Good to Know
3 5 9 8 6 10 8
6
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
Why? In 1947 Robert Broom and John T Robinson discovered the fossilised skull of an Australopithecus africanus, later called Mrs Ples, in the Sterkfontein Caves. It is the most complete skull of the species ever found.
Contact:
7
014 577 9000; maropeng.co.za
MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK
Why? uKhahlamba means “Barrier of Spears” in Zulu and it’s an apt name for these highaltitude grasslands and deep, rocky gorges. The mountain range is split into Northern, Central and Southern regions, and there are various hiking and accommodation options in all three.
Contact: 033 845 1000; kznwildlife.com
8
MAKHONJWA MOUNTAINS
Why? These mountains are “the history of our planet cast in stone”. Do the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, a 38 km self-drive route that follows the R40 from Barberton to Josefsdal, and then south to Bulembu on the eSwatini border.
Contact: 013 712 6490; geotrail.co.za
9
ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
Why? SA’s first World Heritage Site combines various pristine habitats: marine, coastal wetland, estuarine and terrestrial. You can see nesting turtles, whales and dolphins, elephants, buffalo, rhino and more than 500 bird species.
Contact: 035 590 1633; isimangaliso.com
10
MAPUNGUBWE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE Why? This area is home to South Africa’s very first kingdom, dating from the 13th century, when a sophisticated society traded goods like gold and ivory with other civilisations in modern-day China, Egypt and India. Some sites are still virtually untouched since being abandoned in the
14th century.
Contact: 015 534 7923; sanparks.org