The South African National Space Agency Space Science facility in Hermanus used to be called the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory. Now its functions have expanded. Scientists there monitor space weather and the Earth’s fluctuating electromagnetic field. They do fascinating work, and you can find out more by doing a tour. more

On this route from Uniondale down to Patensie, you will find yourself in a world of forests, fruit-growing districts, colourful little villages and old cultures still preserved in one way or another, from honey-beer festivals to story-telling to cave art deep in the Kamanassie mountains. more

Discovered by longboarders during the early 1960s, J-Bay's exceptional waves attract surfers from around the world to test their skill at Supertubes, Tubes, Point, Boneyards, Albatross, Kitchen Windows and Magnatubes. The waves vary in size from 3ft to 10ft, and conditions change in accordance with swell direction and tidal flow. more

Around June each year, word gets out along the KwaZulu-Natal coast that the sardines have arrived. They’ve swum for more than 30 days from their spawning ground in the Cape to reach South Africa's east coast. Scores of fishermen join the sharks, game fish, marine mammals and birds that gorge themselves on the shimmering band of silver fish. more

First established as a hunting lodge, the Hunter’s Rest Mountain Resort in the Magaliesberg mountains of the North West province has been around for more than a century, and is constantly being maintained and upgraded for the modern travelling family – without any loss of its olde worlde charm and atmosphere. more

The Karoo, a sprawling semi-desert in the centre of the country, is one of the quietest places on the planet. For these and other reasons, it naturally lends itself to contemplation and spirituality. Karoo farm Poplar Grove farm south of Colesberg hosts Zen Buddhist retreats and comfortable country farm stays. more

Along the Horizon Route you’ll travel through some of the most scenic parts of the southern Free State, and as you pass through the scattered little towns you will hear of the old legends that made them world famous. This is a land of fine diamonds – and fine horses. more

Hotazel was once a farm where surveyors looked around and said it was ‘As hot as hell’ out here. It then became a small village after strong reserves of manganese were found here and a mining company set up shop. Today it stands out as having one of the oddest names for a town in South Africa. more

Hondeklip ('Dog Stone') Bay in the Northern Cape has had many incarnations, from being a humble trading store to a copper port, a crayfishing centre to a diamond diving hub. Today it’s happy to host long-distance tourists who love far-flung adventures and a plate of seafood on a distant beach. more

There are times when one yearns for a surefooted guide to a country, especially one as multi-layered as South Africa. Moja Heritage Collection combines South Africa’s cultural attractions with natural destinations and historical interest, a tourism guide all beautifully packaged in print and on an easy-to-use website. more

Close to Oudtshoorn you’ll find a farmstay that boasts rustic accommodation as well as luxury, that is ethically run and where you'll see plenty of birdlife. The most compelling attraction, though, is the famous habituated meerkats. Go and watch them wake up one morning. more

The Eastern Cape town of Bedford is famous for its annual Garden Festival, but now has another floral attraction – a rosarium. Here the heritage and old roses, ancestors of our modern cultivars, have been preserved and are thriving in an arboretum of tall trees. more

Glass beads were first used as trading commodities centuries ago in intra-African trade. They are an integral part of Zulu and other African cultures. And via Gone Rural, they uplift 150 women who used them to make the most beautiful objects, from jewellery to coasters and beaded giraffes. more

Rietbron in the Eastern Cape is home to an interesting little craft project based in a local school. Here nearly a dozen people, most of them previously unemployed, are engaged in producing beautiful wire and bead crafts. But part of the attraction is the unspoilt quietness of the town. more