10 Offbeat Destinations to Visit in South Africa
If you are planning your trip to South Africa and only have a few cities, like Cape Town and Johannesburg on your list, then now is the time to reconsider!
South Africa is a country that is full of diverse cultures, exotic locations, and breathtaking sights. Yet, if you genuinely want to explore this lovely country in its truest and rawest form, then I would absolutely suggest you try out these offbeat destinations.
Trust me when I say this but you can add a magical charm to your South Africa trip by adding these places to your list.
So, without any further ado, let’s get into it!
Cederberg
If you want to experience the untouched and authentic landscapes in South Africa, then visit Cederberg. From excellent rock art to magnificent mountains, there’s a lot to see in this area.
First of all, you should definitely do the Wolfberg Arch hike. It takes up most of the day (plan to spend 7+ hours). But it honestly isn’t a super difficult hike. We saw a lot of families and kids making the trek. The beginning part it uphill & you have to do a bit of rock scrambling but nothing too challenging.
The views are unreal - feels like you are on another planet. Don’t forget all the hiking essentials - a packed lunch, plenty of water, comfortable shoes, etc.
If you want to discover the art from the early eras, don’t forget to see the mesmerizing Khoisan rock paintings. You’ll find some thousands of years old elephant paintings that still look as good as new.
I also recommend visiting the Stadsaal Caves. The twists and turns here are definitely going to shake you up! If you’re into wine, you can also visit the Cederberg Wines - a gorgeous estate.
Key Highlights:
Hike across Wolfberg Arch or Maltese Cross (another popular option - 2.5-3 hours)
Experience the ancient Khoisan Rock Paintings
Explore the labyrinthine Stadsaal Caves
Visit the Cederberg Wines
Paternoster
If you’re in need of some Vitamin Sea, then don’t forget to visit Paternoster - one of the best beach places in the Western Cape.
If you had a rough and tiring trip hiking across the various landscapes of South Africa, Paternoster would come as a sweet retreat. The crystal-clear and strikingly blue beaches are a sight for the sore eyes.
So, you can just take a stroll across the Paternoster’s beach or sit on the sand while listening to the waves crashing. Sounds rejuvenating, doesn’t it?
But, if you want to explore some more, you can even visit the local town. Paternoster has the appeal of a small town with various art galleries, quaint shops, and tiny cafes/bars. While you’re here, you can even buy yourself some pretty seashells and accessories as a souvenir!
One of the fun sports here is kayaking. It’s so exciting as you can simply take a kayak and visit a Penguin sanctuary. After all, who doesn’t love penguins?
Key Highlights:
Explore the galleries in the town
Stroll across the beach
Kayak to the penguin sanctuary
Vanrhynsdorp / Nieuwoudtville
Vanrhynsdorp is one of the most unique and offbeat places in the entire South Africa. It’s one of those desert regions that look quiet and dreary during the hot months but bloom into wildflowers during August and September!
So, while you’re visiting Vanrhynsdorp, there are certain attractions that you just shouldn’t miss.
First of all, I absolutely love the Cape Flower Route during the June to October months. Did you know that there are over 4000+ wild species of flowers throughout this route? Trust me, it’s literally heaven on Earth! You can consider self-driving here by renting a car.
If you’re someone who loves radio or just quirky collections, then visit the Latsky Radio Museum. There are tons of old and new radios, including one from the time of the Cold War. I’m sure you’re going to love it!
For all the succulent lovers, Vanrhynsdorp has one of the biggest succulent nurseries with over 600 species of succulents! You can even buy your own succulent plant from here.
Key Highlights:
Take the Cape Flower Route
Visit the Latsky Radio Museum
Enjoy the biggest succulent nursery
Riebeek Kasteel, Western Cape
If you believe that Europe is the only country with medieval towns, then you are slightly mistaken! South Africa has some excellent old towns that many people don’t visit - one of them being Riebeek Kasteel.
Riebeek Kasteel is a miniature town with age-old houses, quaint and narrow streets, cute cafes, and many more. Now, even if it sounds similar to any other European old town, the truth is that Riebeek Kasteel has its own unique charm.
You can start your journey by trying out the wine and olive tasting at the Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate. You can buy your favorite wine here or even try out some offbeat ones!
And well, if you’re a fan of olives, I suggest visiting the Olive Boutique in Kerk Street. You will be in an olive paradise.
For a more adventurous trip, you can hike across the surrounding Pieter de Cruythoff and Carl Thunberg routes. Both of them give an excellent panoramic view of this old picturesque town and farmlands.
I also recommend strolling across the Short Street of Riebeek Kasteel. The houses here are simply too adorable to ignore. They also make for a lovely photo backdrop for your ‘Gram! There are many little shops and eateries in this street.
Key Highlights:
Visit the Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate
Hike across Pieter de Cruythoff and Carl Thunberg routes
Stroll across the Short Street
Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
Personally, waterfalls make me excited and give me a whole another level of thrill! Hence, I strongly recommend visiting the Augrabies Falls National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Augrabies Falls offers a majestic view. These falls are tall, wide, and so full of force that they will leave you awestruck! There are around six viewing decks from where you can gaze at this gorgeous beauty.
