Wanderlust, but make it cinematic: the global rise of set-jetting
Image: Greeka
Ever found yourself so swept away by the picturesque landscapes of a film or TV series that you added it to your bucket list of destinations?
Of course, not everyone can immediately hop on a plane and explore the place that has captured their heart and imagination; such trips require planning and fiscal flexibility.
For me, two films stoked my wanderlust. The first was 'Eat Pray Love' with Julia Roberts as the protagonist, rediscovering herself in Italy (Rome and Naples), India (Pataudi and Delhi) and Bali (Ubud and Padang Padang Beach).
Everything about her food to cultural experiences gave viewers serious FOMO.
Since the movie's release in 2010, many have flocked to these destinations to either have their own 'Eat Pray Love' moment or simply to bask in the joy of exploring them.
The other movie was 'Under the Tuscan Sun', released in 2003, with Diane Lane. It was filmed in an off-the-beaten-path village.
It was rustic, beautiful and heart-warming.
More recently, my obsession with K-dramas has left me fascinated with fascinating Seoul. Just the culture, food and place itself have stolen my heart.
My musings do have a point. It is that knock-on effect that film and TV shows have on tourism, with the rise of set-jetting.
It started getting some traction with the release of 'Braveheart' (Scotland, 1995) and 'Notting Hill' (London, 1999), which piqued international curiosity.
Then, from 2001 to 2003, 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy saw a rise in tourism in New Zealand. And this wave of fandom is sparking a surge in location visits and continues to gain momentum like it did with 'Game of Thrones', which sent fans exploring Croatia, Northern Ireland, Spain and Iceland.
And, more recently, season three of 'The White Lotus', which was filmed in Thailand, garnered a similar reaction.
For filmgoers looking for a real-life "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" experience, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in New Zealand has become the top destination.
Image: Pexels/ Donovan Kelly
Below are a few countries that have witnessed a surge spurred on by screen tourism:
New Zealand
When we think of iconic offerings, this is the place where fantasies are lived out. If you are a die-hard fan of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' franchise, you are going to have to brace yourself for some serious goosebump moments.
Places that draw the attention of travellers include Matamata in Waikato. This is the home of the preserved movie set for the aforementioned movies. You can explore Bilbo's Bag End, Green Dragon Inn and The Party Tree and Hobbit Holes.
It doesn't get any more immersive than this with guided tours, food and even themed festivals.
Other captivating places include Tongariro National Park in the North Island, which has one of the best day hiking trails; Glenorchy (near Queenstown), which is the go-to filming spot for battle scenes; Mount Sunday, Canterbury Region, a desolate hilltop in a glacial valley, which offers panoramic mountain views; and, last but not least, Putangirua Pinnacles in Wairarapa, which is an Instagrammer's dream for capturing eerie and iconic weathered rock formations.
Fans of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' will need to make their way to Cathedral Cove, which boasts a dreamy archway to a stunning beach surrounded by white sand.
This screams postcard-perfect location.
For James Bond aficionados, 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) features prominent action scenes filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora.
Image: On the Go Tours
Greece
Phew, where does one start? There are so many offerings that fuelled the desire to travel here.
One of the obvious offerings is 'Mamma Mia!'(2008).
It has become the sought-after destination for romantic escapes as well as - no surprises here - ABBA-themed island tours.
These are your key stopovers if you want to relive scenes from the movie:
Agios Ioannis Chapel (Skopelos): The dramatic hilltop church where the wedding scene was filmed.
Kastani Beach (Skopelos): 'Lay All Your Love on Me' scene.
Skiathos Port: Departure scenes and ferry shots.
Other popular attractions include Athens, which charmed fans of 'Before Midnight' (2013), visiting the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district and the Temple of Poseidon, Sounion.
And if you are a James Bond aficionado, some of the prominent action scenes in 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) were filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora. Interestingly, it is one of Greece's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fans of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' (2023) and 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) have also flocked here to get a taste of what the place has to offer, beyond the lens of the film-makers camera.
Times Square, a must-experience destination, has been prominently featured in films such as 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky', and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.
Image: Pexels/ Vladealex9
New York City
When you think of pop culture TV shows and films, this is their birthplace.
Central Park has been such a key filming location for so many offerings, from 'Home Alone 2' and 'Enchanted' to 'When Harry Met Sally'.
