Travels

Top Getaway Spots in South Africa Locals Love

Published

12 months ago

13 June 2025

When South Africans want to unwind, they know exactly where to go. It’s not always the flashy resorts or the picture-perfect spots seen in tourism ads. Sometimes, it’s the hidden beaches, the quiet mountain cabins, and the family-run wine farm down the road that attract most people. Here’s a look at some of the local favourites—places South Africans return to again and again for the peace, beauty, and simplicity they offer.

Clarens, Free State

This small town at the foot of the Maluti Mountains is where people go to breathe. Locals love the crisp winters, the cosy fireplaces, the sandstone cliffs—and the stillness that gives your mind room to breathe. You’ll find quirky art galleries, weekend markets, and craft beer brewed on-site at Clarens Brewery. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly why it feels just right.

Paternoster, West Coast

Paternoster isn’t about big hotels or beach bars. It’s about barefoot walks on beautiful beaches, morning coffee overlooking the waves, and fresh crayfish straight from the ocean. Locals love that it hasn’t tried to turn into Clifton. It’s raw, real, and the seafood feasts are unforgettable.

Drakensberg, KZN & Eastern Cape

The ‘Berg isn’t just for hikers (though the hiking trails are spectacular). It’s also a favourite for families, and anyone wanting to wake up with a view that stops time. Whether it’s Champagne Valley, Cathedral Peak, or Hogsback further south, you’ll find log cabins, horse rides, and stars so clear they feel close enough to touch. It’s the dramatic mountains, the wide-open spaces, and the morning mist that make the ‘Berg unforgettable.

Cederberg, Western Cape

This place feels like pure magic. Think orange cliffs, ancient San rock art, and night skies so full of stars they look photoshopped. Locals love the Cederberg for its hiking trails, swimming holes, and the rare chance to truly unplug for a few days. With its ancient rock formations and rich rooibos heritage, the Cederberg holds just as much fascination for visitors as it does for locals.

Knysna & Wilderness, Garden Route

Sure, the Garden Route is no secret. But locals still have their go-to spots—Knysna is all about oysters, forest walks, and lagoon views. Wilderness is made for paragliding, canoeing, and quiet beach days. There’s a reason people end up moving here “for a year” and never leave. With peaceful lagoons, slow drives, and forest trails, it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with this stretch.

Robertson Wine Valley

Everyone talks about Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, but locals in the know head to Robertson. It’s relaxed, less polished, and all the better for it. Think wine tastings with no pretense, farm-style breakfasts, and hot springs nearby if you’re in the mood to soak. What makes Robertson special is that it’s still under the radar, offering a slower pace and a deeply serene atmosphere.

Final Thought

If you ask a South African about their top getaway spots, you’ll hear a dozen answers. Chances are, it’s somewhere filled with memori—where they watched the sunset with a beer in hand, took their dog on a muddy trail, or found a quiet corner of the country that just felt right. And maybe that’s the whole point of travel after all.

Related Topics:Getaway Spots Tourists Travel Visitors

Up Next

Why You Should Visit the Drakensberg

Click to comment

Travels

Gabrielle Union Can’t Get Enough of South Africa

Published

2 weeks ago

25 May 2026

Tega Ekeri

Gabrielle Union - Instagram

Actress Gabrielle Union has once again returned to South Africa, continuing a relationship with the country that has become increasingly visible over the past few years.

Union first visited South Africa in 2022 alongside husband Dwyane Wade and their daughter Kaavia during a wider trip across Africa tied to her 50th birthday. Parts of the journey later appeared in her BET+ docuseries, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, which followed her travels through countries including Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa.

Photo – Instagram

Her recent return to the country was documented across social media, where she shared moments from Cape Town and the Western Cape. The actress visited restaurants, beaches, vineyards and local fashion spaces while also highlighting several Black-owned businesses during the trip.

One of the locations she featured was Klein Goederust in Franschhoek, one of the few Black-owned wine farms in the region. Union praised the owners during her visit and shared clips from her time at the estate.

Photo – Instagram

She also spent time exploring South African fashion and design spaces, including references to designer Thebe Magugu, whose work has gained international recognition in recent years.

Another moment from the trip gained attention online after Union joined a karaoke sing-along of Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” while out at a Cape Town venue. Videos from the evening circulated widely on social media, with many viewers reacting to the relaxed atmosphere of the interaction.