Apart from just the falls, there are many more activities to explore too. For instance, you can drive up to the Ararat, Oranjekom, and Echo Corner viewpoints to look at the Orange River’s gorge.
If you’re into hiking, you can also hike on the Dassie Trail to reach Twin Falls, Arrow Point, and Moon Rock. The hike might get exhausting due to scorching heat in summers. So, don’t forget to carry sunglasses and a cap. You can also get to go river rafting in the Orange River!
As these Falls are located in a remote place, there’s almost no pollution. So, you can stargaze peacefully while camping as well!
Key Highlights:
Visit the Augrabies Falls
Hike on the Dassie Trail
Go river rafting
Try stargazing or camping!
Sani Pass
If you’re looking for a breathtaking yet offbeat destination, then you won’t regret visiting Sani Pass, located near Lesotho.
Sani Pass is one of the best mountain passes in South Africa that offers excellent views. However, what is definitely more fun here is the crazy and bumpy car ride. So, if you don’t mind the steepness and many twists and turns, then you should visit this place!
After the adventurous ride, you’ll reach the top and find some of the most magnificent views of the mountain and lush green surroundings. You can also get to meet the Basotho people there and know more about their rich history and mountain culture.
While you are there, don’t forget to enjoy a cold glass of Maluti Lager at the Highest Pub In Africa!
Key Highlights:
Take a thrilling car ride to the top
Enjoy the spectacular views
Meet the Basotho people
Visit the Highest Pub In Africa
Grahamstown or Makhanda
If you’re a history lover, you definitely shouldn’t miss this gem of a town - Grahamstown.
From rich history and culture to excellent church architecture, this town has it all! First, I would recommend visiting the Albany Natural Science Museum. You could get to see a lot of the history of the Eastern Cape. Here, you can even find a reconstruction of dinosaurs, along with a Gibeon meteorite too!
Libraries are simply magical places so why not visit the National English Literary Museum? You can find some of the most renowned South African works here.
In Grahamstown, you can literally have coffee in jail! Here’s how: The Provost military prison from the 1800s is now turned into a cozy cafe. So, you can visit this place as well!
If you want, you can simply stroll across the town and find the various churches. There are many live music events in this town too, so be sure to visit some of them!
Key Highlights:
Visit the Albany Natural Science Museum
Visit the National English Literary Museum
Have a cup of coffee at the Provost Military Prison-turned-cafe
Stroll across the town to find churches and live music events
De Hoop, Western Cape
By geographical terms, De Hoop is a natural reserve just three hours away from Cape Town. But for travelers like you and me, it’s a peaceful sanctuary with all forms of nature present.
First, if you’re an animal lover, you get to see them out in the wild. Even though there are no elephants or lions present, you can get to see zebras and many sea animals, such as dolphins and whales! Doesn’t it sound exciting?
I recommend taking an open safari with a guide to explore the wilderness that lies in De Hoop. If you would like an informational tour, you can hire a guide to show you the various sea creatures like sea urchins too!
Once you’re tired of exploring this place, De Hoop offers an excellent and crystal-clear beach. You can try out snorkeling or go whale-watching too.
Key Highlights:
Take an open safari to see the animals
Go for a guided marine tour
Enjoy the De Hoop marine beach
Try snorkeling or whale-watching
Tankwa National Park
Tankwa is no ordinary destination for tourists. It’s one of the best places if you wish to have a magical experience under the star-lit skies. So, yes, I highly recommend Tankwa for every stargazer out there.
There aren’t many things to do in this semi-desert area as there is rarely any settlement. However, you can try hiking or driving the Gannaga Pass for some excellent views of this desert area. Or, you can simply go bird watching or game viewing to bring out your exploring skills.
Finally, I suggest taking some camping equipment with you to stargaze amongst the clear and beautiful skies!
Key Highlights:
Hike or drive on the Gannaga Pass
Try out bird watching or game viewing
Camp around and stargaze
Clarens
Clarens is the best offbeat destination if you want to just sit amidst nature. This peaceful town, covered by the breathtaking Maluti mountains, is extremely picturesque.
You can start your trip by visiting the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to marvel at various animals, like zebras, eland, vultures, and many more!
If you have missed shopping, then you can even find many tiny shops in Clarens. Here, you can visit various shops like:
Groundcover for shoes, belts, and bags
Cheeky Mouse for scarves, mats, and wooden signs
Mona Lisa Garment Gallery for some antique outfits
If you are a book lover, don’t forget to visit the Bibliophile Book Store. It’s one of the cutest bookstores with lovely flower surroundings. Trust me, you’ll get the fairytale feels while you’re here!
You can consider going for a full historical tour or even a Dinosaur tour to explore South Africa in its truest form!
Some fun activities you can find here include - horse riding, mountain biking, and hiking too.
Key Highlights:
Visit the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Take a stop at the Bibliophile Book Store
Visit the various quaint stores here
Take a historical/dinosaur tour in Clarens
Final Thoughts
South Africa is quite a huge country. There’s beauty and culture in every nook and corner of it.
Now, I have simply listed out a few of my favorite offbeat destinations to visit in South Africa. There are many more that have their own different charm.
So, let me know which one you love the most in the comment section below!