African Culture: More Than Just The Big 5 Animals (20 Cultural Gems)
Africa is a vast continent that boasts a huge diversity of people, fascinating histories, and an intriguing tapestry of African cultures.
Africans are storytellers and the folklore is incredible. Not only from country to country but within each country, the people speak different languages, practice different religions, sing different songs, dance different dances, and make different art. It's a cultural smorgasbord.
Cultural traditions of the indigenous African populations date back many thousands of years, and in more ‘recent’ years, outside influences have added more layers. Arabic, Indian, and European immigrants brought with them more flavours, traditions, religions, and art.
In this blog, we’ll touch on just 20 gems of the African cultures in the countries our budget safaris visit.
The Origins Of Humankind in Africa
Africa is where humankind was born, about 2 to 5 million years ago. Hence it is called the Cradle of Humankind.
1. Origins Centre, South Africa
Origins Centre, African culture by Raymond June
If you are interested in learning about where exactly humankind came from, Johannesburg is the place to be. The Origins Centre in Braamfontein is a fabulously designed interactive museum that details the history of modern mankind. If you’re curious to know your very own origins, you can even have your DNA tested here!
While in central Johannesburg, take a trip into Fordsburg – go with someone who knows the area – and visit the Oriental Plaza. Get a glimpse of the Indian influences on African culture and shop until you drop. Be sure to try the samoosas and bunny chow at The Golden Peacock!
There are plenty of affordable Tours starting in Johannesburg, giving you the chance to spend some time exploring the city before your guided safari.
- See Things to do in Johannesburg under R450 & Best Game Reserves for Short Safaris near Johannesburg, Gauteng
2. Cradle of Humankind, South African Culture
Cradle Of Humankind, Africa by flowcomm
A little outside Johannesburg lies the Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng where over a thousand hominid fossils were found. While there, visit the Sterkfontein Caves, and marvel at its fantastical stalactites and stalagmites. Make a day of it and have lunch on the deck of the Tumulus Restaurant with its spectacular views across to the Witwatersberg and Magaliesberg mountains.
3. Living Museums, Namibia Culture
Damara Museum, African culture by Facebook
Like all African countries, Namibia has many tribes of people who make up its indigenous people, each with different and fascinating cultures and traditions. The Living Culture Foundation of Namibia has established five Living Museums.
The goals of the foundation are three-fold: the conservation and transfer of traditional African culture, the creation of an income source in local areas in Namibia, and the development of a cultural and intercultural educational institution.
At each Living Museum or village, the visitor is offered a glimpse into how life was (and still is) lived traditionally – from fire-making to hunting to dancing and story-telling.
- See Namibia Safari Travel Guide: Answers to Your FAQs & Who are the Herero of Namibia & why are they famous fashion icons?
4. Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Culture
Great Zimbabwe, Africa
Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, these incredibly well-preserved ruins are the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa and the second-oldest to Mapungubwe in South Africa. Made up of three distinct areas, they cover over 7 km². The structures, walls, and sculptures, made mostly of granite, are intricately put together without mortar. They are, in short, architectural and archaeological wonders.
The area around Great Zimbabwe is thought to have been occupied by the Gokomere people - from whom the Shona people are descended - from as early as 500 AD. They were cattle herders and metal workers with strong trade links to Persia, India, and China. It is thought that up to 20,000 people occupied the area at its height.
The actual buildings are thought to have been built between the 11th and 14th centuries and were then abandoned around the 16th century. Go early and take a hat and water - it's hot out there!
Many of our Budget Zimbabwe Tours visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and other cultural and historical highlights in the country.
5. Kuomboka Ceremony, Zambia Culture
Kuomboka
This cultural ceremony, still practised each year, at least 300 years since it was first done, is the perfect example of an African ritual. Each April, before the big rains flood the plains, drums reverberate through Lealui in Zambia. It is time for the Litunga – Lozi king – to move from the palace on the Barotse Floodplain to the palace at Limulunga, on higher ground.
The royal entourage travelled by barge up the great Zambezi River, the King’s painted black and white, with an elephant replica on it, his wife’s with a cattle egret. They are followed by an array of other boats, all accompanied by drumming and singing.
6. Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania Culture
Olduvai Gorge, culture by ActiveSteve
Also known as Oldupai Gorge, and situated near the Ngorongoro Crater, over 60 hominin fossils have been found at this World Heritage site. It’s a steep-sided ravine and a treasure trove of archaeological finds.
