With its epic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, as well as iconic historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, South Africa seems to be a familiar destination even before you arrive – with many visitors experiencing a feeling of ‘coming home’. Dive deeper, however, and you’ll discover lesser-known facts about the Rainbow Nation that will make you see it in an unexpected new light. Here are some of our personal favourites – many of which not even locals may know. 

South Africa is a cultural melting pot 

Known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ thanks to its vibrant mix of cultures across the country, South Africa boasts an impressive 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa (which might sound familiar if you’re a fan of Marvel’s Black Panther movie – the people of Wakanda speak isiXhosa), IsiNdebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Only India has more official languages. Most South Africans speak more than one language, with IsiZulu the most common, followed by isiXhosa, while Afrikaans is taught as a first foreign language in many schools. 

South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities

To represent the South African government being divided into three sections, three different destinations make up the country’s capital cities. Cape Town is the legislative capital and also holds the country’s Parliament (even though the seat of government is in Pretoria), Pretoria is the administrative capital, and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital. Home to the President’s official offices, the Union Buildings in Pretoria are worth a visit to admire a larger-than-life statue of Nelson Mandela, and immaculate gardens and grounds.

The world’s first heart transplant took place in Cape Town

In 1967, South Africa became the first country in the world to host a successful heart transplant. Performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard and his team at Groote Schuur Hospital, the procedure soon became the most widely reported medical event in history. 

But that’s not all. Another South African, physicist Allan Cormack, developed the theoretical underpinnings of CT scanning in the late 1950’s – it took until 1971 for the first CT scanner to be built by his British colleague, Godfrey Hounsfield, who applied Cormack’s theoretical calculations. For their independent efforts, Cormack and Hounsfield shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. 

Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world

South Africa’s most recognisable landmark is over 600 million years old. To put that into perspective, the Himalayas are estimated to be between 40-50  million years old – making them sound brand-new in comparison. 

Table Mountain itself is positively young however compared to other South African mountain ranges, namely Mount Pilanesberg in the Witwatersrand Range (1.2 billion years old), Magaliesberg (2.4 BYO), Waterberg Mountains (2.7 BYO), and Makhonjwa Mountains in the Barberton Greenstone Belt (3.5 BYO). Topping all of them are the Makhonjwa Mountains (often called the ‘Genesis of Life’). Located between South Africa and Swaziland, they are said to be the oldest mountain range in the world. 

There’s a kingdom within the borders of South Africa

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a country landlocked as an enclave in South Africa in the Drakensberg Mountain area. Previously the British Crown colony of Basutoland, it was given independence by the United Kingdom in 1966 and is now a fully sovereign state, as well as a member of the United Nation, the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community. Boasting  the highest mountains in Southern Africa, the country has also been nicknamed ‘the Kingdom in the Sky’. 

South Africa is a green energy pioneer

It’s a little known fact that South Africa is the largest producer of platinum in the world – producing more than twice as much as every other country on earth combined. Platinum is a key enabler for the production and use of green hydrogen, which is going to play a key role in decarbonising the world – making platinum the critical mineral for energy transition and independence, and with it, South Africa a vital player in green energy production. 

South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world

Indigenous to Australia, macadamia nuts were first introduced in the Durban Botanical Gardens in 1915, with commercial production established in the 1960’s. South Africa’s subtropical regions provide the perfect climate for growing macadamias. The huge increase of production over the years meant that South Africa became Australia’s main competitor, eventually overtaking the country as the world’s largest producer in the 2010’s.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is small but mighty

It may be the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, but the Cape Floral Kingdom on the south-western extremity of South Africa is also the richest – and it is the only one located within a single country’s borders. Stretching from Clanwilliam in the Western Cape province to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, more than 9,600 plant species can be found within an area less than 90,000km², making it more botanically diverse than the Amazon Rainforest. 

Even more impressive is the fact that fynbos makes up 80% of the Cape Floral Kingdom – two-thirds of which is endemic to this geographic belt. 

