Heritage Day in South Africa

Today is Heritage Day in South Africa, and at The Travel Cafe we have decided to celebrate our country’s heritage of rich and extremely diverse botany. One we have inherited from our fathers but truly borrow from our children.

Did you know there are more different species of plants just on Table Mountain than in the entire United Kingdom? The country is also steeped in medicinal plants, some with history dating back tens of thousands of years. This we experienced firsthand today at the impressive #montaguherbfestival in the village of Montagu, near our sister lodge Starry Starry Night.

François and JD attended fascinating talks about a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants - that heal mind, body and spirit. Learning about the ancient plants used by Khoisan, the legalisation of cannabis in South Africa and how to make a “smudge stick” with indigenous herbs. Also known  locally as “mphepho”, these sticks are burnt to bring good luck, ward of evil spirits and clear negative energies so fortune may follow. Needless to say François and JD intend to burn their stick often!