By Gugulethu Tshabalala
This Heritage Month, take the road less travelled and discover the South African towns where history is still part of everyday life. There is something special about driving through South Africa.
You can leave a busy city behind, follow an unfamiliar road and, within a few hours, find yourself in a small town where historic buildings, local food, traditional crafts and generations of stories are still part of the landscape.
That is the beauty of Heritage Month.
Celebrated throughout September, Heritage Month is an opportunity to look beyond the major attractions and discover the places that help tell South Africa's story.
This year's national theme, "Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us," puts the spotlight on the languages, music, rituals and everyday traditions that keep that story alive, while Heritage Day will be commemorated on 24 September.
And you don't necessarily need an expensive holiday to experience it. Sometimes, all you need is a full tank, a playlist and a willingness to take a different turn. Here are seven South African towns and destinations worth putting on your road-trip list.
MPUMALANGA I Pilgrim's Rest
If you want your Heritage Month road trip to feel like stepping into another era, put Pilgrim's Rest on the list.
Situated along the Panorama Route, the historic village is closely associated with South Africa's late-19th-century gold rush. The entire village is considered a tourist attraction, with historic buildings, museums, shops and remnants of its mining-era past.
One of the highlights is Alanglade House Museum, the former mine manager's home, which dates back to 1915.
WHY XPLORE IT : History, mountain scenery, road-trip appeal and plenty of opportunities for photography.
EASTERN CAPE I Graaff-Reinet
Graaff-Reinet is one of those places where the architecture becomes part of the experience.
Founded in 1786, it is South Africa's fourth-oldest town and is home to more than 220 heritage sites. Its historic buildings reflect Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian influences, while the surrounding Karoo landscape provides a dramatic backdrop.
And if you want to extend the trip, nearby Camdeboo National Park and the Valley of Desolation add a spectacular natural dimension to the journey.
WHY XPLORE IT: Heritage architecture meets the wide-open Karoo.
WESTERN CAPE I Genadendal
Sometimes heritage is found in villages rather than famous tourist cities.
Genadendal, in the Western Cape, was established in 1738 and is recognised as South Africa's oldest Moravian mission station. Historic buildings, craftsmanship and community history make it a fascinating stop for travellers interested in living heritage.
It is also a reminder that South African heritage isn't only found in monuments. It lives in communities, traditions, buildings and stories passed from one generation to another.
WHY XPLORE IT : A quieter heritage experience with plenty of character.
WESTERN CAPE I Elim
If you're looking for somewhere visually distinctive, Elim deserves a spot on your itinerary.
The historic village is known for its Moravian heritage and distinctive architecture. Its slower pace suits travellers who want to explore on foot, take photographs and appreciate the details that are easy to miss when moving through at speed.
WHY XPLORE IT: Small-town charm, architecture and a very different pace of travel.
MPUMALANGA I Barberton
Barberton is another destination where the history of gold mining is deeply connected to the identity of the town.
But its story goes beyond mining. The surrounding landscape, historic character and geological significance make the area an interesting destination for travellers who want to combine heritage with the outdoors.
WHY XPLORE IT: A road trip with history, scenery and adventure in the same package.
EASTERN CAPE I Makhanda
Formerly known as Grahamstown, Makhanda offers another fascinating combination of history, culture and the arts.
The town has long been associated with South Africa's cultural and educational history, while its arts scene gives visitors another reason to explore beyond its historic buildings.
WHY XPLORE IT: Heritage isn't static here. It intersects with culture and contemporary creativity
Heritage is a road trip
South Africa's heritage isn't confined to museums or famous landmarks.
It can be found in an old railway station, a village church, a family-run restaurant, a historic house, a craft workshop, a traditional recipe or a road that has connected communities for generations.
That is also what makes a road trip such a fitting way to experience Heritage Month.
The Department of Tourism has encouraged South Africans to take a Sho't Left this September, whether for a day trip, weekend getaway or longer journey, while highlighting the role domestic tourism plays in supporting local businesses and communities.
So, this Heritage Month, consider doing something different. Don't just drive through the town. Because sometimes the best way to xplore South Africa isn't by taking the fastest route.
It's by taking the road that makes you curious.