There are many exhibits of fossils and artefacts at the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitors Centre. Here you can see and touch a cast of the actual footprints made by our early human ancestors, which were discovered in the gorge.
Lots of our Tanzania Safaris to Ngorongoro Conservation Area enable you to visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum.
7. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village, Tanzania Culture
Olpopongi by Facebook
Learn about the incredible Maasai tribe with their regal warriors and ancient traditions at this reproduction of a Maasai village. The Olpopongi Village is run by the Maasai and a visit can include an overnight stay in a Maasai hut.
The village includes a museum detailing the fascinating culture and history of the tribe.
8. Olorgesailie, Kenya Culture
Olorgesailie by ninara
Located 70 km away from Nairobi – be warned, the road may be a little rough – lies the site known as the ‘Factory of Stone Tools.’ Here at Olorgesailie, the largest collection of prehistoric man’s tools has been excavated.
There is a museum and walkway through the actual dig site. You’ll be treated not only to the tools but numerous animal fossils, including prehistoric hippos and elephants. Fascinating stuff.
If you choose an African Safari starting in Nairobi, Kenya, be sure to book an extra few days to allow time for exploring Olorgesailie and other cultural attractions.
9. Fasil Ghebbi, Ethiopia Culture
Formed in the 17th century, Fasil Ghebbi is a historical landmark and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This fortress in Gondar, Ethiopia was home to Emperor Fasilides and his successors.
Fasil ghebbi, ethiopia
Key in the study of African culture, this site is one of the famous churches and castles you can visit on the African Budget Safari 11-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour.
10. Kome Cave Village, Lesotho Culture
One of the most striking wonders in Lesotho has to be the Ha Kome Caves in the Pulane area.
Originally used as a hiding spot during the Lifaqane wars, the mud houses are home to the descendants of those who made them.
Kome cave village lesotho
These Basotho people have created a close-knit community of over 300 people and preserved the history of the caves.
11. The Royal Enclosure, eSwatini Culture
Home to the current king and featuring other buildings where ceremonies are performed, The Royal Enclosure is an important landmark in the culture and history of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Visitors walk through the village and learn more about the culture and customs such as the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance.
Umhlanga reed dance, Eswatini
12. The Kalahari San Tribe (Bushmen), Botswana Culture
These semi-nomadic Kalarahi San people (bushmen) are known for their strong story-telling tradition, as well as their unique song and dance rituals.
On your next trip to the Kalahari Desert, go on a guided tour with one of the San guides and learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.
Kalahari san, Botswana
You’ll also find out how their ancestors have long survived in the dry Kalahari environment as hunter-gatherers.
African Art & Culture
The continent of Africa offers art everywhere you look. It's ingrained in African cultures, like storytelling and live performances. Here, it's not necessary to go into art galleries to see incredible beadwork, paintings, textiles, and sculptures.
Art and incredible craftsmanship run in Africa's blood and show in markets, on street corners and urban walls, at the side of rural roads - it's everywhere.
There are fabulous galleries and art centres, too, a handful of which we detail below.
13. Iziko South African National Gallery, South Africa
Iziko South African National Gallery
If you’re looking for art that speaks to African culture, the Iziko South African National Gallery, situated in The Company’s Garden in Cape Town is the place to go. The gallery houses collections of South African and European artworks and has rotating exhibitions of contemporary South African artists.
African culture image by Facebook
Amble down Government Avenue, pop in at African Image (corner of Burg and Church St) to buy fabulous African goodies to take home and head on to Greenmarket Square.
Take a walk down Long Street and experience its multicultural bustle. If you’re looking for a traditional lunch, why not try Mama Africa in Long Street? If you go for supper, you'll be treated to a traditional marimba band.
14. San Rock Art, Namibia
Twyfelfontein, san culture by Joachim Huber
Some of the best San art sights are found in Namibia, a treasure trove of traditional African culture. These ancient carvings and paintings on the rocks of the desert depict scenes from life over 6,000 years ago.
At Twyfelfontein, over 2,500 engravings and numerous paintings are found. The five-toed Lion Man and the five-horned giraffe are found here. They are thought to be depictions of creatures from the spirit world as witnessed during a trance state. The San or Khoisan people reach this state by dancing and hyperventilation.
