No Crowds, Just Joy: 5 Hidden Summer Escapes in South Africa

SSouth Africa’s summer has a way of turning even the most grounded adult into a daydreamer – it’s a time of salty skin, fresh sea air, mountain water between your toes and long evenings that seem to bend time.

The catch, of course, is arriving at that ‘perfect’ place and finding half the country’s already there. The hidden magic lies in the quieter corners: in those stays and trails where you can still hear the wind in the trees, taste local flavours slowly, and feel like you’ve discovered something for yourself.

This handful of hidden gems deliver exactly that – from sacred architectural heritage history in the hills of KwaZulu-Natal to wild horses in a misty Mpumalanga village and glamping on a lazy Northern Cape waterway, they’ll help you dodge the crowds and find your joy in a way that feels personal, authentically South African, peaceful and wildly memorable.

1. Kaapsehoop & the Wild Horses, Mpumalanga

Kaapsehoop is a misty village Perched high above Mbombela, where wild horses free-roam past stone cottages and through knee-high grasslands, dramatic rock formations and forested patches. The sweeping views transform this quaint hidden gem into a place fit for a storybook, especially in the soft morning light, or late afternoon’s Golden Hour.

Visitors enjoy photographing the wild horses, hiking through the Blue Swallow Reserve, exploring rock gardens on the escarpment, joining guided horse trails, browsing small cafés and pubs, and enjoying cool nights, even in the height of summer.

Entry/fees? Certain reserves, trails or horse-riding activities carry their own charges, so check before you go.

2. King’s Grant Country Retreat, KwaZulu-Natal

Built in 1896, the once-Trappist mission farm that is today called King’s Grant has been painstakingly restored into a peaceful country retreat. A visit here allows you to immerse yourself in country living and wander through the site’s red-brick buildings, chapel, gorgeous gardens, old stonework, and an utterly Instagrammable working farm. It’s like stepping into the Garden of Eden, where time has also agreed to move a little slower.

Spend your days exploring where the monks once worked – explore the old mill and chapel, wander through the gardens, enjoy slow and scrumptious meals at St Isidore’s restaurant, or use King’s Grant as a tranquil base from which to explore the greater Trappist Trail. You could also bring along some art supplies, or a camera and let your creativity run free, with myriad gorgeous sights to add to your collection and artist retreats to enjoy. The venue is pet-friendly so request this in advance.

Entry/rates? Check the King’s Grant for current specials, custom retreats, and room options.

3. Khamkirri Adventure Destination, Northern Cape

Adventure awaits visitors on the banks of the Orange River, near the Augrabies falls, where summer days spent at Khamkirri means spending time river rafting, lazy swims and evenings around the fire. Far from the city lights and urban sprawl, it’s dark enough at night to make the stars feel so close you can run your fingers through them.

From river rafting and paddling, fishing, mountain-biking, and going on 4×4 outings, to snacking at relaxed riverside braais (barbecues), going on scorpion walks, bird watching, and stargazing to ease the Green Kalahari heat, there’s loads to enjoy and memories to be made.

Entry/fees? Check the website for current accommodation and activity rates.

4. Roman Baths, KwaZulu-Natal

If your ideal summer day includes a hike, a camera and a swim, put your cozzie (swimming costume) on under your shorts and hike out to the Roman Baths in Kamberg. Set off from the Kamberg Nature Reserve and follow the gently winding trail through the grasslands before you reach a the sandstone pools, filled with clear Drakensberg water – natural ‘baths’ that appear just as you feel you may melt from the heat.

The 8km round trip hike is an easy-to-moderate one, with sights, sounds, and breathtaking natural beauty to enjoy before taking a safe, refreshing swim in the calm rock pools at the turnaround point.

Entry/fees? Kamberg Nature Reserve day-visitor and conservation fees apply, so check current rates with Ezemvelo before you go.

5. Rosemary Hill Farm, Gauteng

A working organic farm located just east of Pretoria, Rosemary Hill is riot on the senses. It has lush and fragrant trails that curl through eucalyptus avenues, herb gardens and fields, and is close enough to major cities for a spontaneous day trip, or a longer-term stay with friends. Here you can immerse yourself in the organic farm way of life and rest assured that the second you drive up, that city noise feels super-far away.

There’s something for every attention span at Rosemary Hill, from trail running and mountain biking on more than 30 km of routes, to padel, Segway tours, tree-top and adventure activities, picnics, brunch at the farm restaurant, and overnight stays in creatively designed cabins or cottages. There may also be some food fermentation workshops on the go, so check before you set off.

Entry/fees? Day-visitor trail passes and activity fees apply. Accommodation rates vary so check the website or book directly.

An authentic South African summer that helps you get back to those things that make you happy is often hiding in plain sight, just off a main road. It’s here