Also shot here were the 'King Kong (1933 and 2005), 'Sleepless in Seattle and 'An Affair to Remember' were shot.
The bustling Times Square as seen in 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is a must experience.
I have been fortunate to visit this city twice, and the energy that you feel walking through it is something else. Also, I can't get over those Shake Shack burgers, fries and milkshakes.
If you are ever in town, try them.
The NYSE Building, Charging Bull and Fearless Girl bronze statues, as well as Federal Hall, are renowned in offerings like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'American Psycho' and 'Inside Man'.
'Sex and the City' and its spinoff 'And Just Like That…' as well as 'Gossip Girl', incentivised the hype around the Big Apple.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum, located at 221B Baker Street, has consistently attracted a large number of detective fiction enthusiasts.
Image: Pexels/ Anna Kozlova
London
'Harry Potter' fans find themselves spellbound in the city. King's Cross Station is popular for that infamous platform departure to Hogwarts.
Other landmark places include the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Of course, you would be remiss if you didn't visit Buckingham Palace, which is a normal drawcard but, now more so, after 'The Crown', 'The King's Speech' and 'Paddington'.
Fans of the whodunnit 'Sherlock Holmes' often stop by the Sherlock Holmes Museum, at 221B Baker Street, as well as the nearby Sherlock Holmes pub, which is bedecked with memorabilia.
Hands up if you are a 'Bridget Jones Diary' fan. Well, the Borough Market is worth checking out. Open six days a week, it prides itself on its fresh produce and street food amid a very atmospheric space that tempts the taste buds to no end.
Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village has been on the radar for fans of 'Shaka Zulu' and 'The Woman King', offering an authentic historical experience.
Image: Tripadvisor
South Africa
Mzansi isn't without a few key spots that have attracted travellers, too.
In the Mother City, places like Camps Bay, Clifton beaches, the University of Cape Town, as well as Cape Town High School, have sparked interest after the release of 'Blood & Water' and 'The Kissing Booth'.
The Cape Winelands and Karoo towns have been attracting slow-travellers and foodies, especially after 'Recipes for Love and Murder'.
Travellers are drawn to the scenic countryside, too.
In Johannesburg, the Oscar-nominated 'District 9' got fans curious about the city's urban charm, which lent itself to the gritty sci-fi landscapes in the film.
Thanks to offerings like 'Sarafina!' and 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', which harked back to South Africa's resilient history during apartheid, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Constitution Hill have become popular spots.
Not to be outdone, KwaZulu-Natal, where the bulk of 'The Women King' scenes were filmed, has helped put the city on the global map.
That's not forgetting 'Shaka Zulu' and the various documentaries and series since the compelling historical series in 1986.
Places like Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village, Ulundi and the Valley of a Thousand Hills have become popular tourist haunts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
From postcards to protest signs: why locals in Europe, and now Cape Town, are fed up with overtourism
Venice is a popular tourist trap, but now locals are demanding restrictions on the number of day visitors swarming into the lagoon city. Image: Pexels Brandishing water pistols and banners that scream "Tourists go home!", locals in a number of European cities are on the warpath against unchecked rentals and overtourism that is drastically changing their way of life. Whether it is the ancient streets of Barcelona in Spain or the crowded waterways of Venice, locals are turning up the heat on their governments to do something about the burgeoning tourism industry that is making life unbearable. Even Cape Town residents are feeling the pinch, with rentals skyrocketing, in part due to digital nomads being happy to pay inflated rent because they are paid in foreign currencies. Barcelona residents use water pistols on visitors during a wave of anti-tourism protests as residents express growing frustration with how overtourism has affected their city. Image: Streengrab Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Citizens of these magical tourist spots bring to mind the fable of the farmer whose goose laid a golden egg. Driven by greed, he killed the goose in the hope of finding a clutch of golden eggs, but found nothing. The moral of the fable is that short-sightedness and greed can lead to the destruction of a valuable resource. The complicated relationship between citizens of tourist hotspots and the ever-increasing number of tourists flooding in requires a measured response that ensures that both groups are accommodated. In Madrid, locals have turned water pistols on tourists, brandished banners shouting "Tourists go home!" to be heard against the backdrop of mass tourism that has significantly changed their way of life. Overtourism Stephen Burgen, a Barcelona