1. First Steam Train in South Africa
The first steam railway in South Africa was opened in Durban in 1860, covering a mere 3.2 km. During that time, transport by ox wagon was expensive and slow, taking three or more days from the port to Pietermaritzburg. In January 1859, the Natal Railway Company was formed to build this short railway from the harbor at the Point to the north of Durban Market Square, where the old Durban Station is located. On June 26, 1860, the first steam train in South Africa made its inaugural journey between Durban and the Point. Hire a car from First Car Rental Durban to visit this historic site.
2. The Original Capetonians
Long before the first Europeans arrived, Table Mountain and the surrounding area were home to the Khoisan people, the original Capetonians. They called the city //Hui !Gaeb, meaning "the place where the clouds gather." The Khoisan were skilled and industrious, with unmatched knowledge of the local fauna and flora. They also gave Table Mountain its first name: Hoerikwaggo, or "Mountain in the sea." Rent a car from First Car Rental Cape Town to explore the rich history of this iconic city.
3. Africa's Largest 'Dry Port'
Johannesburg, often called the world's biggest 'dry port,' is the largest city globally not built on a coastline, lake, or river. More than half of the cargo arriving through the ports of Durban and Cape Town ends up at the container terminal at City Deep, Johannesburg. City Deep is the only inland terminal functioning as a dry port, where customs clearance of goods takes place for both international and domestic container traffic. Book a car rental from First Car Rental Kempton Park (Pomona) to navigate Johannesburg and explore its vibrant culture.
4. South Africa's Oldest Bowling Green
Port Elizabeth is home to South Africa's oldest bowling greens, with the Port Elizabeth Bowling Green Club founded on August 14, 1882. The first lawn, known as "Founder's Green," was opened on January 5, 1884, in the picturesque setting of St George's Park. The Bowling Club is still operational today and houses a modest cricket museum with interesting memorabilia. Rent a car from First Car Rental Port Elizabeth to visit this historical gem.
5. Largest Fire Service Museum
The largest Fire Service Museum in South Africa is located at the Ehrlich Park fire station in Bloemfontein. The museum houses 17 vintage fire engines dating from 1926 to 1984, along with vintage mayoral cars, motorbikes, steam engines, ox wagons, fire brigade equipment, ambulance equipment, photos, and uniforms. Hire a car from First Car Rental Bloemfontein to explore this unique museum.
6. History in Pictures
The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum in Polokwane holds a magnificent collection of over 23,000 cultural and historical photos taken between 1892 and 1945. Original glass negatives capture the fascinating early years of the town's history by photographer Hugh Exton. Visitors can view images of architecture, industry, clothing, trade, and famous town residents, providing insight into the times. Book a car rental from First Car Rental Polokwane Airport to visit this captivating museum.
7. Longest Straight Street
Pretoria's Church Street, now renamed to four different streets, is the longest urban street in South Africa and, at 26 km, one of the longest straight streets in the world. Lined with Jacaranda trees, the city is nicknamed 'Jacaranda City.' These trees bloom in Spring, creating a beautiful purple landscape. Rent a car from First Car Rental Hatfield | Pretoria to drive along this iconic street.
8. Home of Kwaito and Kasi Rap
Soweto is credited as the birthplace of Kwaito and Kasi Rap, styles of hip-hop music unique to South Africa. These genres blend elements of house, American hip-hop, rap, and traditional African music. Kwaito and Kasi Rap have become popular in South Africa and are gaining international recognition. Book a car rental from First Car Rental Roodepoort to explore the vibrant music scene in Soweto.
9. Farm Turned Railhead
Nelspruit, meaning 'Nels stream,' was named after the owners of the original farm—the three brothers Nel. In 1892, construction of a station in the Crocodile River valley began on their farm, establishing Nelspruit as a railhead of the first section of construction on the railway from Mozambique to Pretoria. Nelspruit attracted traders and farmers due to its rich soil, adequate water for irrigation, and level valley floor. Hire an SUV from First Car Rental Nelspruit to explore this historically rich area.
10. Diamond City
Kimberley was founded in 1871 when diamonds were discovered on a nearby farm named Vooruitzicht, owned by the De Beers brothers. The town, initially known as 'New Rush,' was later renamed Kimberley after the British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Kimberley. The town was incorporated into the Cape Colony in 1880. Rent a car from First Car Rental Kimberley to visit this historic city known for its rich diamond
