Sacred Places
Birthplace of Man
The Cradle of Humankind is Gauteng's most famous World Heritage site (situated less than an hour from Johannesburg). The famous Sterkfontein Caves have produced nearly half of the world's hominid fossils. Additionally, to the Northeast of Sterkfontein lies the fabulous Wonder Cave, home to the ice Madonna and an underground `cathedral' that is simply mesmerising.
One of the most famous predictions made by Charles Darwin was also based on biogeography: The location for the "origin of man".
Dragon Mountains
The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a mountain wilderness boasting the highest mountain range in South Africa. Known to the Zulu nation as the `Barrier of Spears', the Dragon Mountains offer a world of waterfalls, mountain peaks and rock faces adorned with San rock art. Once the ancient home to shamans and medicine men, the area is a perfect place to meditate on things of a soulful kind. The area is one of four official World Heritage sites in South Africa.
Fertility Caves
Situated in the Eastern Free State near Clarens lie the Fertility Caves. These caves have served as a spiritual gathering place for over 800 years to various tribes and religions in and around Southern Africa. Of course a little jaunt to the arty hub of Clarens could do wonders for your creative spirit.
Forest of the Rain Queen
Limpopo's Modjadji Reserve is the birthplace and stomping ground of the famous Rain Queen(s) of the Lobedu tribe who are said to have powerful mystical powers. The village of Modjadji is surrounded by mists and the nearby Modjadi Cycad Reserve is said to be one of the most unique plant kingdoms in Africa.
Groot Marico
The little town of Groot Marico offers a soul journey of the literary kind. This tiny dorp was made famous by author Herman Charles Bosman and his notorious character 'Oom Schalk Lourens'. This area is dedicated to the gentle art of storytelling... and to the spirit of a unique kind - mampoer (a very strong locally brewed liquor)!
Hill of the Jackals
Situated at the confluence of the Sashi and Limpopo Rivers lie the great ruins at Mapungubwe - home to one of the first (and wealthiest) African kingdoms. The ruins show remains of human occupation around 850 AD (long before the emergence of Great Zimbabwe). The artefacts of Mapungubwe (including the famous gold bowl and rhinoceres dating back to 1200AD) are evidence of a flourishing trade of an advanced African Kingdom.
Hogsback
Hogsback in the Eastern Cape's Amatola Mountains has long been touted as a spiritual hotspot for those with healing on their minds. Pockets of indigenous trees embrace the sides of river gorges and waterfalls with magical names such as Madonna and Child, and the Bridal Veil Cataract...abound. A cloud forest and the odd samango monkey welcome visitors and the area also offers authentically inspired indigenous craft from local Xhosa artists.
Hole in the Wall
The hiking trail that is offered along one of South Africa's more beautiful coastlines - the Wild Coast Meander is a balm for any tired soul. The beach hike that consists of a four-day journey takes one to traditional villages and hidden waterfalls with local guides from the area. The walk includes a visit to Hole-in-the-Wall at Coffee Bay, a prominent rock formation that has become a symbol for the Xhosa in memory of a great historical tragedy - the 'Great Cattle Killing".
Lake Fundudzi
The Limpopo province is home to one of the sacred myths and legends of the Venda people. The mystical atmosphere, the lush forests and the deeply reverent people are all the ingredients one needs for a genuine soul journey. Local legend has it that Lake Fundudzi is protected by a python god, the Vondo Forest closeby is said to be a `holy forest', home to Venda's ancestral fathers.
Mkuzi Game Reserve
If going into nature is a healing experience, then a trip to Mkuzi Game Reserve is more than what the doctor ordered! The area boasts more than 400 species of birdlife and is one of the country's more spectacular forested areas. The Fig Forest at Mkuzi is famed and the area is well known for its butterfly population and incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Namaqualand in Spring
The Northern Cape is famous for its spectacular floral carpet that comes to life for a few weeks every year between July and September. The spot is famed for its technicolour fields and the ultimate inner child journey is a bicycle ride through the Goegrap Nature Reserve….They say you sob twice when you visit Namaqualand - once when you arrive, and the other time - when you leave.
Ndebele Heartland
The Komjekejeke Living Heritage Site sits near Wallmasthal, 35km north of Pretoria and forms part of the Gauteng's Dinokeng ('Place of Rivers') tourism initiative. The ancestral land is owned by the Silamba Trust (under the leadership of King Makhosoke II Mabena) and houses the ancestral ruins of the Ndebele nation dating back as far as 1873. A sacred space for the Ndebele people, this will no doubt will soon to be a tourist attraction for Gautengers and visitors to the region.
Richtersveld National Park
Situated in Northwestern Namaqualand, the landscape of the Richtersveld is harsh and unforgiving... and deeply mystical. Some of the more rugged landscapes have been given evocative names such as Skeleton Gorge, Devil's Tooth and Helskloof. The area is the stomping ground of the fascinating Nama people and legend and magic is rife in the area....so be sure to stay a while.
Sacred Places in South Africa
From the imposing Table Mountain to Gauteng's Cradle of Humankind, South Africa is a place renowned for its sacred spaces, spiritual beliefs and ancient legends That have stood the test of time. There are so many sacred places in South Africa….from the solitude of the Karoo, to the Owl House in Nieu Bethesda to the wetlands of the Greater St Lucia Park….and beyond. South Africa is a land that offers not only scenic adventures, but spiritual journeys that will stay with you long after the memories have faded.
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