South Africa is at the forefront of 21st century scientific exploration

The remote town of Sutherland, some 400km from Cape Town, is home to the largest single optical telescope in the Southern hemisphere. Called the ‘Giant Eye on the Sky’, or SALT (Southern African Large Telescope), it is the non-identical twin of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) in the USA, and has such high magnification that it can see the light of a candle on the moon. 

Part of a world-class research facility that regularly hosts local and international scientists, SALT is an extraordinary international collaboration that has put South Africa at the forefront of 21st century scientific exploration. While currently still unable to explain about 96% of the universe – notably dark matter and dark energy – astrophysicists believe images and information gathered from SALT may trigger a revolution more dramatic than the leap from Newtonian to quantum physics. 

The biggest diamond in the world was found in South Africa

Discovered at the Premier No.2 mine in Cullinan in 1905, the Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing an incredible 3,106 carats (621.20g). Named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine, it was handed over to the British royal family by South Africa’s colonial authorities. 

Cullinan produced stones of various cuts and sizes, the largest of which is named Cullinan I, or the Great Star of Africa. At 530.4 carats (106.08 g) it is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, and is currently mounted on a royal scepter belonging to the Royal Family, which is kept in the Tower of London. 

You can see fish from space

A natural phenomenon, the KwaZulu-Natal sardine run occurs from May through July every year, when billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along South Africa’s east coast. An event to rival East Africa’s great wildebeest migration, their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The shoals are often more than 7km long, 1.5km wide, and 30m deep – making them big enough to be spotted by satellites. The visually arresting migration requires cold water, with scientists predicting it may not be around forever – due to global warming. 

South Africa boasts the longest wine route in the world

The historic inland Route 62 stretches between the Western and Eastern Capes, connecting Cape Town with Port Elizabeth. At 850km, it is not only the longest wine route in the world, but also a scenic, more leisurely alternative to the busy N2 highway, as well as a less commercial option to the Garden Route. Opening up a whole different perspective, you’ll traverse scenic wine-producing towns such as Paarl, Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, and Wellington, with plenty to see and do along the way. 

12 surprising facts about South Africa
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Capetonians take their picnics very seriously – think beautiful wicker baskets filled to the brim with freshly prepared artisanal fare, accompanied by a bottle of chilled wine or bubbly and served against a glorious backdrop, be that vineyards, mountains or the Atlantic. We’ve tasted our way through Cape Town’s and the Winelands’ top picnic offerings, one delicious basket at a time, to bring you our personal top 10. 

Please note that most picnics are available during the warmer months only, usually from September to May, and that our favourites below all offer great vegetarian, vegan and kids‘ baskets – so there’s something for everyone.

The firm favourite spots

Boschendal, Franschhoek

Bring a blanket and cushions and recline under the trees of the pavilion lawn at this popular wine estate – a favourite with both locals and visitors. Your picnic basket comes laden with goodies made fresh on the farm by Boschendal’s team of bakers, butchers and chefs, and there’s lots of space to stretch out and let the sunstroke your face. Little ones meanwhile are sure to have a blast at The Tree House Playground and on the bike pump track. Tip: Book a weekend picnic to enjoy live music while you feast.

Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek

Virgin Limited Edition’s 40-hectare Franschhoek estate boasts an idyllic setting – think rolling meadows and lush vineyards stretching out towards mountains in the distance. Pick up a picnic basket from The Country Kitchen, filled with freshly prepared produce (the arancini with honey harissa sauce and sweet malva truffles are insanely good), and stroll down to the sparkling dam, where a scattering of garden cushions will have you linger all afternoon.

Warwick, Stellenbosch

Take your pick from picnic spots by the dam, complete with umbrella and cosy bean bags to recline on, or a more private picnic pod at this scenic Stellenbosch winery. The meticulously curated baskets, containing the likes of chicken and roasted vegetables on truffle-infused cous-cous, are sure to satisfy all your picnic cravings. Tip: little ones are welcome to splash in the fountain and water feature – make sure to bring swimming costumes.

