10 Amazing Places In South Africa You Didn't Know Existed

South Africa is a vast country with much to explore, so if you’re an avid traveller, these exciting destinations should be at the top of your bucket list.

Die Hel/Gamkaskloof

Die Hel (The Hell), also known as Gamkaskloof, is a hidden valley located approximately 100 kilometres from Oudtshoorn. There are more than 100 bird species to look out for, as well as fantastic picnic and camp sites, historic houses and much more. If you’re seeking respite from the fast-paced daily grind, this has to be one of the best places in which to unwind and relax.

The valley is surrounded by the Swartberg Nature Reserve

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg

Stay overnight in a rock chalet or upgrade to a suite under the stars

Winterton, KuwaZulu-Natal

Winterton is a small town situated on the banks of the Tugela River in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains. Close to the Second Boer War battle sites of Battle of Vaal Krantz and Spioenkop, it’s the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. The town is situated on the R74 between Bergville and the N3.

Napier, Western Cape

This small, picture perfect village at the foot of the Soetmuisberg was founded in 1838. It’s been rated as one of the most attractive villages in the Western Cape. There’s much to see in Napier, including art galleries, an Ox-wagon monument and a giant sundial.

Lone Creek Falls, Mpumalanga

Lone Creek Falls in Mpumalanga is only nine kilometres from Sabie and a short walk through a beautiful indigenous forest. Reaching 68 meters, the waterfall has been declared a national monument and is the perfect picnic spot. The surrounding area also offers great hiking opportunities.

Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg

The Cederberg mountains are known for their impressive rock formations, and the Wolfberg Cracks are no exception. It’s quite a steep climb to the cracks but the trail is well-marked and easy enough to follow. There aren’t opportunities to buy water once on the trail, so make sure to pack a bottle or two to drink while you make your way to the top.

Climb Wolfberg Cracks to reach Wolfberg Arch

The three dams at Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus

Pack towels and lunch and spend the day relaxing at the three dams. Although they are only a short walk into the reserve, we still recommend wearing proper shoes and taking an easy-to-carry bag if you’re planning on staying a while. The surrounding lake-water is at an ideal temperature for taking a dip.

Quiver tree forest, Northern Cape

The quiver tree forest in the Northern Cape is the largest of its kind in the world, and offers a prime example of Khoisan culture. Khoisan hunters used to gather here to source holders for their arrows, which they made from hollowed out quiver tree branches.

The quivertree is so named due to the fact that its wood was used by the Khoisan to make quivers for their arrows

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve, KuwaZulu-Natal

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, and covers 96,000 hectares of wilderness. Due to the amount of terrain it encompasses, it’s home to a large variety of wildlife, providing fantastic viewing opportunities for photographers looking to get some great shots of the local fauna.

Wreck of the Meisho Maru, Cape Agulhas

The wreck of the the Meisho Maru No. 38, a small Japanese fishing vessel that ran aground on 16 November 1982, can still be seen from the southernmost point of South Africa. It’s the perfect spot from which to enjoy the sunset after a day spent exploring.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.