Small town charm

Despite its scenic landscape and being home to the Eye of Kuruman (a wondrous natural spring known as one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), Kuruman in the Northern Cape is not often the first place that one thinks of when we speak about tourism in South Africa. Mpho Molema, a native of Mothibistad township in Kuruman, defies this status quo through The Workshop ko Kasi”, an eco-tourism and creative hub offering authentic African experiences to visitors from all over the world.

Khosi Tyobeka has built her business around making travelling easy and accessible. Her company, Zimasa Travel, provides tailor-made travel solutions; from planning to the execution of travel or conference needs. The award winning entrepreneur’s flair for business runs in her family. When she was growing up her mother operated a food business in their small village in the North West Province .

The Upper Karoo Route from Victoria West to Calvinia via Carnarvon offers the beautiful landscape of Northern Cape (strewn with daisies in spring), rare wildlife and a thriving, hospitable culture.

Cullinan near Pretoria in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, is a great destination for out-of-the-ordinary weddings at Jan Harmsgat se Agterplaas and prenuptial pampering at Zau Spa.

The Klein Karoo in Western Cape might be dry, but it offers unique plants, enthralling nature reserves, magnificent mountain vistas, its own wine route, ostrich farms and the world-famous Cango Caves.

Northern Cape’s Diamond Coast – from Port Nolloth to Alexander Bay – is perfect for romantic getaways featuring shipwrecks, glorious scenery and spring flowers… and sparkly gems!

The Royal Hotel in preserved Victorian gold-rush town Pilgrim’s Rest, once a Catholic church that was built hundreds of kilometres away, offers old-fashioned comfort and a heap of Mpumalanga history.

Ficksburg in Free State province is famed as South Africa’s cherry mecca – but the town offers many other experiences for visitors, from chocolates and asparagus to boat tours and beautiful buildings.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek produce some of South Africa’s best wine and boast several of the country’s best restaurants.

Drive the scenic Camdeboo route in the Eastern Cape Karoo and experience the small-town charm of Willowmore, Rietbron, Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet.

The Waterberg Meander in Limpopo is a celebration of culture in an area that includes national parks, wilderness areas, private game reserves and tribal areas.

A road trip from Smithfield to Philippolis offers visitors South African War history, friendly small towns, the Gariep Dam, ancient rock art and access to tigers.