15. Kuru Art, Botswana
Kuru Art, Africa by Facebook
Just past Ghanzi in western Botswana, on the A3, lies the tiny village of D'Kar. It is here that Kuru Art Project has its home. San artists, all of whom grew up in the Kalahari, weave their magic by combining contemporary art materials with traditional methods, ancient African tales, and different media.
The result is a beautiful array of art, from textiles to linocuts to oils on canvas. The project has been running for over 25 years and has had over 150 exhibitions in more than 15 countries.
16. Kungoni, Malawi
Kungoni, culture by Website
Situated at Mua Mission in the hills above Lake Malawi, the Kungoni Centre gives the visitor a display of both traditional and modern Malawian art and culture.
At the Chamare Museum, the culture of the local Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao people is chronicled. This includes a fantastic display of Gule Wamkulu masks which are/were used in Malawian storytelling. If you time it right, you may also catch a performance of the Kungoni Dance troupe on the bwalo (dancefloor) next to the museum.
Kungoni Light by Website The gallery and showroom showcase a wide range of contemporary Malawian art - from paintings to carvings. Amble through the beautiful botanical gardens and watch the carvers at work.
There is also a lodge and restaurant at the Kungoni Centre and campsites in the gardens.
17. Shanga River House, Tanzania
Shanga River House by Facebook
Outside Arusha, on Dodoma Road lies Shanga River House. Started in 2006 by Saskia Reichsteiner who made necklaces using African beads and fabric, she initially employed a deaf woman to help her. She soon realized the difficulties facing the disabled in Tanzania.
The business grew exponentially and now employs many disabled people. Making environmentally-friendly products – beadwork, clothes, glasswork, and jewellery - the centre now boasts a workshop, three boutiques, and an open-air restaurant.
Its ethos: “Kindness is a language blind people can see and deaf people can hear.”
Arusha happens to be a major safari hub, visited on numerous Tanzania Safaris so visiting Shanga River House for a dose of African culture is easier than you'd think.
18. Nairobi Gallery, Kenya
Nairobi Gallery, African culture by Facebook
Situated in the beautiful old colonial building that housed the Old PC's Office, the Nairobi Gallery showcases a range of Kenyan arts.
The gallery houses collections of old Kenyan art and changing exhibitions of both old and contemporary art.
19. Modern Art Galleries, Kenya
There's a great, ever-evolving, art scene in Kenya, with numerous interesting galleries that showcase Kenya's talented artists and contemporary African culture. On most Kenya Tours you'll be able to spend time in Nairobi before or after your safari.
One Off Gallery by Facebook
One of the oldest galleries, One Off, is in a fantastic building set under towering eucalyptus trees. They showcase some of Kenya and East Africa's best-loved and upcoming artists.
A newer kid on the block, The Shifteye Gallery is an exciting place incorporating an art gallery, photographic studio, and event space. They cater to a wide array of cultural activities - art exhibitions, photography, fashion events, musical performances, and creative performance pieces. It's fun and fresh here.
Shifteye Gallery, African art by Facebook
Even if you're not in Nairobi, there's art to be seen. Frolicking in the sea at Diani Beach? Don't forget to pop in at Diani Beach Gallery to view some gorgeous Kenyan artworks.
Diani Beach Gallery art by Facebook
20. Zanzibar Spice Community Shop, Tanzania
No trip to the Spice Islands is complete without visiting the Zanzibar Spice Community Shop at Darajani Estella market.
Visitors get to explore spices that Zanzibaris use for their cuisine, as a cure for many ailments, and for the dyes and henna that are used for decoration at festivals and weddings.
Nutmeg Zanzibar spice tour
And More African Culture Experiences...
As we said above, this is just a tiny peep into what African culture has to offer. It's honestly an art-and-history lover's paradise.
Somewhere you went that got your cultural curiosity and artistic heart aflutter? Tell us in the comments and we'll add it in!
[Updated in June 2023 by Molebatsi Manzi | First published in July 2015]
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Briony is a qualified pharmacist, published author and travel blogger living in Cape Town. She writes her own blog about travel, the arts, music and the good things in life, with a focus on accessibility. She likes watching the world go by, and sometimes it makes her nose twitchy, but mostly it provides golden nuggets with which to light up the page.
