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Cape Town and Table Mountain

South Africa History and culture

History and culture holidays in South Africa

Introduction

South Africa is known for both its ethnic and cultural diversity, immerse yourself in the history and of this fascinating country and discover the numerous Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Explore remnants of the past

Uncover civilisations past by visiting KwaZulu Natal and seeing for yourself the 3,000-year-old san rock engravings, explore the heart of Southern Africa’s first indigenous community in the Mapungubwe World heritage Site or, take a trip to the emotive battlefields of the Zululand region – Isalndwana and Rocke’s Drift – and lose yourself in the incredible story telling about the Anglo Zulu war. Discover South Africa’s chequered past; take a ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, visit one of the oldest buildings in South Africa – the Iziko Slave Lodge – dating back to 1660 or, gain an honest impression of the countries diamond history at the largest hand dug mining hole, the Big Hole.

Everyday culture of South Africa

South Africa holds a very strong cultural heritage so why not partake in a cultural tour of today’s South Africa, your friendly local guide will show you round their township – South Africa’s informal settlements. During the tour you can submerged yourself in true African culture, learn about your guide’s day to day life, perhaps take part in an African drumming session and enjoy a traditionally cooked meal perfectly accompanied by a traditional beer at a local tavern known as a shebeen. Cape Malay’s Bo-Kaap township contains some of the most eye-catching architecture in South Africa, with the brightly coloured housing and aromatic spice shops you will be welcomed with open arms and a warm smile.

World-renwoned winelands and beyond

The early history of South African wine can be traced to the Cape of Good Hope, where the vineyard was planted in order to supply sailors with wine and grapes – wrongly believed at the time to keep scurvy at bay. Wine to this day remains a strong part of South African culture; wander through a vineyard in one of the famous wine regions of Stellenbosch, Barrydale, Paarl or Franshhoek. Take a tour of a winery and enjoy a glass or two.

Let Wexas tailor your holiday

When you book your South African luxury holiday with Wexas, as well as luxury accommodation and excellent guides our expert travel consultants will use their in depth knowledge of the country to tailor your itinerary so that your South African holiday includes the history and cultures that interest you.

 

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Our top itineraries for South Africa History and culture

Southern right whale, Hermanus

South Africa: Cape Town, Wine & Whales

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,430 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £445pp
Book by: 29 November 2024

Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

Cheetah, Phinda Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal Discovery Self-Drive

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,950 pp incl. flights

With KwaZulu-Natal perhaps the most diverse of South Africa’s provinces, this road trip takes in everything from the Drakensberg Mountains and Durban’s beachfront to Zulu battlefields and a Big-Five safari.

Grootbos coastal safari

South Africa's Wildlife, Wine & Natural World

14-day tailor-made holiday from £7,400 pp incl. flights

Venture off the beaten path with expert-led tours and stays in some of the country’s finest hotels as you combine the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg with an all-inclusive Big Five safari, a wine farm retreat and a rural escape in an idyllic nature reserve.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's West Coast Discovery

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,950 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Free night at Bushman's Kloof during May-Aug – Save up to £335pp
Book by: 15 November 2024

Pair the headline acts of Cape Town with some off-the-beaten track luxury in Paternoster and the spectacular Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

View all itineraries

Top offers for South Africa History and culture

Southern right whale, Hermanus

South Africa: Cape Town, Wine & Whales

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,430 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £445pp
Book by: 29 November 2024

Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's West Coast Discovery

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,950 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Free night at Bushman's Kloof during May-Aug – Save up to £335pp
Book by: 15 November 2024

Pair the headline acts of Cape Town with some off-the-beaten track luxury in Paternoster and the spectacular Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

View all offers

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected