7 Crazy and Unusual Places to Visit in South Africa

Favour Ijeoma Okuguni
5 min readOct 16, 2023

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Places to Visit in South Africa
picture credit: The Guardian

Located far South on the map of Africa is a country so diverse that it is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation.’

Welcome to South Africa, or as my Zulu brothers would say, “Wamukelekile eNingizimu Afrika!!!!”

South Africa is home to over 62 million people and a vast variety of plants and wildlife. There are 11 official languages spoken in the country.

The country is home to 21 national parks, 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 3 capital cities.

Looking for unusual places to visit in the World?

From the Post-Office Tree in Mossel Bay to Adam’s calendar in Ehlanzeni, South Africa should be your next travel destination.

Join us as we explore the craziest and most unusual places to visit in South Africa.

Asambe!!!! Let's Go!!

Unusual Places to Visit in South Africa

The Owl House

The Owl House — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Graaff Reinet Tourism

A house constructed by a depressed woman in her 50s who was inspired by Bible stories, the poetry of Omar Khayyam, and the works of William Blake is definitely an unusual place to visit.

Helen Martins started the construction from the insides of the house left to her by her parents after they both died of cancer.

She was so invested in her work that she could not bear her eyesight loss. August 1986, Helen took her life.

The house was named after Helen’s favorite bird.

The Owl House made it to our list of unusual places to visit in South Africa as it tells the story of a woman who lived a very sad life.

The Big Pineapple

The Big Pineapple — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: The Expedition Project

Standing 56 feet tall on the outskirts of Bathurst, South Africa, is the world’s largest pineapple.

Bathurst is known for the cultivation of Pineapple.

Legends have it that the Bathurst ancestors had problems cultivating other crops until they tried planting pineapples.

As a reminder to all, the Bathurst Agricultural Community decided to erect a giant pineapple structure in 1980.

The inside of the pineapple houses a museum of pineapple products.

Are you a pineapple lover? You should try out some pineapple products on display.

The Gaansbaai Village

The Gaansbaai — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Viator

Gaansbai, a small fishing town, is always flooded by tourists all year round. But why?

Down the river, somewhere between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, is an entire Shiver of sharks. Tourists are placed in cages and thrown into the river to have a close-up view of the sharks.

How crazy is that?

The adrenaline rush that comes from taking selfies with the sharks secured the Gaansbai River, a place on our list of crazy and unusual places to visit in South Africa.

Cradle of Humankind

Cradle of Humankind — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Viator

Located 31 km Northwest from Johannesburg is the World’s largest paleoanthropological site called the “Cradle of Humankind.”

It is home to several fossils including the 2.3 million years fossil nicknamed “Mrs. Ples.”

Well, a place filled with fossils as old as mankind should definitely be on your list of unusual places to visit in South Africa.

Post-Office Tree

Post-Office Tree — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Wkipedia

Somewhere in Mossel Bay, South Africa, is an old milk tree that serves as the first post office in South-Africa.

An European explorer left a report in his boot and hung it on the milk tree. Days later, new explorers discovered the message and from that time the tree served as a post office for the Portuguese.

The transformation of an ordinary 600 year old tree to an important historical site, gave ‘The Post Office Tree’ a spot on our list of unusual places to visit in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Mandela Capture Site — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Anew Hotels and Resort

A forest of steel bars that take the shape of the most outstanding person in South African history when viewed from the right angle.

The statue of Nelson Mandela was erected on the exact spot Nelson was arrested in 1962. It was erected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his arrest.

This statue site is on our list of unusual places to visit in South Africa because it allows us to be part of the Veteran’s story.

Motouleng Caves

Motouleng Cave — Places to Visit in South Africa
Picture Credit: Atlas Obscura

At the foot of the Motouleng Cave are clay huts occupied by Shamans.

Yes, you heard me right , Shamans!!

Shamans have been known to possess healing powers making the cave for visitors seeking healing.

The cave is also known for its good luck charm and fertility.

A place occupied by people, we only read about in storybooks or watch in movies had to be part of our list of crazy and unusual places to visit in South Africa.

Conclusion

South Africa is home to people from different tribes. The country has a rich history and several historical monuments.

Unfortunately, we have come to an end of our journey around the unusual places to visit in South Africa.

How did you find the journey?

Where would you love us to visit next?

Let us know in the comment section.

Until our next trip!!!!!!

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Favour Ijeoma Okuguni

SEO Writer || SERPs are my playground not a Guru yet but it is just a matter of time. After all, Experience is the best teacher. Welcome to my writing hub.