The stories that make us proud to call South Africa home: Good Things Guy’s most-loved travel and heritage stories

Every September, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate two things that are deeply connected: our heritage and our country. Heritage Month reminds us of the stories, traditions and cultures that define us, while Tourism Month encourages us to experience the remarkable destinations that make South Africa one of the most diverse countries on earth. For more than 11 years, Good Things Guy has been telling the stories that celebrate the very best of South Africa. While the platform is best known for shining a spotlight on everyday heroes, acts of kindness and inspiring communities, some of its most-read articles have also encouraged thousands of South Africans to explore their own backyard, appreciate their heritage and rediscover why the world continues to fall in love with South Africa.

Whether it’s celebrating a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising a world-class wine estate or compiling a bucket list of unforgettable local adventures, these stories have one thing in common: they remind us that South Africa is a destination worth exploring.

For Tyler Vivier, Editor of Good Things Guy, that’s exactly what Heritage and Tourism Month should inspire. “South Africa has some of the richest biodiversity in the world, with an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The landscapes we have available to explore are a constant source of inspiration for the next big adventure. I always encourage South Africans not to look beyond our borders, but within them, where the magic of local hospitality, adventure and heritage lies waiting to be discovered.”

It’s a sentiment reflected in some of Good Things Guy’s most popular travel and heritage stories over the years. Among the platform’s most-read articles is “100 Things to Do in South Africa”, a comprehensive bucket list curated by the Good Things Guy editorial team. From wildlife encounters and scenic road trips to cultural experiences and hidden gems, the article serves as a reminder that unforgettable adventures don’t always require a passport – they’re often just a few hours’ drive away.

Some of the other standout stories include:

· South Africa Ranked the 6th Best Country to Visit in Your Lifetime – A feel-good reminder that the country so many South Africans call home is consistently recognised as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations.

· Annual Passport Index Updates – Every year, Good Things Guy keeps readers informed about where South Africans can travel with ease, helping inspire international adventures while showcasing the strength of the South African passport.

· Blaauwklippen Named the World’s Best Heritage Wine Estate – Celebrating one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates and recognising the country’s world-class wine tourism offering.

· South Africa Celebrates New UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Highlighting global recognition for the country’s remarkable natural and cultural treasures and encouraging South Africans to experience these destinations for themselves.

· An Open Letter Celebrating the Uniqueness of South Africa on Heritage Day – One of the platform’s most heartfelt annual reflections, reminding readers that South Africa’s greatest asset has always been its people.

Together, these stories reflect a simple but powerful message: South Africa’s greatest adventures are often found right on our own doorstep.

For Brent Lindeque, Founder of Good Things Guy, heritage is something that continues to evolve every day. “Heritage is the story of who we are, where we’ve come from and what we choose to carry forward. For more than a decade, we’ve had the incredible honour of telling South Africa’s good-news stories, and in many ways, I feel like we’ve been documenting our heritage as it happens. The good things! The helpers, the heroes, the healers and all the South Africans doing extraordinary things… these stories become part of our collective. Our heritage isn’t only found in our history. We are creating it, right now, today, together, every single day.”

That philosophy lies at the heart of Good Things Guy’s editorial mission. Whether profiling conservation successes, celebrating local tourism businesses, recognising world-class destinations or telling stories of South Africans making a difference in their communities, the platform continues to showcase a side of South Africa that inspires pride and optimism.

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Month and Tourism Month, perhaps there is no better reminder that the country’s greatest attractions aren’t only found in guidebooks. They’re found in the stories we tell, the places we protect, the cultures we celebrate and the adventures waiting just around the corner.

Sometimes, all it takes is one story to inspire the next journey. And if Good Things Guy has shown us anything over the past 11 years, it’s that there are still thousands more good stories – and incredible destinations – waiting to be discovered.