section is accessed through its own gate. Conditions and opening hours for individual gates may change, so check the latest access requirements and opening hours for the relevant gate before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Northern Province, Limpopo.

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