8 HIDDEN GEMS TO VISIT
South Africa is an abundance of beautiful attractions – the Kruger Park, Table Mountain and the Garden Route, well-loved by tourists. But it’s also rich with lesser-known wonders, natural must-sees and serene, sandy beaches – perfect if you’re seeking socially-distanced family fun far from the milling crowds.
1. CHURCHHAVEN IN LANGEBAAN
Churchhaven is a underrated haven with water so clear you’ll think you’ve teleported to Thailand. Stay in a cottage overnight and take in the sounds and unspoilt nature of the National Parks Board Nature Reserve, or go for a day-visit with your kayak strapped to your car roof. Also check out Langebaan Lagoon, a quiet and calm salt water lagoon less than an hour from Cape Town with white sands, rock formations and (surprisingly warm) water.
2. SKIM THE TREETOPS ON A ZIPLINE ADVENTURE
Outdoor adrenalin junkies can swing through the treetops at Acrobranch – with spots across the country. Kids are tucked safely into snug harnesses and hooked into secure lines, with course instructors. The exhilarating courses develop balance, decision making, core strength and planning, with views kids will love!
3. THE CRADLE REST
In the Cradle of Humankind, Cradle’s Rest Cottage is perfect for families spending the holidays in the Magaliesberg between the Zwartkop Mountains, with canopy tours as a plus. It sits just an hour from Johannesburg and comfortably sleeps four so there’s plenty of space. Go cycling, hiking and even hot-air ballooning to take in the pretty sights. Or, take the kids to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in Krugersdorp, Kromdraai Gold Mine, Lesedi Cultural Village or the Sterkfontein Caves.
4. GO ON A GAME-DRIVE
Have you shown your kids the Big 5? Spot lions, leopards, African elephants, the Cape Buffalo and the magnificent rhino in their natural habitat, as well as zebra, cheetahs and giraffes – a memory they’ll never forget. Our favourites are Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Samara Private Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. But at the top of our list has to be Tankwa. The Sutherland Observatory is located close by, host of the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere and the perfect location for amateur astronomers and photographers.
5. DRAKENSBERG AMPHITHEATRE
For an amphitheatre, it draws surprisingly fewer crowds than you’d think. Standing at the base of this tower of the rock will make you feel as though you’re a fictional character in a book. Hike to the peak of the cliff. The majestic Tugela Falls at the top will make the walk worth your while.
6. EXPLORE THE CAVES
Sterkfontein is a world heritage site just 40 minutes from Joburg, with awesome guides and the perfect spot for budding archaeologists. The caves are an active excavation site. Animal fossils as old as 4 million years have been found here – providing valuable information on human history.
7. TAKE IN THE FALLS
In the lush green region of KZN, Howick Falls is the second tallest waterfall in South Africa, and home to crowned eagles. If you’re up for it, go abseiling and boating. A walking trail offers picturesque views to the falls, and you can enjoy a picnic on the deck. Another must-see is Augrabies’ Falls National Park, a magnificent gem in the Northern Cape. When the Orange River is showing off, the falls are at their most awe-inspiring, tumbling down granite formations. You might even spot dassies, klipspringer buck, mountain zebra and black eagles.
8. THE BUSH BABY SANCTUARY
Mountain springs, tree canopies and never-ending vegetation. Need we say more? A great visit with kids, guides are invaluable pockets of information on each species, including capuchin, spider and squirrel monkeys, and the sanctuary does important work in preserving primate communities. Take a relaxing drive through Hartbeespoort.
WHAT TO PACK
Style basics are easy to pack, mix and match to lighten the luggage load.