When it comes to walking, South Africa is a country second to none. From Cape to Cape and East to West there is stunning scenery, breathtaking landscape and extraordinary sights that you will be hard pressed to forget in a hurry. However, there are some other walks that will stand out in the memories of South Africans for many years to come.

Mandela’s Walk to Freedom

Perhaps the most memorable example of historical walking South Africa has ever seen, Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom in 1990 is unlikely to be forgotten for a long time. On a particularly warm Sunday afternoon in February, Mandela emerged from Victor Verster where he had spent the final 3 of his 27 years in prison. On his release, Mandela was greeted by a great deal of support and also by a general feeling of hope which emanated from a vast majority of the general public. Twenty years later, South African president Jacob Zuma called for a special sitting of parliament in order to honour Mandela’s walk to freedom, which the now retired president himself will be attending.

The Annual Gandhi Walk

We’ve all heard of Gandhi, but not everyone will know of the years that he spent in South Africa, fighting against racial discrimination and oppression in order to achieve unity and a better life for citizens, and in particular for those of Indian descent. Now, 150 years after Indian people entered South Africa, and 25 years after the first of the South African Gandhi walks, you will see thousands of people gathering together to take part. With the option of entering two walks – either the 7 kilometre or the 15 kilometre walk – this annual charity walk is open to anyone. The Gandhi Walk is of particular significance, as it is also seen as a chance to promote good health; a variety of free health services are available at the event, including cholesterol and blood-sugar testing, and foot and eye care. So whilst Gandhi may no longer be present walking South Africa to unity, this is a tradition that has taken off and lived on for many years.

Walking Out at the World Cup

And finally, whilst this walk might not have happened just yet, you can bet your boots that there is nothing that a South African will remember longer than walking South Africa’s opponents, the English football team, out onto the pitch during the 2010 World Cup. A number of young children from South Africa’s townships have been offered this once in a lifetime opportunity, during which they will don a crisp and clean England strip and walk out onto the football pitch at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as the lucky mascots of the English football team. This memorable walk will take place just before England’s first match of the World Cup 2010, in which they will be facing the United States of America.

So if your holiday is going to involve walking, South Africa is not only top of the list thanks to what it can offer you in the way of stunning scenery, but also as a result of the historical importance of so many other walkers that have gone before.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: walking South Africa