A fascination with the past: 5 dark tourism attractions in South Africa

Posted on 12 November 2021

When planning a holiday, most people aren’t likely to put memorial sites, prisons and abandoned castles on their to-do list. Many people go for the most lively and glamorous destinations, so that they can experience all the beauty the world has to offer.

There is, however, a subculture of tourism that embraces infatuation with the tragic and obscure. This phenomenon is becoming known as dark tourism. If you are a tourist who is curious about exploring the so-called ‘darker’ side of South Africa, this list provides five destinations you might want to look up.

1. Robben Island, Western Cape

Picture: Getaway Gallery

Located 6.9 kilometres off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island remains a relic of South Africa’s tragic past. The island was once the host of a maximum-security prison that held many of South Africa’s political prisoners during the infamous Apartheid regime. Constructed in the 1960s, the prison witnessed injustice, tragedy, and other atrocities that have made it such an important historical memorial for South Africa. Today the island has been converted into a heritage site and museum that provides sightseeing tours of the old prison and educational tours of the island.

For more information on Robben Island visit: https://www.robben-island.org.za/

2. The Bethulie war trail, Free State

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be a boer soldier during the South African War of 1899 to 1902? The Bethulie war trail is speculated to be the oldest surviving hotel in the Free State. The hotel rests on land that was used by many historical figures during the South African  Second Anglo-Boer War. This preserved piece of history was once the location of the Boer War concentration camp known as the ‘Bethulie Refugee Camp’ and was also the battleground for countless battles. When visiting the Bethulie war trial one will be presented with a variety of activities. There are guided tours, a wildlife game reserve, and fishing on the orange river for those seeking adventure. There is also a three-day war trail that is guided by a historian who will give you an authentic South African war experience.

For more information on The Bethulie War Trail visit here.

3. The Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

The Apartheid Museum was established in November 2001 to commemorate the end of the Apartheid regime and the beginning of a diverse, united South African nation. The museum aims to preserve the history of South Africa and educate current and future generations on the Apartheid era. When visiting this museum, there are many attractions such as the Nelson Mandela exhibit, temporary exhibits by local artists, and other historical exhibits such as the segregation exhibit that illustrates South Africa’s racial segregation during Apartheid.

For more information on the Apartheid Museum visit: https://www.apartheidmuseum.org/

4. The Old Jail Guesthouse, Free State

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

The Old Jail Guesthouse was established in 1872 in Philippolis, the Free State. It was used a prison in the late 1800s until it was eventually abandoned. It has now been refurbished and converted into a guesthouse for prospective visitors. Visitors can stay for a few days to experience what it must have been like to be a prisoner in South Africa during the late 1800s. Guests are allowed to braai, explore the area and learn more about the history of their surroundings.

For more information on the Old Jail Guesthouse visit here.

5. The Castle of Good Hope, Western Cape

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

The Castle of Good Hope is a bastion fort that was built during the 17th century making it South Africa’s oldest building. The castle’s purpose has changed throughout the years from a prison during the Second Boer War to a historical monument today. The building attracts history buffs, Architect nerds and even ghost hunters who claim the castle is haunted. Visitors at the castle can go on guided tours, visit the castle museums and take a walk into the past. If you are seeking to explore the more eerie parts of South Africa then the Castle of Good Hope may be the destination for you.

For more information on the Castle of Good Hope visit: https://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za/

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