resident, recently penned an opinion piece in "The Guardian" detailing an incident where locals squirted at tourists visiting the Sagrada Familia. He anticipates similar reactions in Mallorca, the Canary Islands, and Málaga as residents prepare for another season of overtourism. Burgen said the country received close to 100 million visitors last year, which is twice the population - good news for those with vested interests in the tourism industry. "But those of us with no stake in the hospitality trade brace ourselves for the invasion with a mixture of dread and resentment. For those on the receiving end, mass tourism feels more and more extractive to the point that it is a form of corporate colonialism," he lamented. But it is not just the numbers that distress locals: it is the pressure they place on water and sanitation infrastructure, the environment and the detrimental effect they have on the intrinsic nature of each tourist hotspot. Social justice concerns have also been raised by protesters who argue that the economic boosts brought to these cities are not shared equitably and that big businesses make profits at the expense of local communities. A tourism tax is being explored by many countries and has already been applied in Greece, while Durban Tourism has also mulled the idea. Sustainable solutions In another opinion piece in "The Guardian", Leah Pattem argued that visitors could be more sensitive, while the authorities should seek sustainable solutions for residents and tourists. "For the most part, protesters are calling for a total overhaul of a model of tourism that, they argue, drives up housing costs, harms the environment and creates low-paid, unstable jobs – while concentrating profits in the hands of a few," she wrote, citing her own experience living in Lavapiés, a once vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood near Madrid's main train station. "Lavapiés has one of the highest concentrations of unlicensed tourist rentals in Madrid. These small flats, originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries to house the city's growing industrial workforce, remained affordable for centuries. "Now, thousands of such flats are listed on Airbnb at rates rivalling those in the city's wealthiest neighbourhoods," she wrote.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
The beat of a generation: South Africa's Gen Z playlist unplugged
Gen Z isn't just listening to music - they're actively shaping it. Image: Pexels/Rdne South Africa's Gen Z is the first true digital native. They grew up with the internet in their pockets, communicating in memes and TikToks, and when it comes to music, their tastes are borderless, genre-blending, and often delightfully unpredictable. But in 2025, one thing is crystal clear: Gen Z isn't just consuming music - they're curating culture, dictating trends and reshaping the industry from the inside out. So, what exactly is SA's Gen Z listening to right now? Amapiano still reigns - but it's shifting Let's start with the obvious: Amapiano remains the heartbeat of the youth. But this isn't the same Yanos that erupted from taxis and township parties in 2019. In 2025, it's darker, slower, more introspective - yet still infectious. Mainstays like Young Stunna and Tyler ICU are still beloved, but a new wave of Gen Z producers is steering the genre into experimental territory. Subgenres like Private School Amapiano - with its jazzy flourishes, ambient synths and minimal vocals - are gaining serious traction. This is music for studying, for night drives, for solo unwinding. Gen Z isn't just dancing to Amapiano - they're living in it. The beat still bangs, but now it breathes. Hip hop gets softer - and realer Hip hop hasn't disappeared, but it has evolved. While trap beats and bravado still have their place, South African Gen Z is tuning into a more emotionally honest side of rap. The biggest surprise of 2025? The rise of lo-fi rap - think diary-like lyrics over chilled boom-bap beats. Artists like Blxckie, Usimamane, Tony Dayimane, Lucasraps and Dee Koala have helped shift the narrative. It's not about 'who's the hardest' anymore. It's about 'who's the realest'. Vulnerability is in, and the youth are here for it. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 3-Step sound: Fast, fun and viral-ready Not just millennials - Gen Z is fully on board with the 3-Step wave. This infectious, energetic genre is tailor-made for digital life. Why does it work? Because it's fun and thrives on virality. Perfect for TikTok challenges, street dance videos and high-energy playlists. Artists like Dlala Thukzin, as well as the duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela, are dominating youth-driven trends both online and in real life. If it bangs on TikTok, you'll hear it in the streets the next day. R&B still hits - if you know, you know Not everyone's into beats and basslines all the time. Some Gen Z listeners are soft at heart - and they've got the playlists to prove it. Take Kamogelo Makhura, for example. Her daily rotation? 'Burning Blue' by Mariah the Scientist 'Kusazokhanya' by DJ Zinhle, Thabsie & Brenden Praise 'Is It' by Tyla 'These are songs I need to hear every morning. 'Kusazokhanya' gives me hope - it makes my dreams feel reachable. 'Is It' is my go-to mood booster. And 'Burning Blue' is like my coffee - it's how I start my day,' she told 'Independent Media Lifestyle'. TikTok: Gen Z's new A&R Speaking of TikTok - it's not just a social platform; it's the new music discovery engine. A single viral clip can launch a track from obscurity to chart-topper in hours. And while TikTok's global influence on music is well documented, its real local impact in SA kicked off around 2020 during the pandemic. Yuvir Pillay, TikTok's music operations lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, told "Independent Media Lifestyle": 'In 2020, Amapiano was just starting to rise. But when artists like DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and even hip hop stars like Cassper Nyovest began posting Amapiano tracks on TikTok, the genre exploded. "Our users started to shift from hip hop to Amapiano - and we amplified it.' No genres, just vibes Trying to box Gen Z into genre categories? Good luck. This generation doesn't do labels. They're not loyal to any one genre, but to a vibe. The shuffle button is king. So, what does it all mean? Gen Z in SA isn't just listening to music - they're actively shaping it. They're breaking down genre boundaries, embracing emotional honesty, championing local talent alongside global stars and using social media tools to amplify voices that speak to their realities. In 2025, music isn't a one-way experience. It's a conversation - and Gen Z? They're leading it, headphones on, playlists full of protest, pleasure and possibility.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Wanderlust, but make it cinematic: the global rise of set-jetting
If you're a true 'Mamma Mia!' fan, the Agios Ioannis Chapel in Greece will evoke a cherished memory. Image: Greeka Ever found yourself so swept away by the picturesque landscapes of a film or TV series that you added it to your bucket list of destinations? Of course, not everyone can immediately hop on a plane and explore the place that has captured their heart and imagination; such trips require planning and fiscal flexibility. For me, two films stoked my wanderlust. The first was 'Eat Pray Love' with Julia Roberts as the protagonist, rediscovering herself in Italy (Rome and Naples), India (Pataudi and Delhi) and Bali (Ubud and Padang Padang Beach). Everything about her food to cultural experiences gave viewers serious FOMO. Since the movie's release in 2010, many have flocked to these destinations to either have their own 'Eat Pray Love' moment or simply to bask in the joy of exploring them. The other movie was 'Under the Tuscan Sun', released in 2003, with Diane Lane. It was filmed in an off-the-beaten-path village. It was rustic, beautiful and heart-warming. More recently, my obsession with K-dramas has left me fascinated with fascinating Seoul. Just the culture, food and place itself have stolen my heart. My musings do have a point. It is that knock-on effect that film and TV shows have on tourism, with the rise of set-jetting. It started getting some traction with the release of 'Braveheart' (Scotland, 1995) and 'Notting Hill' (London, 1999), which piqued international curiosity. Then, from 2001 to 2003, 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy saw a rise in tourism in New Zealand. And this wave of fandom is sparking a surge in location visits and continues to gain momentum like it did with 'Game of Thrones', which sent fans exploring Croatia, Northern Ireland, Spain and Iceland. And, more recently, season three of 'The White Lotus', which was filmed in Thailand, garnered a similar reaction. For filmgoers looking for a real-life "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" experience, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in New Zealand has become the top destination. Image: Pexels/ Donovan Kelly Below are a few countries that have witnessed a surge spurred on by screen tourism: New Zealand When we think of iconic offerings, this is the place where fantasies are lived out. If you are a die-hard fan of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' franchise, you are going to have to brace yourself for some serious goosebump moments. Places that draw the attention of travellers include Matamata in Waikato. This is the home of the preserved movie set for the aforementioned movies. You can explore Bilbo's Bag End, Green Dragon Inn and The Party Tree and Hobbit Holes. It doesn't get any more immersive than this with guided tours, food and even themed festivals. Other captivating places include Tongariro National Park in the North Island, which has one of the best day hiking trails; Glenorchy (near Queenstown), which is the go-to filming spot for battle scenes; Mount Sunday, Canterbury Region, a desolate hilltop in a glacial valley, which offers panoramic mountain views; and, last but not least, Putangirua Pinnacles in Wairarapa, which is an Instagrammer's dream for capturing eerie and iconic weathered rock formations. Fans of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' will need to make their way to Cathedral Cove, which boasts a dreamy archway to a stunning beach surrounded by white sand. This screams postcard-perfect location. For James Bond aficionados, 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) features prominent action scenes filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora. Image: On the Go Tours Greece Phew, where does one start? There are so many offerings that fuelled the desire to travel here. One of the obvious offerings is 'Mamma Mia!'