Wacky Happenings You'll Only Witness In South Africa

South Africa is a diverse country that draws praise for its diverse natural beauty, friendly residents, and myriad languages and cultures. Of course, we also have a few fairly unique things that chances are you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Though some of these might take some seeking out, there are several things you may witness here that you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else.

Wild baboons appreciating the view

Please don’t travel to South Africa and expect to find lions and elephants walking our streets. We have plenty of both, but they’re confined to carefully managed, and confined, game reserves. However, there’s one animal that’s managed to slip through the cracks — the remarkably intelligent and resilient baboon. These cute but sometimes aggressive critters are particularly common in Cape Town, where they’ve been known to open car doors, hang out in suburban swimming pools, or simply kick back and take in the views. And really, who can blame them?

Drive-by shopping centres

Overflowing minibus taxis recruiting more passengers

South Africa’s never been particularly big on safe and efficient public transport. The enterprising minibus taxi industry grew out of necessity, when there was no infrastructure to get people living in so-called townships on the outskirts of cities to work. Though public transport has improved, somewhat, these taxis still exist, and it’s still a remarkable sight to see drivers or their assistants happily reassuring passengers that there’s plenty of space, even though they’ve already crammed dozens of people into a tiny 10-seater van.

Kudu dung spitting competitions

Though this isn’t something you’ll likely find happening in your average bustling South African city centre, it’s worth a mention for its sheer wackiness. Kudu dung spitting, or bokdrol spoeg, is a sport that some Afrikaans people take great pride in. It involves little more than slipping a pellet of antelope dung into your mouth, drawing in a deep breath, and spitting it out as far as possible.

Complete strangers referring to each other as family members

South Africa is a warm and hospitable country. So much so, that it’s not uncommon to hear familial references between complete strangers. Sisi or bhuti (sister or brother), oom or tannie (aunty or uncle), and uncle and aunt are terms of respect and endearment often exchanged at such intimate places as banking tellers and supermarket checkout queues.

Crazed soccer fans blasting on plastic horns

Though not uniquely a South African invention, few countries around the world have taken to the plastic horn quite like we have. These horns, or vuvuzelas, initially drew the scorn of annoyed football fans visiting the country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And then they realised just how fun it is to blast these tone-deaf instruments into the air with reckless abandon at 22 guys chasing a small ball around a field, and all was forgiven.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.