World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, is a day aimed to raise awareness about the important role of tourism within the community and how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide. While you should be “proudly South African” on any given day, World Tourism Day provides the chance for us to take a look at our heritage, our roots, and our beautiful surroundings; to make the most of what we have and to experience as much of it for ourselves. Here are some ways you can celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September this year:
Visit Robben Island
Whether you’ve been a hundred times or never before, visiting Robben Island is a great way to celebrate tourism in Cape Town. For centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment, and is well known for having held the historic figure, Nelson Mandela. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and a museum, offering South Africans and tourists a chance to learn about the history of pre-apartheid South Africa.Ferries depart at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00, and 15h00 from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Tours include a return ferry trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, and a bus tour of the Island. Tickets cost R230 per adult and R120 per child from Webtickets.
Sleepover at Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions. Situated in Parkview, Johannesburg, the zoo covers 81 hectares of land and offers visitors an exciting day of animal sightings, from monkeys and lions, to birds and reptiles. As those staying in Johannesburg have likely already been to the zoo, switch your experience for an exciting Zoo Snooze. You will be treated with a Behind the Scenes Tour, a Night Tour, and a bonfire, before curling up in your sleeping bags and falling asleep to the sounds of the animals. The Zoo Snooze is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings. It costs R100 – R150 per person, depending on the group size. Booking is essential.
Explore uShaka Marine World
The exciting Sea World aquarium at uShaka Marine World boasts a variety of entertainment for the young and old in Durban. Spend some time exploring the aquarium which boasts a variety of marine tanks, a ‘dangerous creatures’ exhibit, a penguin exhibit, as well as dolphin and seal shows. There are plenty of eateries to take your fancy, such as the exciting Cargo Hold Restaurant where you can enjoy your meal next to a window overlooking a shark tank. Sea World is open Monday to Sunday, from 09h00 – 17h00. Entry costs R139 per adult, R105 per child and pensioner, and free for kids under 3 years.
Explore the National Zoological Gardens
Also known as Pretoria Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens is the largest zoo in the country – and the only one with national status! The 85 hectare plot of land boasts over 6km of pathways that can be covered on foot or by golf cart. Spend the day exploring the zoo with over 9,000 animals in 705 different species like cheetah, zebra, rhino, giraffe, elephant, panda, lion, tiger, monkeys, sheep, and a whole lot more! A cable car links the top of the hill to the entrance and offers a chance to see the zoo from above. A variety of day tours are offered, along with night tours and a chance to camp out at the zoo!
How will you be celebrating World Tourism Day this year?
