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Culture & heritage
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A Darling of a town
The annual Darling Wildflower Show is a highlight on the West Coast town’s calendar. Its most famous resident is satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys. more
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Water furrows of the Karoo
Water is the most precious asset of the Karoo, South Africa’s semi-desert heartland. And when you find a Karoo town with water furrows, stop awhile and listen... more
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The Nizamiye Turkish Masjid, Midrand
A smaller replica of Turkey’s famous Selimiye Camii mosque, the Nizamiye Turkish Masjid in Midrand makes for a fascinating visit. more
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The Zulu Reed Dance
The Zulu Reed Dance is a highly anticipated annual event. The entire community gathers to support the young Zulu girls in this celebration of their culture. more
More about Culture & heritage
Museum Africa
Museum Africa, in Johannesburg's Newtown Cultural District, features cultural, historic and artistic exhibits sourced from across Southern Africa. more
!Khwa ttu San culture and education centre
Discover the culture and heritage of the San people, renowned for their tracking, rock art, spirituality and egalitarian, eco-sensitive society. more
The best of South Africa
Explore the best of South Africa and enjoy its spectacular scenery, unique history and culture, abundant wildlife and a wide range of adventure activities on offer. more
Top 10
Local Food Items
1Piri-Piri
Early Portuguese settlers introduced the sacana chilli to South Africa and it is now central to South African flavour repertoires. Whether it's spelled peri-peri or piri-piri we love this hot little number in sauces and spices.
2Biltong
Biltong is Afrikaans term, derived from the Dutch words bil 'buttock' + tong 'tongue'. Lean strips of beef or venison are cured in coriander and vinegar before being allowed to air dry. Biltong is an essential snack when watching sport, hiking, going on a road trip and it works a treat on teething babies.
3Sosatie
The term sosatie probably derives from the Malay kebabs called satay. Cubes of meat, usually lamb or mutton, are marinated in a picante mixture of vinegar, turmeric and curry powder before being interlaced with onion and dried apricot on a skewer and grilled. Delicious!
4Braaivleis or Chisa nyama
Whether you prefer the Afrikaans term, braai (barbeque) or the Zulu phrase, Chisa nyama, cooking our food outdoors over an open wood/coal/ or gas fire is as South African as food gets! Chisa nyama is also used to mean township butchery/ steak house venues.
5Boerewors
Boerewors, or farmer's sausage is a classic South African food stuff. Classically, it's made from a mixture of beef and pork, and seasoned with coriander, but don't be surprised to see flavour variations that include cloves, chilli, cheese, chutney and chakalaka!
6Koeksisters and koesisters
Koeksister with a 'k' refers to the Afrikaans term for a plaited yeast doughnut that is deep fried then dipped in ginger-flavoured syrup. Cape Malay koesisters are oval yeast beignets that are also deep fried, dipped in syrup and rolled in dessicated coconut.
7Bunny chow
Street food first developed by South Africans of Indian origin whereby curry is placed inside a hollowed out loaf of bread. There are township variations such as spatlho and the kwata or kota.
8Chakalaka
A spicy cooked vegetable relish of Zulu origin with Indian fusion influences. The base consists of a cooked relish made from tomatoes, onions, carrots, and chillies. Thereafter cooks choose to add peppers, cauliflower, cabbage or baked beans. Tinned forms can be oily so go for a homemade version.
9Pap or maize meal
Pap is a thick porridge made from maize meal, that's eaten as a staple food throughout South Africa. A favorite starch to enjoy with a meat stew, it can be dressed up or down to go with just about any meal.
10Rooibos
Not technically a food but rather an essential break-time beverage. This indigenous shrub is commonly brewed as a tea but is also used as a seasoning, a flavourant and it's revered for its soothing medicinal properties.
