Let’s find out and enjoy the out-of-the-way spaces and places, i.e., non-touristy things in South Africa that haven’t yet been discussed. Although every place is gifted with such things, in South Africa, there’s so much to explore and see that you won’t have to share with others.
Offbeat Things to Do in South Africa
1. Hike in Boosmansbos and Grootvadersbosch Wilderness
I am sure not many South Africans know about the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. Chances are you are lonely as long as you come here out of season.
You cannot imagine a better and more beautiful non-touristy activity in South Africa than hiking along the side paths of the Indigenous forest in the Langeberg. The reserve is not that large, but it is close to Boosmansbos Wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 70 km of unmarked trails, on which only 12 hikers are allowed at a time.
2. Explore the Aukoerebis ‘place of noise’
When in full swing, the Augrabies Fall of Gariep River creates a momentous crashing noise similar to that of the sea. It hits the rocks with full strength, making its way down 90 odd meters and into a huge 18 km granite canyon.
This is a great moment when the river quickly hurtles its turgid, soaring self through the narrow gorge. You can view it at sunrise or sunset, and beyond the gorge are roads that head, to quote Jacques Marais, ‘into an extra-terrestrial melee of rock and dust and Tim Burton botany’.
Attend the Easter Passion play in Lady Grey.
Lady Grey is a beautiful, historical rural town in the foothills of the Witteberg Mountains on the border between the Eastern Cape and the Free State close to the border with Lesotho.
It’s a little off the tourist’s route, although this Easter passion play strives to restore the religious character of Easter. It is played in the streets and environs of Lady Grey, so it’s better to book your place before time.
Get a Pair of Vellies in Wuppertal
If you are not aware of the legendary veldskoen, now is the time to get an in-depth idea of the Afrikaner-inspired shoe, made from hiding and worn in the veld.
Deep in the Cederberg, situated almost three hours from Cape Town, is a Rhenish/Moravian mission village, also known as Wuppertal. Here, you will find a Veldskoen factory, introduced in 1836, that still makes shoes.
Ordering ahead will be wise as it is not sure you will find one pair of your size even if you visit there, stay overnight, and perhaps risk a donkey cart trip over the Pakhuis Pass.
Drive Up the Highest Mountain Passes in South Africa
Ascending the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain through a series of zig-zag curves that make up the Sani Pass can be the one nob-touristy thing to do. It is also called the ‘roof of Africa’, and the views from 3200 metres above sea level are spectacular.
Through this passage, you can explore a steep, rough track with hairpin bends, tight switchbacks, and a view of snow-covered mountain tips if you plan to visit in colder months. There are also several pull-over spots for photography.
Watch the Whales on Almost Isolated Beach
For coastline whale watching De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along the Wale coast.
This site has fynbos (proteas, restios, ericas, and heather), a Ramsar-listed wetland, and several momentous dunes. All of these make this beach one of the best whale-viewing sites in the country. You can lie and watch whole pods of whales offshore, their tails, and fins.