Spier, Stellenbosch

A brilliant option for families – simply pick up your pre-ordered basket, complete with blankets, cutlery and glassware, and choose your picnic spot of choice, be that by the duck-filled dam or under ancient oaks. Little ones are sure to gravitate towards the Elemental Garden to splash around in the water features (bring swimming clothes and a towel!) Tip: Don’t leave without picking up a delicious pasteis de nata from Vadas Bakery – the golden cups of creamy custard, enrobed by perfectly crunchy and flaky pastry, are the best in the Cape.

Vergelegen, Somerset West

Vergelegen’s mystical forest is an incredibly romantic setting for a tucked-away ‘white tablecloth’ picnic under ancient camphor trees. The divine food selection includes ever-evolving culinary delights such as freshly baked artisanal bread with biltong-flavoured farm butter and various pâtés, and chicken marinated in plum, ginger, spring onion & coriander. Pair with a bottle of wine for an intimate tête-à-tête.

Grub & Vine Norval

The Norval Foundation offers one of Cape Town’s most sophisticated outdoor dining experiences. The picnic baskets feature the finest regional ingredients prepared with culinary expertise. Complementing the gourmet food is a curated selection of superb wines available from the comprehensive offer.

Picnicking in the expansive sculpture gardens allows guests to seamlessly blend the enjoyment of nature’s tranquillity with the stimulation of thought-provoking art. The setting encourages a leisurely pace, inviting visitors to soak up the serene atmosphere while being surrounded by impressive, rotating contemporary art installations.

Jonkerhuis Eatery

Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia, one of Cape Town’s most historic wine estates, offers a wonderfully relaxed picnic experience beneath its ancient oak trees. They cater to all with breakfast or lunch picnic baskets, including options for vegetarians and children. Guests can unwind by enjoying a chilled bottle of their renowned Governeurs Reserve, while younger visitors have the freedom to explore the expansive lawns and feed the ducks on the pond. Remember to pre-order your picnic baskets a minimum of 24 hours ahead of your visit.

Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek

Drive along scenic Chapman’s Peak to this looker of a wine estate, which offers sensational views of Noordhoek beach from any of its three picnic areas – all of which come with picnic blankets and cushions, and the chance to soak up the sea, mountain and vineyard views. A nice touch – picnic baskets come with a range of basics, to which you can add additional items according to your preferences.

For the less organised ones

The following two picnic suggestions are excellent options for guests who prefer spontaneity, as they do not require advance booking.

Buitenverwachting

This historic wine estate offers an idyllic summer picnic escape that is close to the city while maintaining a hidden, rural feel.The picnic area features wide lawns, sheltered by magnificent 250-year-old trees, with free-roaming chickens adding to the farm atmosphere. A variety of picnic platters can be ordered from the wine-tasting room, catering to all appetites—from a substantial harvest platter to lighter snacks featuring homemade patés and tapenades. A dedicated dessert board is also available. For those wanting extra treats, the nearby deli and coffee shop make it easy to add on fresh baked goods as the afternoon unfolds. Please note that the picnics are prepared on a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier you arrive the better. Own blankets and camping chairs are required.

Fynkos at The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

The visit to the botanical gardens in Cape Town is one of the most recommended and loved tourist attractions. What a better way to enjoy this activity than combining it with a lovely picnic in the vast laws under the majestic trees? The picnic baskets can be ordered and grabbed from the Fynkos restaurants. There is no need to pre-order. The fresh picnic goods are prepared swiftly. The delicious treats are prepared under the supervision of the homecooking queen, Pamela Shippel-Granoth and feature only the best and the pristine ingredients. You can pre-order your picnic from either the dedicated picnic menu or the main restaurant menu. Please note that picnic blankets are not provided by the botanical garden.

The 10 Best, Most Scenic, Picnic Spots in Cape Town, 2025 Edition
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It is time to be adventurous, hit the lesser known boutique wineries, meet with the winemakers and farm owners and experience wine tasting as locals do. For those who prefer to wander off the beaten track, these wine regions are a must visit. Family-run wineries, environmentally conscious and innovative winemakers and exceptional wine are just some reasons why you should hit the road and discover the less travelled wine routes.

The Swartland

This lesser-known wine region is currently producing some of the country’s most distinctive and sought-after wines. The winemakers here are scrupulous about the quality and focus on the niche production of controversial wines. The climate in the Swartland is warm and dry and the soils are some of the oldest viticultural soils in the world. This makes their wines rich and concentrated where the most popular variety is Chenin Blanc. You will experience these unique wines at their source most likely presented by the winemaker him/herself, but keep in mind that many wineries offer tasting by appointment only.

Elgin Valley

The Elgin Valley is fast making a name for itself in the wine world. Its unusual geography and cool climate are ideally suited for growing high quality wine grapes especially Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wine route in Elgin encompasses 15 wineries where every wine farm is family owned. You can expect to enjoy an intimate wine tasting often conducted by the owner or wine makers themselves. Your trip to Elgin can be accompanied by a fun, adrenaline filled adventure doing the Cape Canopy Zipline tour, constantly rated as one of the top activities in South Africa. Just make sure that you do the tour before the wine tasting.

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

This valley is just outside Hermanus, which is famous for whale-watching. Benefiting from its maritime character, high elevation and cool sea breezes, Hemel-en-Aarde became recognized for its Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. This narrow focus makes it a great place to do vertical tastings. Each winery produces small volume terroir-driven, premium quality wines that carefully express the winemakers’ personalities. Enjoy a thrilling experience by taking a tour of the valley via horse riding or quad biking.

Hemel-en-Aarde became recognized for its Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Off the beaten track​
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South Africa, and especially the greater Cape Town area, is home to one of the most spectacular wine regions in the world. Here you will find international award-winning wines and due to South Africa’s favourable exchange rate, they are very reasonably priced compared to wines of similar quality in other major wine-producing countries. The Cape Winelands was named as one of ten destinations featured on Lonely Planet’s Best Value Destinations in the World for 2020!

Despite 350 years of history, only a few people in Europe and North America are familiar with South African wine. Due to the boycotts of South African products in protest against the country’s system of apartheid, the wine industry received minimal international attention for much of the 20th century. Way back in the 18th and 19th centuries the wines of Constantia (the oldest wine region in South Africa) were one of the most popular globally, consumed by Russian Czars, British Monarchs, Frederic the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. The iconic Vin de Constance, produced by Klein Constantia, pays tribute to those early wines.

Today, a global leader in best wine practice in terms of traceability, sustainable production and ethical and environmental certification, South Africa is home to over 300 vineyards concentrated around Cape Town. The combination of delicious wines, beautiful landscapes, centuries old architecture and awe-inspiring food; makes wine tasting one of the best ways to spend a day in Cape Town.

Franschhoek Valley

Home to some of the most famous wine estates, this region was established by the French Huguenot refugees and has been producing wine since the 17th century. The prettiest of the Cape Wineland regions, this small village is blessed by traditional Cape Dutch architecture and breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, gourmet restaurants, boutique family vineyards or world class estates, Franschhoek has it all.

Constantia

Birthplace to Africa’s wine-making industry and home to the oldest estates, Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia. This suburb is only a half-hour drive from Cape Town and conveniently close to other places of interest such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Constantia wine valley is not only recognized for its great wine but offers award-winning restaurants too, such as The Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia and La Colombe at Silvermist.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is known for its premium red wines. Mediterranean climate, favourable soils and cool sea breezes have an excellent influence on grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Shiraz. If one of the must do activities on your Summer “to-do” list is a gourmet alfresco meal, then Stellenbosch offers a selection of top vineyard picnics. If art is one of your passions then a visit to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is highly recommended.

The Cape Winelands
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