Photo – Instagram

Throughout the trip, Union appeared to embrace both the social and cultural sides of Cape Town, sharing clips from nightlife spots, restaurants and local attractions.

In previous interviews linked to her docuseries, Union spoke about wanting travel experiences centred on people, culture and connection rather than traditional tourism. That approach has continued to shape her visits to South Africa.

Her latest posts suggest the country remains one of her favourite destinations on the continent, particularly for its mix of scenery, fashion, food and music.

Travels

6 National Parks to Visit in South Africa This Autumn

Published

4 weeks ago

9 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

South Africa’s national parks are great to visit during autumn. This season runs from March to May. The cool cooler temperatures during this time makes it perfect to visit. Whether you want to spot lions, enjoy peaceful nature escapes, or capture stunning autumn views, these national parks deliver unforgettable adventures.

Kruger National Park

Photo: Getty Images

The Kruger National Park should appeal to lovers of wildlife. Visitors can see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo around rivers . The weather encourages animals to be active during daytime. Entry fees for South African adults are R134 and children pay R67.

Table Mountain National Park

Photo: Getty Images

Table Mountain National Park offers visitors a great view of mountains and ocean. Autumn is one of the best times to hike at this part because temperatures are great. Trails across Table Mountain become more enjoyable without the intense summer heat. The season provides excellent visibility for photography. Entrance into this park costs R110 for South Africans.

Addo Elephant National Park

Photo: Getty Images

The Addo Elephant National Park offers excellent wildlife exploration. Besides elephants, there are lions and hyenas. Accommodation and meals are not pricey. It Access cost around R110.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Photo: Getty Images

Golden Gate Highlands National Park has excellent sandstone formations. The cool temperature makes hiking more comfortable at this park. There are zebras and various bird species. To gain access, adults will pay R73 while children will pay R37.

Pilanesberg National Park

Photo: Getty images

Pilanesberg National Park has beautiful hills and waterholes. Autumn offers excellent game viewing due to its sparse vegetation. The park houses lions and rhinos. Johannesburg is close which makes it a perfect weekend destination. With just R168, you can have a good time.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Photo: Getty Images

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find many beaches and coastal views. Autumn weather is ideal for exploration. There are several sightings of hippos and crocodiles. You can enjoy all these and more for R66.

Autumn is the best time for parks visiting. The weather conditions are moderate and you can find many animals during the day. .

Travels

5 Ways to Ensure Your Luggage Stays Safe During Your Travels

Published

2 months ago

7 April 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

When travelling, a suitcase can be misplaced, or taken by someone else. Many travelers only realize how vulnerable their luggage is after experiencing delays, missing items, or damaged bags. While travel should be exciting, protecting your belongings requires proper planning. The good news is that a few practical habits can reduce the risk of loss or theft. Here are five effective ways to ensure your luggage stays safe during your travels.

Use Secure Luggage

Using secure luggage makes it hard to access without authorization. Travel experts recommend using durable suitcases with reliable zippers. Approved agencies also advise using recognized luggage locks that airport officers can open easily during inspection. A secure suitcase provides better security throughout your journey.

Let Your Luggage Be Easy to Identify

Photo: Getty Images

Many travelers choose dark coloured suitcases, but experts warn this will increase the chances of getting stolen. Making your luggage easy to identify makes it difficult to steal. By adding luggage tags and stickers, authorities will be able to identify it. Also take a photo of your bag before check-in for security reasons.

Keep Valuables in Your Carry On

Items such as passports, medication, money, and jewelry should not be in your checked luggage. You should keep all valuables with you at all times, since checked bags pass through various handling stages. When onboard, place your carry on where it is visible

Label Clearly

Photo: Getty Images

By labeling your luggage, the chances of it getting missing reduces. Put your name, phone number, and email address for proper identification. It is recommended that this information helps airlines deal with misplaced baggage. However, don’t add sensitive information such as your home address publicly.

Pack Smart

Organizing items reduces the chances of your bags being missing. Travellers are to check prohibited item rules before leaving home to avoid delays during inspection. The South Africa Department of Tourism has laid down some safety tips for people travelling.

When traveling with luggage, you can keep it safe by following the above-mentioned tips.When your belongings are protected, you can move through airports, hotels, and new destinations with greater confidence and peace of mind.