The Rainbow Nation
January 2018
A land rich in culture, activism, wildlife, and gold
South Africa is a land of diversity: culture, landscape, and wildlife all combine to make South Africa one of the most interesting places to visit in the world. With significant infrastructure, easy access, and options for all types of travelers, it is one of the most popular African countries for tourists, despite the great distance. The modern nation is rather young, with Nelson Mandela elected less than 25 years ago.
South Africa was the first country I, as a young 6 month old traveler, ever visited! During our visit in January 2018, we experienced some of what modern South Africa has to offer. Based on our trip, extensive research, and tips from friends and family who live in South Africa, I share my thoughts on a country undergoing a major transformation. But more than just travel tips I have compiled music, books, movies, and videos to provide a cultural experience. Preparation and information make for an informed and meaningful experience.
13 Day Suggested Itinerary
For a detailed itinerary see here.
Day 1 – Fly In to Johannesburg, Apartheid Museum, Jet Lag
Day 2 – Soweto, Melville, Sandton
Day 3 – Lesedi Cultural Village/Cradle of Humankind OR Pretoria OR Lion Park Reserve
Day 4 – Kruger Park, Crocodile Bridge Camp
Day 5 – Kruger Park: Crocodile Bridge to Sabie Camp
Day 6 – Kruger Park: Crocodile Bridge to Skukuza Camp
Day 7 – God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon
Day 8 – Fly to Cape Town, Central Cape Town, Bo-Kaap
Day 9 – Table Mountain
Day 10 – Cape Town Waterfront and Robben Island
Day 11 – Cape Peninsula
Day 12 – Fly to Johannesburg, Downtown Johannesburg
Day 13 – Fly Home
Our 18 Day trip
(including Mozambique and Victoria Falls)
Book List
South African writing contains a huge variety of culture, language, and voice. My entire book list can be found here. Three of my favorites include:
Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee
The Heart of Redness by Zakes Mda
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
TV and Movies
Much of modern South African film is focused on apartheid and the inequality it has created. My two favorite films were the 2004 HBO film Yesterday, focusing on a mother with AIDs raising her little daughter, Yesterday, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. A longer list of films and movies can be found here.
Music Playlist
From Metal to Folk, in numerous languages from Afrikaans to Zulu, South African music is as diverse as the country itself. Music played an important role during the apartheid struggle and continues to be an outlet for activism and protest. My favorite bands include the Afro-fusion band Freshlyground (who performed with Shakira during the World Cup in 2014), Capetonian Indie Pop band Al Bairre, and folk singer Matthew Mole. My spotify playlist can be found here.
YouTube Playlist
A playlist of videos on subjects including the Zulu empire, Apartheid, modern South Africa, Table Mountain, local bands, and the flag can be found here.