Off the Beaten Path: Uncover South Africa’s Hidden Gems

With vast expansive deserts, epic mountain scenery and authentic cultural encounters, South Africa is a wonderful country to explore. While most international tourists tend to stick to the popular hot spots of Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the Garden Route, those who dare to step outside their comfort zone and venture a bit deeper are rewarded with some truly remarkable experiences. Trust us, there are a wealth of hidden gems in South Africa. You just need to know where to look.

Looking to get off the tourist trail and uncover some of South Africa’s hidden gems? Join us in exploring South Africa’s best off the beaten track destinations.  

Hidden Gems in South Africa #1: Johannesburg

Yes, it’s the largest city in South Africa and holder of one of the world’s biggest reputations, but it still earns a spot on our list of the best of South Africa off the beaten track.

Not many visitors to South Africa visit Johannesburg, instead opting to fly directly to Cape Town.

This is a big mistake. Johannesburg is one of the coolest, most creative and most fascinating cities we’ve ever been to. Johannesburg offers a wealth of things to see and do, not to mention some of the coolest neighbourhoods to explore and hang out in.

Not only is Joburg a truly fascinating city but it’s also an excellent value destination with top-notch restaurants, cheap rideshares and inexpensive accommodation options. We can’t think of many global megacities where your money will go this far.

Joburg’s highlights include touring the notorious and misunderstood neighbourhood of Hillbrow, cycling through Soweto and enjoying some of the world-class dining and nightlife this city offers.

Read more about all the awesome things to do in Johannesburg

Hidden Gems in South Africa #2: Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Located only a few hours from both Johannesburg and Durban, yet still unknown to many foreign travellers, Golden Gate Highlands is a great off the beaten track South African destination. 

With rocky outcrops, dramatic views, and excellent hiking options for all levels (including a multi-day option), Golden Gate Highlands National Park is one of the hidden gems of South Africa. This beautiful park offers good wildlife spotting and dramatic rockfaces with sweeping vistas looking out to sandstone mountains. It really is the perfect place to come and relax and enjoy nature and due to its high elevation, the park is also a great place to escape the summer heat. 

Golden Gate Highlands National Park offers varied accommodation options, including cabins but camping is best for those on a budget (with decent facilities on offer).

Read all about exploring and hiking in Golden Gate National Park

Hidden Gems in South Africa #3: The Drakensberg

For those seeking a true wilderness adventure and a chance to experience one of South Africa’s hidden gems, the Drakensberg should be at the top of their list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is set on the world’s highest escarpment and features some of the most dramatic views we have EVER witnessed. 

The region also features the highest peaks in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.

The Amphitheatre, near Sentinel Peak, is the most famous of its sites, but there’s a lot more to the Drakensberg than the chain ladder and Tugela Falls (which, admittedly, are pretty awesome). The region offers so much variety and boasts more hiking variations, including several multi-day options than you can poke your hiking pole at. 

For those who like to get to remote, wild and unchartered places, the Drakensberg is it.

Related: Is South Africa Safe to Visit in 2024?

Hidden Gems in South Africa #4: The Karoo

Nestled in the centre of the country, the Karoo is a delightfully quirky off the beaten track destination in South Africa.

As most travellers make their way down the coastal garden route, the semi-arid Karoo in the interior is left out of most itineraries. But those intrepid explorers who decide to venture here are sure to be rewarded with some of South Africa’s top hidden gems. 

Think sweeping desert vistas, unbeatable sunsets and wide open spaces. Our favourite spots include:

Nieu Bethesda – This unique and artsy desert village is unlike anything we’ve encountered before. With its beautiful architecture, artisans galore and even its own microbrewery, this place is one of a kind! There is also an extensive network of mountain biking trails to take advantage of.  

Valley of Desolation – Set in Camdeboo National Park on the outskirts of Graeff Reneit, this dramatic valley features impressive columns of dolerite which rise 120 metres from the valley floor. It’s certainly worth checking out if you’re passing through the area. 

Graeff Reneit – This country town is a good place to stock up on food and supplies and also features some interesting architecture and boutique stores within its creative and artsy commercial pocket. Also, there are plenty of nice cafes and restaurants to enjoy while you’re here. 

The Karoo is also home to AfrikaBurn, the largest regional Burning Man event in the world. Attending AfrikaBurn is quite the off-the-beaten-track experience! Read more in our AfrikaBurn 2024 Survival Guide.

Hidden Gems in South Africa #5: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Located just an hour outside of Cape Town, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is off the radar to most visitors to the Western Cape. This is great news to those who are looking to experience the great outdoors while escaping the crowds in places like Table Mountain and Lions Head. Also, the scenery here is arguably better than most of the region’s more popular destinations. 

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is an excellent place to come for a day hike. With incredible mountains, similar to those in Kyrgyzstan, the region offers some truly spectacular landscapes. The park offers many hiking variations, from short to all day. There’s even a backcountry multiday traverse in there.

This South African off the beaten path location can be visited as a day trip from Cape Town but we recommend spending at least a night here to really soak up the beauty of the region. 

Read more about Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Hidden Gems in South Africa #6: The Cederberg

Easily accessible from Cape Town, the Cederberg is another excellent destination for those who love the great outdoors. The region offers a special landscape that features impressive mountains, dramatic rock formations and unique flora and fauna, including the endemic Cape Mountain Leopard.

Because of this, the region offers excellent hiking, top-notch camping, extensive mountain biking trails and quality rock climbing opportunities. For culture and food lovers, there’s also a brewery, winery, some gourmet food options and ancient San rock art.

The Cederberg is home to the famous Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, but beyond this, there’s so much more to explore.

Hidden Gems in South Africa #7: The Richtersveld

Tucked away along the edge of the Namibian border in the far reaches of the Northern Cape lies the Richerveld, one of South Africa’s most epic yet least-explored frontiers. 

Due to its remote location, the Richtersveld is a mission to get to, and once you’re here, you’re isolated as hell, but isn’t that what it’s all about?

The Richterveld features a stunning desert landscape with the added value of being situated along the Orange River. This allows for excellent remote camping and 4×4 adventuring. 

As you might have guessed, to explore the park properly, you’ll need a solid 4×4 and confident driving skills. 

The Richtersveld National Park accounts for the South African section of the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park which it shares with Namibia. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust.