Instagram isn’t just about posting pictures of your lunch, or selfies with you and the pug. Like all social networks, it can actually be used as an educational tool.
Here are a few South African accounts illustrating this point.
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@birds_by_rousseau
Follow for: a wealth of information about South Africa’s birds.
Ran by Stellenbosch University lecturer Rousseau Lotter, this account is dedicated to documenting the bevy of bird species prevalent in South Africa. From glossy starlings to doves, to kestrels and spoonbills, this account will help even the novice bird watcher identify their featured subject.
@the_mushroom_forager
Follow for: mushroom mushroom.
With more than 1100 posts, Justin Williams’ account aims to document the multitude of mushrooms, herbs and fungi just waiting to be picked in South Africa’s gardens. Granted, you really, really shouldn’t simply pick anything and put it in your mouth — seriously — but this account does an excellent job explaining the history and usefulness of the flora and fungi that surround us.
@hike_table_mountain
Follow for: knowledge about Table Mountain.
Capetonian hiker Riaan Vorster knows as much about Table Mountain and its hikes as I do about grilled cheese (that is to say a lot). With 485 posts, his account documents the various routes, paths and scrambles up and down South Africa’s most famous mountain.
@springbok97
Follow for: views about the global aviation industry through the eyes of a South African engineer.
There are a slew of South African aviation accounts on Instagram, but @springbok97 has one of the largest follow pools. Working at London’s Gatwick Airport as an aircraft engineer, @springbok97’s gallery is laced with technical images and informative captions of a number of aircraft models.
@checkmyplants
Follow for: beautiful South African plant life.
From plants that eat animals, to plants that can be eaten by us, @checkmyplants is a highly informative account documenting the country’s flora.
@veldandsea
Follow for: a different understanding about the food you consume every day in South Africa.
Speaking of plants that can be eaten by us, this account takes that idea to the next level. Roushanna Grey’s @veldandsea demonstrates the “alternative lifestyle” that’s possible in South Africa. The account also sheds light on the abundance of “wild food” that lurks on almost every South African’s doorstep.
@southafrica
Follow for: endless proof that South Africa is the most beautiful country on Earth.
While it’s not maintained by the SA government of any legal body, @southafrica does an excellent job in showcasing just how gorgeous the nation is. Snaps are reposted from a number of stellar local photographers and include snaps of wildlife, cityscapes, landscapes and people.
Feature image: Memeburn
