Explore The Unique Hidden Side Of South Africa This Year

South Africa is known for its major cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. Meanwhile, the African nation features game reserves, like Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park and more. However, South Africa also has a more hidden side, with intriguing locations to visit and share on Instagram. Here, we briefly visit the Goat Tower of Fairview, the  Sunland Baobab, Macassar Beach Pavilion, Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Center and the striking Afrikaans Language Monument.

Fairview Goat Tower – Fairview Cheese & Wine Farm, Paarl, South Africa

First, we visit the Fairview Cheese & Wine Farm in Paarl, South Africa. While the farm produces excellent wines, it also has a herd of goats to produce milk for its delicious cheese. Meanwhile, as many people know, goats love to climb and have even been known to climb on top of other livestock to get a better view.

Back in 1981, Charles Back, the farm owner, came up with the perfect solution. He built a goat tower to give his herd of Saanen goats somewhere to climb and get the perfect view. Meanwhile, the farm’s winery came up with the perfect name for their wines. Each is labeled “Goats do Roam,” a clever play on the French wines produced in Côtes du Rhône. Naturally, when visiting the Goat Tower, you can also sample the farm’s excellent cheeses and wines.

Sunland Baobab – Duiwelskloof, Limpopo

Standing on a property in Duiwelskloof, the Sunland Baobab is among the largest baobab trees in South Africa. It stands 72 ft in height with a diameter of an amazing 155 ft, making it the widest on the African continent. Meanwhile, it is estimated that the giant tree is around 6,000 years old.

As Baobab trees naturally hollow out after some 1,000 years, the Van Heerden family who own the land came up with a great idea. They created a pub inside the hollowed baobab and while it is small, the rustic bar can accommodate 15 people with seating outside.

Macassar Beach Pavilion – Cape Town, South Africa

The next stop is in Cape Town, where the Macassar Beach Pavilion was abandoned some years ago. Since that time, nature has reclaimed the pavilion and its water slides. Meanwhile, the water park got its name from the Sheikh of Yusuf, a Macassar nobleman who died here in 1699 and whose grave is nearby. However, beware, as signs at the beach pavilion warn visitors that the sand dunes are constantly on the move.

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre – Barkly West Road, Barkley West

For those who love history and rock art, the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Center features engravings going back some 1,000-2,000 years. Experts believe the sophisticated religious art was created by the Bushman or San society in South Africa. Meanwhile, it is also believed the art was inspired by visions during a trance. It was then left on the rocks to inspire others. Moreover, among the carvings are many wildlife species, including elephants and rhinos.

Afrikaans Language Monument – Gabbema Doordrift Street, Paarl, South Africa

Heading back to Paarl, we now look at the Afrikaans Language Monument. Among the country’s 11 official languages, Afrikaans originated as a Dutch dialect. Meanwhile, a striking monument was constructed in granite to honor the language, with three, convex mounds relating to the role played by African tongues. Pictured above and top of the article, it is believed that the soaring obelisk was inspired by writer C.J. Langenhoven, who deemed Afrikaans a “rapidly ascending curve.”

Make a point to visit these fascinating hidden attractions on your next vacation in South Africa.