Heritage Travel Surges in South Africa: Six Destinations to Reconnect with the Past
Heritage Travel in South Africa is gaining ground, with more travellers swapping traditional breaks for trips that trace their roots. In fact, this September, Heritage Month offers the perfect excuse to explore the places that shaped the country’s heritage, and your own.
But why is this trend on the rise? According to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 Ticket to Travel research, 75% of South Africans have either taken or plan to take a trip to explore their family’s heritage, history, or ancestry.
So, what’s driving this surge in heritage holidays? At the heart of it all is a growing desire to understand family origins and to visit the places where ancestors once lived.
“We’re seeing a powerful shift toward travel that’s deeply personal.
People want to connect with the places that shaped their identity, whether that’s a township, a battlefield, or a hike tracing the path of the Great Trek.
Heritage Month is the perfect time to explore those stories.”
~ Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Commercial Director, Marriott International – Sub-Saharan Africa
Top Heritage Travel Destinations for September
To begin with, South Africa’s heritage landscape is remarkably diverse. As you start planning your travels, consider the unique stories each destination has to offer.
For example, from the diamond rush of Kimberley to the Zulu echoes of Illovo Beach, here are six destinations where South Africa’s layered history comes alive, each paired with a hotel that offers a nostalgic connection to the past.
As you move through these locations, you’ll discover how the country’s history unfolds in various ways. Moreover, each site offers a unique glimpse into the people and events that have shaped South Africa. In this guide, we highlight where history meets hospitality to create an unforgettable experience.
Cape Town: Icons of Freedom and Cape Dutch Elegance
To illustrate South Africa’s layered history, Cape Town stands as a compelling first stop. As a city of contrasts, it is where colonial architecture meets liberation landmarks.
For those interested in tangible relics of the past, visitors can explore the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. In addition, the Bo-Kaap, with its brightly painted homes, tells stories of resilience and cultural pride.
Taken together, these sites reveal the enduring presence of both struggle and celebration in Cape Town’s heritage.
For an extra touch of authenticity, this restored Cape Dutch manor immerses guests in the elegance of the 1880s. Not only does the architecture reflect the period’s distinctive style, but the overall ambience allows visitors to step back in time and experience a bygone era firsthand.
As a result, guests enjoy an atmosphere rich in history while still benefiting from modern comforts throughout their stay.
Johannesburg: The City of Gold and Grit
Johannesburg’s heritage is forged in gold and struggle. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill offer powerful insights into South Africa’s journey to democracy, while the Workers’ Museum honours the migrant labourers who built the city’s foundations.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, established in 1949, reflects the city’s layered past. Originally an “outspan stop” on the wagon route between Johannesburg and Pretoria, it later became a cultural hub associated with the 1939 film Balalaika—a nod to its musical and cinematic legacy.
Kimberley: Diamonds, Fortunes, and the Big Hole
Transitioning to another iconic destination, Kimberley’s history sparkles with the allure of discovery. In the late 1800s, Kimberley was the epicentre of the world’s most famous diamond rush. As a result, visitors can tour the Big Hole, a hand-dug mine that once drew thousands of fortune seekers, and the Kimberley Mine Museum, which recreates the town’s boom-era streetscape.
By exploring these attractions, you gain a sense of the excitement and ambition that defined Kimberley’s formative years. Furthermore, the experience serves as a fascinating reminder of how one discovery can reshape the destiny of an entire region.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Kimberley, situated near the Big Hole, provides a comfortable base with views that reflect the town’s glittering past.
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast: Echoes of King Shaka
In addition to its breathtaking coastline, the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal is steeped in Zulu heritage. Illovo Beach, named by King Shaka for its “sweet waters,” is a place where oral history and natural beauty converge.
