South Africa has plenty of well-known draw cards – the Kruger Park, Cape Town, and the Garden Route are popular sites that pop into your mind – but its wealth of lesser-known natural wonders, charming towns, and stunning beach destinations can add a lot of value to your trip, especially when you’re looking for something a little different and away from the thronging crowds. Although diversity is often in South Africa’s landscapes however, you can only experience just a fraction of the country’s beauty if you stay with the top-rated places in guidebooks or on travel websites.
These travel ideas will allow you to take incredible road trips across the country, with breathtaking views and opportunities for photos you’ll treasure long after your journey is finished. From stunning natural beauty to unique historic spots and sites with archaeological significance, there is something in this list that will inspire you to travel.
Tankwa National Park, border Western Cape, and Northern Cape
A part of the Karoo’s semi-desert, stark landscape, Tankwa isn’t suitable for everyone. But if it’s clear night sky and brilliant starscapes you want, the Karoo is the place to go. There’s nothing to distract you in this secluded and barren semi-desert – visit Tankwa to experience the majesty of the immense geological time and to see some stunning night skies. The Sutherland Observatory is located close to the area, and is home to the largest telescope for optical observation in the southern hemisphere. The perfect location for amateur astronomers as well as photographer of stars.
Bonus: Stop by Maatjiesfontein if possible A small town that is classified as a National Heritage Site. The Lord Milner Hotel is a Victorian hotel that has managed to keep its antique interiors intact.
Drakensberg Amphitheatre (KZN).
While the towering mountains could be thought of as hidden, the 5km wide amphitheater cliff face is a natural wonder that is not adequately promoted that attracts fewer visitors than it should. The towering rock face can transport you to a different realm when you are at its base. There are trails that lead to the top of the cliff, and the magnificent Tugela Falls at its summit will be worth the effort.
You can find great accommodations with breathtaking views of the amphitheater. It is a beautiful sight to wake up every morning to.
Clarens, Free State
A small oasis is situated in the Free State, a large province with few tourist attractions. Clarens is an ideal location for artists. Its charming beauty, toy-like appearance at the top of some stunning mountains of sandstone makes it a perfect location for artists.
It’s not far from Johannesburg and its position along the scenic Highlands Route will allow for plenty of beautiful views. Clarens is an ideal weekend getaway for battery-charging because it is home to a variety of interesting galleries and restaurants with breathtaking scenery.
Langebaan Lagoon, Western Cape
About an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, Langebaan’s lagoon is a treasure if just for its warm water (a wonderful boon to the west coast of SA that is popular for its icy sea temperatures). It is home to stunning rocks and protected beaches of white sand. The lagoon also features shallow, swim-friendly waters.
It is a bustling place during flower season, August-September. The reserve is bursting with color, drawing people into. However, the tiny beaches that surround the lagoon are serene and peaceful. It’s fun to kayak here and engage in other water sports along the calm lagoon water. You can rent a beach house or simply make a day or two; whatever you choose, remember the sunblock and beach umbrellas.
Sterkfontein Caves, Gauteng
Sterkfontein The Sterkfontein World Heritage Site is the ideal spot for amateur archaeologists. One of the most important fossil sites in the world and the caves are an active excavation site as well as a fascinating place to tour. The Cradle of Humankind, which has fossils of animal and human hominids as old as 4 million years ago provides valuable information on human development and history.
The centre is a first-class visitor’s center with stunning exhibits, great guides, a restaurant and amazing views that make it an unforgettable experience for anyone on a South African vacation. The caves are only 40 minutes from Johannesburg, a convenient travel distance to view one of the most renowned archeological sites on earth. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for cave tours.
De Hoop, Western Cape
One of the least known by tourists, yet one of South Africa’s most breathtaking beaches. De Hoop Nature Reserve lies about 3 hours away from Cape Town close to Cape Agulhas. Be prepared for an unforgiving ride on the dirt road to reach the beach and you’ll not be disappointed.
A short walk through the lush fynbos from every parking area will reveal white dunes and a stunning blue ocean. It’s nearly impossible to find the stretches of dunes by yourself. This bay is the ideal spot to see southern right whales from July through November. Have a picnic as you sit back and enjoy the stunning views and warm sunshine.
