Small Towns In South Africa To Visit

6 Small Towns in South Africa to Visit

Of course, the major South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are the most popular tourist attractions, but do you know the country’s lesser-known towns are also worth visiting? All these towns are packed with picturesque scenery, rich tribal culture, amazing historic landmarks, and some relishing food and wine.

Small Towns in South Africa to Visit

Here are the top 6 towns of South Africa that you cannot skip visiting if you plan your next vacation to South Africa.

1. Clarens, Free State

Also known as the Jewel of the Free State, Clarens is situated close to the northern Lesotho border. Covered by the picturesque Rooiberge Mountains, it is known for its tranquil atmosphere. Artists across the world reach Clarens to display their work in countless galleries and boutiques.

You can reach the Artists’ Amble walking route, which is a mountain that provides great opportunities for adventurous pursuits. You can enjoy from trout fishing to horse riding, hiking, and white water rafting.

2. Franschhoek, Western Cape

If you are passionate about wines, South African wines in Franschhoek is a place you would love to visit. It is a historic town in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Known for its original Cape Dutch architecture, soothing climate, and breathtaking vineyard-and-mountain scenery, Franschhoek is a place to visit.

You can experience wine tours and tastings at top farms like Haute Cabrière, La Bourgogne and La Motte.

3. Hogsback, Eastern Cape

Hogsback is more like a village than a town. It is filled with rustic restaurants, faerie gardens, and shops selling incense and crystals. The nearby countryside is crisscrossed with hiking trails, some of which lead to swimming pools and scenic waterfalls.

Here you can also visit the popular hotel The Edge Mountain Retreat which has a spa and fine-dining restaurant from here you can have a spectacular view of the valley below.

4. Hermanus, Western Cape

Located between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas, Hermanus is known as the whale-watching capital of South Africa. It is closer to Walker Bay, where southern right whales gather during the breeding season (July to November).

You can enjoy the boat-based tours with the possibility of getting great sightings of the whales from land.

Hermanus is also known for its food where you can visit several seafront restaurants serving the finest cuisine and wines from around the Western Cape.

5. Wilderness, Western Cape

Sitting between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this resort town has been attracting tourists since the late 1800s. It has a seemingly endless stretch of golden beach and dolphins that you can frequently spot frolicking in the surf.

You can go birding or hiking in the 2,500-hectare Wilderness National Park or can also enjoy water-skiing on the lagoon.

6. Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal

If you are a hiker, you’ll love Underberg, the last town before the start of the southern Drakensberg Mountains.

It’s a hot destination for hikers, offering the perfect base camp for Drakensberg short walks or multi-day expeditions.

The town is an agricultural centre with many attractions like rural farm stalls and the Underberg Cheesery. It hosts Splashy Fen, South Africa’s longest-running music festival.