(2008). It has become the sought-after destination for romantic escapes as well as - no surprises here - ABBA-themed island tours. These are your key stopovers if you want to relive scenes from the movie: Agios Ioannis Chapel (Skopelos): The dramatic hilltop church where the wedding scene was filmed. Kastani Beach (Skopelos): 'Lay All Your Love on Me' scene. Skiathos Port: Departure scenes and ferry shots. Other popular attractions include Athens, which charmed fans of 'Before Midnight' (2013), visiting the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district and the Temple of Poseidon, Sounion. And if you are a James Bond aficionado, some of the prominent action scenes in 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) were filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora. Interestingly, it is one of Greece's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fans of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' (2023) and 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) have also flocked here to get a taste of what the place has to offer, beyond the lens of the film-makers camera. Times Square, a must-experience destination, has been prominently featured in films such as 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky', and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'. Image: Pexels/ Vladealex9 New York City When you think of pop culture TV shows and films, this is their birthplace. Central Park has been such a key filming location for so many offerings, from 'Home Alone 2' and 'Enchanted' to 'When Harry Met Sally'. Also shot here were the 'King Kong (1933 and 2005), 'Sleepless in Seattle and 'An Affair to Remember' were shot. The bustling Times Square as seen in 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is a must experience. I have been fortunate to visit this city twice, and the energy that you feel walking through it is something else. Also, I can't get over those Shake Shack burgers, fries and milkshakes. If you are ever in town, try them. The NYSE Building, Charging Bull and Fearless Girl bronze statues, as well as Federal Hall, are renowned in offerings like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'American Psycho' and 'Inside Man'. 'Sex and the City' and its spinoff 'And Just Like That…' as well as 'Gossip Girl', incentivised the hype around the Big Apple. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, located at 221B Baker Street, has consistently attracted a large number of detective fiction enthusiasts. Image: Pexels/ Anna Kozlova London 'Harry Potter' fans find themselves spellbound in the city. King's Cross Station is popular for that infamous platform departure to Hogwarts. Other landmark places include the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral. Of course, you would be remiss if you didn't visit Buckingham Palace, which is a normal drawcard but, now more so, after 'The Crown', 'The King's Speech' and 'Paddington'. Fans of the whodunnit 'Sherlock Holmes' often stop by the Sherlock Holmes Museum, at 221B Baker Street, as well as the nearby Sherlock Holmes pub, which is bedecked with memorabilia. Hands up if you are a 'Bridget Jones Diary' fan. Well, the Borough Market is worth checking out. Open six days a week, it prides itself on its fresh produce and street food amid a very atmospheric space that tempts the taste buds to no end. Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village has been on the radar for fans of 'Shaka Zulu' and 'The Woman King', offering an authentic historical experience. Image: Tripadvisor South Africa Mzansi isn't without a few key spots that have attracted travellers, too. In the Mother City, places like Camps Bay, Clifton beaches, the University of Cape Town, as well as Cape Town High School, have sparked interest after the release of 'Blood & Water' and 'The Kissing Booth'. The Cape Winelands and Karoo towns have been attracting slow-travellers and foodies, especially after 'Recipes for Love and Murder'. Travellers are drawn to the scenic countryside, too. In Johannesburg, the Oscar-nominated 'District 9' got fans curious about the city's urban charm, which lent itself to the gritty sci-fi landscapes in the film. Thanks to offerings like 'Sarafina!' and 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', which harked back to South Africa's resilient history during apartheid, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Constitution Hill have become popular spots. Not to be outdone, KwaZulu-Natal, where the bulk of 'The Women King' scenes were filmed, has helped put the city on the global map. That's not forgetting 'Shaka Zulu' and the various documentaries and series since the compelling historical series in 1986. Places like Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village, Ulundi and the Valley of a Thousand Hills have become popular tourist haunts.
