September is Heritage Month in South Africa

In South Africa, the 24th September is Heritage day, and the whole month of September is Heritage month, with many events planned so that South Africans can explore their heritage.

For instance, from the 10th to the 14th of September 2018 is SA National Parks Week, meaning that most of the 21 national parks are free (no entry fee) for South African citizens (take your ID!). This includes wonderful places such as Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant park and West Coast National park. You can find the full list here. Why not explore one, if it is in your area? The idea is that everyone has a chance to visit these important sites, especially local communities and those who might not usually be able to afford the entry fees. Another aim is to encourage people to discover and learn about their natural heritage. The West Coast National park is particularly lovely in spring, as all the flowers are out.

Later in the month, from the 24th to the 30th September 2018, Iziko museums hold their Festival of Heritage, in which entry to many of the museums is also free to SA citizens. This is a great opportunity to check out cultural, historical and natural exhibits at the various museums and galleries (a list of museums can be found here and includes the South African museum, the Slave Lodge, the Bo-Kaap museum and National Art gallery, among others). Why not visit one and learn something new about your country? Iziko museums also hosts a cultural program, which you can find out more about here.

Along these lines, did you know that the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is free to all African citizens every Wednesday? It is also free on Heritage day (24 September).

On Tuesday, Kirstenbosch botanical garden is free for pensioners, and the Table mountain cableway is free for South Africans on their birthday.

And if you’re not South African…never mind, because exchange rates are normally good for tourists, and it’s still well worth checking out all of these great places! 😉 Some of the most beautiful, like Table Mountain and the beaches are free anyway!