Nine provinces. Over 250 municipalities. A lot of ground to cover!
Our beautiful Rainbow Nation is spilling over with opportunities to explore and enjoy nature, heritage, and friendly locals. As spring unfurls across South Africa, our nation’s quieter, lesser-known towns and dorpies beckon – because why compete with crowds when you can have a hidden gem all to yourself?
According to Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, “The heartbeat of South Africa lies not just in its popular cities, but in the whispered stories of its smaller, unique dorpies.”
From Paternoster in the Western Cape to Limpopo’s Haenertsburg, we highlight 12 charming little towns deserving of a spot on your springtime travel bucket list.
Western Cape: Paternoster
Perfect for: The seaside serenader.
What makes it unique: It’s one of the oldest fishing villages on South Africa’s West Coast and is celebrated for its Instagram-worthy white-washed fishermen’s cottages.
Activity: Dive into a seafood cooking class with local culinary experts, learning about the heritage of West Coast flavours. As you craft traditional dishes, you’ll get to know more about the fisherman’s relationship with the ocean. Then, savour your masterpiece, paired with fine wines, against the backdrop of Paternoster’s periwinkle blue skies.
Western Cape: Swellendam
Perfect for: The heritage enthusiast (this town’s our pick for the ultimate Heritage Day getaway!).
What makes it unique: Located in the shadow of the Langeberg mountains, Swellendam is home to more than 50 provincial heritage sites.
Activity: Time rewinds at the Drostdy Museum, and a stroll through the town’s precincts reveals its storied past. Spend a few days rejuvenating, surrounded by Mother Nature in Bontebok National Park, keeping an eye out for the park’s namesake antelope grazing in the wild.
Turner’s top tip: “Swellendam’s Under the Oaks market on Saturday mornings offers local delicacies at reasonable prices. Grab a picnic basket and fill it with fresh produce before you visit Bontebok National Park.”
Eastern Cape: Nieu-Bethesda
Perfect for: The artistic soul.
What makes it unique: Local art lovers’ best-kept secret, Nieu-Bethesda is an isolated community off the main tourist routes. It was originally founded as a church town in the late 1800s.
Activity: The Owl House, once the abode of artist Helen Martins, is now a kaleidoscope of glass and light. Uncover Helen’s artistic narrative as you wander through this dreamlike space. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and carry a hat, as there are plenty of captivating garden sculptures (including her unique watchful owls) to admire in the gleaming sunshine.
Eastern Cape: Graaff Reinet
Perfect for: The nature-bonded historian.
What makes it unique: Known as the ‘Gem of the Karoo’, Graaff Reinet is almost completely surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park.
Activity: The Valley of Desolation lies within the Camdeboo National Park, where staggering rock formations stand testament to a volcano that erupted 100 million years ago. As you hike, watch the sunset paint these dolerite pillars bright orange and be sure to have your camera handy.
“Camdeboo National Park is a must for budget travellers. Entrance is only R52* per adult and R26* per child, and all hiking trails are free,” says Turner.
Eastern Cape: Addo
Perfect for: The wildlife wanderer.
What makes it unique: The Addo National Elephant Park is the only national park in the world offering access to the Big 7: the leopard, lion, Cape buffalo, rhino, elephant, great white shark, and southern right whale.
Activity: Dive into nature headfirst. Enjoy game drives, hiking, marine eco-tours, and secret sightings in various hides.
Turner advises travellers to avoid the main gates to steer clear of crowds, using lesser-known entrances, like Matyholweni, instead.
Northern Cape: Springbok
Perfect for: The floral afficionado.
What makes it unique: While still quite small, Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area. It forms part of the Northern Cape’s Wild Flower Route, boasting over 3,500 different blooms in spring.
Activity: Goegap Nature Reserve transforms in spring. As you walk, witness the semi-arid landscape erupt in a riot of wildflowers, each with its own unique lifecycle. Engage with local guides to understand the delicate ecosystem and the flora’s relationship with the region’s fauna.
“Springbok can get quite arid. Pack a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Many spots offer free refills to discourage single-use plastics,” recommends Turner.
Free State: Clarens
Perfect for: The thrill-seeker with taste.
What makes it unique: It’s the ‘Jewel of the Eastern Free State’ and known for its sandstone mountains and blissful weather.
Activity: Dive into the world of craft beers at Clarens Brewery. Sample various brews, learn the brewing process, and understand the passion behind each pour. Outside, the Ash River promises an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure with a mix of challenging surges and scenic pauses.
KwaZulu-Natal: Nottingham Road
Perfect for: The rustic gourmand.
What makes it unique: Despite its name, Nottingham Road is a town, not a road. It offers world-class trout fishing and an assortment of wine cellars, cheese farms, and chocolate shops.
Activity: The Midlands Meander (which includes Nottingham Road) promises a gastronomic and artisanal journey. Stop by local craftsmen, watch them work, and then relish gourmet dishes inspired by local produce.
According to Turner, some of the best eateries and artisanal shops are tucked away off the main roads. Ask locals for their favourites, and they’ll happily guide you to lesser-known treasures.
North West: Groot Marico
Perfect for: The outdoorsy and the cultural connoisseur.
What makes it unique: Surrounded by towering blue gum trees, Groot Marico is a glamping go-to, promising the ultimate peaceful escape.
Activity: Dive into the stories of Herman Charles Bosman at his dedicated museum (consider purchasing a book at the museum – reading it while you’re in Groot Marico makes the experience even more immersive). Later, join locals for a shot of fiery ‘mampoer’, the traditional liquor, discovering how it’s made and unravelling its rich legacy.
Gauteng: Cullinan
Perfect for: The treasure hunter.
What makes it unique: It’s where you’ll find the world’s most important source of ultra-rare blue diamonds: the Cullinan Diamond Mine.
Activity: The underground tours of the Cullinan Diamond Mine reveal many unique geological and historical finds. Adorn safety gear, delve deep, and learn about the thrilling quest that led to the discovery of the world’s largest diamond. You can also touch raw diamonds and learn about their journey from rough stone to sparkling gem.
Mpumalanga: Dullstroom
Perfect for: The leisure lover.
What makes it unique: Also known as ‘Emnotweni’, Dullstroom is one of South Africa’s highest towns above sea level. It’s also a fisherman’s paradise.
Activity: Dullstroom’s dams invite you for a laid-back afternoon of fly-fishing. Practice this fishing technique alongside local experts, from baiting to casting, enjoying the tranquillity of the still waters and chirping birds. Keep in mind that fly-fishing equipment can be expensive to purchase. Instead, rent gear from local shops – they often provide a quick tutorial, maximising your experience. Post-fishing, a whisky tasting awaits at Wild about Whiskey, the town’s specialist whiskey bar and shop.
Limpopo: Haenertsburg
Perfect for: The nature navigator.
What makes it unique: Haenertsburg teeters on the edge of the Great Escarpment and is known for its annual September Spring Festival. The festival will take place from 23 – 24 September this year, and tickets are R50* each (kids under 12 get in for free).
Activity: Lekgalameetse Mountain Reserve is a realm of biodiversity. Trek through dense forests, spot endemic bird species, and pause at viewpoints to absorb the vastness. Interact with local communities, understanding their symbiotic relationship with this green wonderland.
Every town, every dorpie, is a world waiting. This spring, swap the tourist hotspots for the hidden gems. Let’s celebrate spring, relax and rejuvenate, and traverse the many unique tales of our incredible land.
*Prices are correct at the time of print and are subject to change.
FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.68 Billion and a current share price of AU$21.46 as at 30 August 2023. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.
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