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South Africa

Things to do in South Africa

  1. Pure Pondo Adventures

    White sangoma (traditional African healer) Chris Reid Ntombemhlophe leads tours into the townships using local transport and taking you to traditional herbalist shops and to meet other sangomas. He also conducts a fascinating medicinal-plant tour through Kirstenbosch.

    reviewed

  2. Sam’s Cultural Tours

    Sam Ntimba’s half-day trip (R320) includes visits to a dormitory and shebeen in Langa and a crèche project in Crossroads. His Sunday tours to see a gospel choir in a Baptist church in Langa are popular.

    reviewed

  3. A

    Sasol Art Museum

    Featuring one of the country’s best selections of local art, both famous and emerging, this museum also contains an irreplaceable collection of African anthropological treasures.

    reviewed

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  5. Township Tours SA

    Afrika Moni guides you on a two-hour walking tour (R85) of the Hout Bay township Imizamo Yethu (it’s on the blue line of the City Sightseeing Cape Town bus), including a visit to a sangoma, a drink of homebrew at a shebeen and a look at some art projects. Bookings essential.

    reviewed

  6. B

    Toy & Miniature Museum

    This delightfully surprising museum features a remarkable collection of amazingly detailed toys ranging from railway sets to dollhouses – ask curator Philip Kleynhans to point out some of the more interesting pieces.

    reviewed

  7. C

    University of Stellenbosch Art Gallery

    In an old Lutheran Church, the university’s art gallery focuses on contemporary works by South African artists and art students. It’s well worth a visit.

    reviewed

  8. D

    Village Museum

    A group of exquisitely restored and period-furnished houses dating from 1709 to 1850 make up this museum, which occupies the entire city block bounded by Ryneveld, Plein, Drostdy and Church Sts and is a must-see. Also included are charming gardens and, on the other side of Drostdy St, stately Grosvenor House.

    reviewed

  9. E

    VOC Kruithuis

    The VOC Kruithuis was built in 1777 to store the town’s weapons and gunpowder and now houses a small military museum.

    reviewed

  10. Yiphile iKhayelitsha Ultimate Township Tours

    These half-day walking tours around Khayelitsha cover a couple of routes; one takes in the Oliver Tambo Sports Centre, Look Out Hill, community radio station Radio Zibonele FM, the Khayelitsha Craft Market, and ‘Baboon Man’ Victor Mooyi who makes cement and sand sculptures of African animals, as well as a chance to try umqombothi (traditional beer) and a open-air braai (barbecue).

    reviewed

  11. 96 Winery Road

    Off Rte 44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, it’s one of the most respected restaurants in the area, known for its dry aged beef.

    reviewed

  12. Aloe Afrika Sandboarding

    Sandboarding is just like snowboarding, with sand dunes replacing the snow. At Aloe Afrika Sandboarding punters can try their luck on the slopes with instruction, while care is taken to minimise the impact on the environment..

    reviewed

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  14. F

    Apprentice@Institute of Culinary Arts

    This is a stylish restaurant with a small, inspired menu. The restaurant is operated by students attending the Institute of Culinary Arts and service is excellent.

    reviewed

  15. G

    Beads

    This trendy à la carte restaurant attracts Stellenbosch’s beautiful people. In front of it is the bustling deli Voila!, where you can create your own meal.

    reviewed

  16. Billabong

    Rents out surfboardsand wetsuits.

    reviewed

  17. H

    Bohemia

    Offers live music every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and hubbly-bubblies (R40) with a range of different tobaccos.

    reviewed