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The Atlas Obscura Guide To South Africa

64 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in South Africa

Updated December 12, 2022

Cities

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Unusual Attractions in South Africa

Duiwelskloof, South Africa

Sunland Baobab

A South African bar inside a hollowed out 6,000-year-old Baobab.

Ehlanzeni, South Africa

Bourke's Luck Potholes

Raging waters have created a strange geological site that looks like something off of a progressive rock album cover.

Cape Town, South Africa

Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary

This African beach is home to thousands of rare mainland penguins that are known for their annoying voice.

Cape Town, South Africa

Bo Kaap

Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Bo Kaap is a colorfully-painted suburb located in the “Mother City” of South Africa.

Ehlanzeni, South Africa

Adam's Calendar

Hidden in the hills is a mysterious stone structure, known only to a few.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Collectors Treasury

Over a million items cram the shelves at Africa's largest shop of used and rare books.

Cape Town, South Africa

South African Astronomical Observatory

This historic observatory was established to keep shipwrecks from littering the Cape of Good Hope.

Cape Town, South Africa

Seal Island

Haven for Cape Fur Seals, until the Ring of Death of jumping Great White Sharks arrives.

See All 64 Things To Do in South Africa

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in South Africa

Duiwelskloof, South Africa

Sunland Baobab

A South African bar inside a hollowed out 6,000-year-old Baobab.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Neighbourgoods Market

A growing popular hipster market with over 100 local specialties and live music.

Cape Town, South Africa

Tapi Tapi Ice Cream

The frozen treats at this Cape Town parlor are inspired by Africa's food cultures.

Bathurst, South Africa

The Big Pineapple

The world's largest pineapple building honors Bathurst's favorite fruit.

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Architectural Oddities 4

History & Culture 4

Places To Stay 2

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Stories About South Africa

South Africa's Penguins May Beat the Heat With New Ceramic Nests

The artificial nests could shield the endangered seabirds from rising temperatures.

by Ryan Truscott

December 12, 2022

The Genre-Bending World of Amapiano, South Africa’s Township House Music

You can’t not dance when amapiano comes on.

by Selema Masekela

How to Connect With Nature Like a South African Wilderness Guide

Tragedy set Sicelo Mbatha on a course to understand, and make peace with, the wild on its own terms.

by Gemma Tarlach

Can We Track Elephants With Earthquake Detectors?

Low-cost seismometers could give rural communities an alert system, or begin to decipher elephant communication.

by Robin George Andrews

February 8, 2021

The Archaeologists Recreating the Sounds of the Stone Age

Researchers are working to uncover whether ancient objects in South Africa were once used to make noise or music.

January 12, 2021

Under Pandemic Prohibition, South Africans Resort to Pineapples

A strict lockdown has meant a spike in homebrewing.

The Outsize Allure of South Africa's Flightless Dung Beetle

In Addo Elephant National Park, the smallest residents may be the biggest draw.

by Sandra MacGregor

When South Africa Was Home to the 'Firewalkers' of Karoo

The reptilian critters may not have survived, but they made sure to sign off feet first.

by Isaac Schultz

January 29, 2020

Lists Featuring South Africa

ALMA.

The observatory.

Ulugh Beg Observatory.

20 Out-of-This-World Stargazing Spots

These observatories boast truly stellar views.

Including Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), National Observatory of Colombia, and Pic du Midi Observatory

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