The World Cup brought South Africa to the forefront of the world’s attention, providing a great chance to remember the incredible history of the country’s fight against apartheid.

The football may now be over, but if you head to South Africa one opportunity you should not pass up is the chance to visit some of the main points of interest in the struggle for freedom.

Apart from the iconic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, there are a number of other places in South Africa where the struggle is remembered and brought vividly to life.

Red Location Museum

Red Location first came into existence as a shanty town back in 1877. Black people were relocated here by force at the beginning of the 19th century, and it became one of key areas for anti-apartheid activists in South Africa. Now its name is synonymous with the anti-apartheid movement.

Situated right in the middle of New Brighton township on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, the Red Location Museum is one of the best museums dedicated to the fight against apartheid. Lots of activists and political leaders from South Africa were born in the township, and many events during the struggle to end apartheid also took place here.

The award-winning architecture ensures a spectacular setting for the museum, but it is the exhibits inside that will really amaze. The museum takes a unique approach to highlight the contribution of the people of the area in the apartheid struggle, and it makes for a fascinating afternoon.

The Freedom Route

The KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route is a journey that takes you through some of the most important areas of South Africa in the history of the fight against apartheid. The main locations on the route are the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

In Durban you can visit the Luthuli Museum and Cato Manor, the settlement where Mahatma Gandhi was based for a time. There are also lots of museums to visit, along with the homes of renowned activists, and ANC hideouts. The KwaMuhle Museum is also of particular interest.

In Pietermaritzburg you can visit the Old Prison, see the statue of Ghandi, visit the Mandela Capture Site and take a trip to the Sobantu township. Here you can visit real communities of South Africa, eat the local food of the township and talk to local people who lived through the horror of apartheid. There is no better way to experience the real history of South Africa.

Liliesleaf Farm

Liliesleaf Farm has gone down in legend in South Africa as the secret location where high-ranking members of the ANC planned their attempts to overthrow the government. This hideout even housed Nelson Mandela for a while. Following a police raid in 1963, many senior members of the ANC were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Treason Trials. It is well worth a visit to see one of the most important locations in the anti-apartheid movement.

A Different View of South Africa

South Africa may be visited more for its stunning wildlife and incredible natural scenery, but if you want to experience the recent history of the country through the eyes of the people who lived through the horrors of apartheid, the above locations provide you with a unique opportunity to do so.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa