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WWhether you're looking to relax, sightsee, head off on an adventure, embrace the outdoors or try something new, there's something for everyone in South Africa. And while there are the more “obvious” options, here are some places that are off the beaten track:
Parys
Parys is a small, vibrant town in the Free State with plenty of fun activities for the family. Try your hand at abseiling, fly fishing, hiking, berry picking or art classes. Many artists have settled in the town and have opened interesting shops and attractions that make it the ideal breakaway close to Gauteng.
Chintsa
Chintsa (formerly Cintsa), a village in the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape, is recognised as one of South Africa's prime coastal destinations. With a clear 15km stretch of beach, outdoor adventures, natural forest, and other cultural encounters, there's something for everyone in Chintsa.
Clarens
Clarens is a small town situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State and is nicknamed “the jewel of the eastern Free State”. With beauty all around, it's no wonder why many an artist finds inspiration in Clarens. From horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking, to golf, archery, or heading off on hot air balloon rides, the list of things to do in Clarens are endless.
Did You Know?
TThe word “Chintsa” is a Xhosa word meaning “river of crumbling banks”, and it is pronounced in a very specific way. Most visitors say “Sintsa”, but the locals introduce a click sound at the beginning of the word.
Cullinan
A 30-minute drive from Pretoria, Cullinan is a well-preserved mining town along the diamond route. Cullinan's focal point is Oak Avenue, lined with jacaranda and oak trees, and cottages with intricate wrought-iron work. Add abseiling, bongo drumming, gorge gliding and quad trails — and you're not likely to run out of things to do and see.
TThings to do
The Big Pineapple in Bathurst, Eastern Cape
Bathurst, one of the largest pineapple growing areas in South Africa, is home to the world's biggest artificial pineapple in the world. Inside the giant pineapple is a pineapple museum. The 16,7m pineapple makes for epic photos.
The Big Baobab in Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo
The Sunland Big Baobab, over 1 000 years old, is 10,64m in diameter and is 19m high. That's big. Pretty big. This particular baobab located on the Sunland Farm is particularly famous because in its hollowed trunk there is a bar and a wine cellar.
Valley of Desolation in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape
Ever wondered what the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years looked like? The Valley of Desolation, a sheer cliff face, declared a national monument is a geographical phenomenon with a unique Karoo landscape and ecosystem that creates a type of oasis in the midst of the arid Karoo.
Spider Lady in Hanover, Northern Cape
If you're someone with a fascination for spiders, you'll be delighted to know that there's a lady in Hanover in the Northern Cape who shares your fondness. Marie de Jager learned a lot about these creatures and transformed her house into a living museum. Locked in secure cages and tanks are a
number of spiders and scorpions. The spider crab is the most venomous one she has in her collection. Others include velvet spiders, a button spider and tarantula.
Cape Desert Safari, Western Cape
Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture during the Cape Desert Safari in the Western Cape. There are many activities perfect for adrenaline junkies, including sand dune boarding, which travellers can enjoy along the journey.
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