Beyond the beach, visitors can delve further into the region’s history by exploring nearby battlefields, cultural villages, and sacred sites that honour enduring Zulu traditions. Taken together, these experiences offer travellers a deeper appreciation for the cultural legacy woven throughout the area.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Karridene Beach offers a serene coastal retreat, where guests can reflect on the region’s royal legacy while enjoying the warm Indian Ocean breeze.
Heritage Travel Mahikeng: Tswana Culture and Anglo-Boer History
Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng) is a town where colonial conflict and indigenous culture intersect.
The Mafikeng Museum traces the town’s role in the Anglo-Boer War, while the Lotlamoreng Cultural Village showcases Setswana traditions through dance, storytelling, and craft.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng provides a gateway to these experiences, offering modern comfort with easy access to the town’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Somerset West: A Heritage Travel Escape at the Foot of the Helderberg
Nestled in the Cape Winelands, Somerset West is a treasure trove of history. Of course, you cannot forget that one of its key historical landmarks is the Vergelegen Wine Estate, founded in 1700, which has hosted governors and revolutionaries alike, offering a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
Looking further into local landmarks, the Old Bridge—the third oldest in South Africa—and Sir Lowry’s Pass, with visible wagon wheel tracks from the Great Trek, provide tangible links to the country’s pioneering spirit. These sites invite travellers to connect with the journey of those who shaped the nation.
For accommodation, the Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, Tribute Portfolio, perfectly blends old-world charm with contemporary design. It also draws inspiration from Lord Charles Henry Somerset, the town’s namesake and founder of South Africa’s first public library, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless mix of heritage and modern comfort.
South African Heritage: Plan Your Historical Trips
Key Heritage Travel Sites by Destination
Cape Town
Castle of Good Hope: Oldest colonial building in South Africa.
Bo-Kaap: Vibrant cultural hub of resilience.
Robben Island: Iconic site of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment.
Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum: Chronicles South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Constitution Hill: Historic site of justice and struggle.
Kimberley Mine Museum: Relives the diamond rush era.
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Illovo Beach: Named by King Shaka for its “sweet waters.”
Battlefields: Sites of historic Zulu conflicts.
Cultural Villages: Celebrate Zulu traditions.
Mahikeng
Mafikeng Museum: Explores the history of the Anglo-Boer War.
Lotlamoreng Cultural Village: Showcases Setswana culture.
Somerset West
Vergelegen Wine Estate: Historic estate from 1700.
Old Bridge: The third-oldest bridge in South Africa.
Sir Lowry’s Pass: Marks of the Great Trek.
Heritage Travel Holidays South Africa: Where to Stay
Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge: Step into echoes of the past at this former 19th-century prison, where historic walls whisper tales of resilience and redemption while offering modern comforts overlooking the harbour.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray: Immerse yourself in 1880s elegance within a meticulously restored Cape Dutch manor, where antique charm meets contemporary luxury for a timeless stay.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton: Unwind in a piece of Jozi’s soul at this 1949 icon, once a vital wagon outpost and cinematic star, now a vibrant hub blending musical heritage with urban sophistication.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kimberley: Gaze upon the legacy of diamond fortunes from this prime vantage near the Big Hole, where glittering views and cosy retreats revive the thrill of the 1800s rush.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Karridene Beach: Bask in the royal whispers of the Zulu along the Indian Ocean, this coastal haven inviting reflection on ancient legacies amid breezy serenity and sun-kissed sands.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng: Bridge eras with ease at this modern sanctuary, steps from war relics and cultural rhythms, unlocking Tswana traditions and colonial tales with effortless style.
Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, Tribute Portfolio: Savour the fusion of bygone grandeur and sleek innovation, inspired by the visionary Lord Somerset, amid winelands where history unfolds in every vine-draped corner.
Make Heritage Month Your Time to Explore
Make Heritage Month Your Time to Explore Heritage Month invites a deeper examination of the places that have shaped South Africa’s social, cultural, and political landscape.
For travellers, Heritage Travel offers a chance to engage with history in ways that are both grounded and personal.
