Those of you who plan to explore the diverse landscapes on offer in South Africa should know that there are several towns you can visit to get the authentic experience you crave. Forget about heading to the tourist hubs of Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, and start your adventure far off of the beaten path, surrounded only by unbelievable natural beauty:
- Northern Cape
Where: Augrabies Falls National Park
Why: The amazing waterfall
Stay at: Ru-Ná Guesthouse, in Upington. This guest house offers accommodation in the form of tastefully decorated self-catering rooms. Breakfast can be provided upon request at an additional fee. They’re centrally located, and close to the CBD.
The Northern Cape is the largest South African province, and just outside the town of Upington is the famed Augrabies Falls National Park. Here, you can enjoy a morning game drive to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, spend time in the national park viewing the unique fynbos, flowers, and other flora, before taking a hike to the amazing waterfall the Khoi San called “Aukoerebis” – The Great Noise. There is a viewing platform where you can safely watch thousands of gallons of water descending into the river. Along the winding gorge, you’ll find numerous viewpoints with names such as Moon Rock (a large domed rock), and Echo Corner.
- Western Cape
Where: Cederberg
Why: Great hospitality, good activities
Stay at: Pomegranate Cottage, just outside of Citrusdal within the Olifants River Mountains. This working fruit farm offers guests a comfortable self-catering cottage stay, with views of the on-site dam that you can swim in, fish from, or canoe over. There is a braai, hammock, plenty of lush grassy areas, and remarkable views.
Within the Cederberg area, is a landscape filled with dramatic rock formations, cape fynbos, and lush areas that are carpeted with flowers in spring. Here you can enjoy tours on wine farms, fruit farms, and enjoy a hot cup of Rooibos tea – while sipping it, reflect on the fact you’re sitting within the only area in the world to currently cultivate and produce it. If you’re in the mood for adventure, make a plan to drive out to the caves within the Cederberg mountain range, to view the ancient rock art paintings.
- Wild Coast
Where: Transkei coast
Why: Beautiful coastal stretch
Stay at: Mbolompo Homestay, a traditional Xhosa village, where you’ll be welcomed by the community and stay with a family. You should note that there are green ablution facilities, no electricity, and you should bring your own sleeping bag. They can cater for you by prior arrangement.
Explore the lush scenery while enjoying the sea-scented breezes of the Wild Coast, situated between Port Elizabeth and Durban. While here, ensure you take a drive out to Coffee Bay to view the famed Hole in the Rock. Oral myths of the Xhosa culture tell a bitter-sweet tale of the rock being created by a merman’s entourage of fish, assisting him in trying to reach his beloved, a beautiful Xhosa maiden. Don’t miss out on the interesting black rocks that dot the bay, and spend some time in the warm ocean waters.
- Limpopo
Where: Hoedspruit
Why: Less tourists, more wildlife
Stay at: Guernsey Breakaway Chalets, is a privately-owned property near the Phalaborwa entrance to the Kruger National Park. There is a variety of game in the surroundings such as Nyala, Blue Wildebeest, and Giraffe, as well as rich birdlife. The self-catering chalets are cosy little gems, perfect for an over-night stay.
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the drier lowlands, coupled with wildlife viewing, skip going to the Kruger via Mpumalanga, which everyone and their cousin does, and head to the more obscure Limpopo section of the reserve. Here, it is far likelier that you’ll discover some wildlife, which skulk along the outskirts of the Kruger National Park to avoid the tourists.
- Drakensberg
Where: Drakensberg, Champagne Valley
Why: Incredible views and challenging trails
Stay at: Ardmore Guest Farm, set within Champagne Valley. Here you’ll experience a farm-style stay in cosy cottages or rondawels, with dinner and breakfast provided, and an on-site bar area. They’re well located to explore the surroundings.
If you’ve had your fill of sunshine, arid landscapes, lush landscapes, and the ocean, raise your spirits by ascending to a higher altitude and head to the Drakensberg mountain range. Here, you’ll discover cloud-wreathed peaks, startling twists and turns, and outstanding views which change throughout the range. The Drakensberg spans three provinces, and the central region enjoys close proximity to several towns, while still allowing for day-drives into the range. Area activities include canopy tours, quad biking, game viewing, horse-riding, golfing, and river rafting.
Let us know of any other secret spots you know, as we’re always on the lookout for hidden gems.
Main image credited to martie1swart (Flickr)
