With Heritage Day around the corner, and a full week’s-worth of exciting events taking place, we’ve rounded up plenty of braai spots to choose from, as well as answered what Heritage Day is all about. Now it’s time to discover 10 fun ways you can take advantage of this national holiday!

 

Western Cape

Hout-Bay2-via-Square-Views-Apartment-C-TravelGround

1. Visit the Hout Bay Seafood Festival on 24 September and take part in the Heritage Day Picnic at Kronendal Primary School. Afterwards, listen to the silver-tonged songbirds performing at the Heritage Day Concert. Find out more.

Stellies wine tasting at Hartenberg via TravelGround Blog

2. Visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town, and enjoy wine tastings, country cuisine, public braais, and cultural spots during Heritage Week.

 

KwaZulu-Natal

Braai at Moses Mabhida Stadium (C) Moses Mabhida Stadium

3. Pack your braai vleis, tongs, and side dishes, and head to People’s Park East at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24 September, to participate in Castle Lager’s sponsored event, “Let’s Braai”. The event which takes place on National Braai Day aims to beat the current world braai record and unite South Africans over coals and a cold one. Entertainment will consist of local talent and well-known DJs, while alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will available for purchase. Please note that no outside beverages (not even water) will be allowed into the stadium.

Shaka Zulu's memorial. (C) Battlefield Route SA

4. Keep an eye out for the procession of Zulu kings and dignitaries visiting the grave of King Shaka Zulu in KwaDukuza. King Shaka is honoured annually on 24 September for having united chiefdoms and clans. Due to this, Heritage Day was chosen specifically to coincide with this commemorative day, as the point of this national holiday is to unite and celebrate our Rainbow Nation.

 

Gauteng

Township tour example via TravelGround

5. Go on a Heritage Day bus tour in Soweto on 24 September and see some of the more obscure historical sights which include the Soweto Theatre, Freedom Square, and James Mpanza Sofasonke’s house.

Colour Me Crazy Collage (C) Roseanna McBain

6. Take part in the Colour Run, held at Rooseveldt High School near Emmarentia Dam. Stick around for the braai and best-dress competition, as local DJ’s entertain the crowd. TIP: Bring along sunscreen and a dust mask to protect your nose against the colourful powder paints, or don a full mask as part of your costume.

 

South Africa

Blue Whale skeleton up close (C) Nkansah Rexford (Creative Commons)

7. Go to any Iziko Museum around South Africa between 22 – 28 September and enjoy free entry for Heritage week! Get up close and personal with dinosaurs fossils, marvel at paintings from local artists, and learn via guides, films, and interactive displays. Please note that the Planetarium and Castle of Good Hope will only allow free entry to visitors on 24 September.

ArchBishop Desmond Tutu (C) Kristen Opalinski (Creative Commons)

8. Tweet to South Africa’s Patron Saint of National Braai Day – Desmond Tutu – or follow and become inspired by the tweets from the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation.

iSimangaliso-by-vaizha-Flickr1

9. Do a trip to any of these 8 UNESCO Heritage Sites in South Africa. Not only are they bucket list worthy, but there’s one in almost every province, which makes them perfect for an educational family outing.

Rhino run poster image (C) Rhino Run

10. Participate in the annual Rhino Run, which will take place in 6 South African cities and 2 international towns during Heritage Week. It’s one way to raise awareness about rhino poaching, as you raise funds for the cause and get to enjoy a trail run through gorgeous landscapes.

 

Share your thoughts on Heritage Day and National Braai Day with us in the comments below and let us know what other celebrations you’ll be joining in on during Heritage Week.