7 hidden gem towns in South Africa to escape hectic city life
Sometimes the ideal getaway is where the crowds aren’t, and these 7 overlooked South African towns offer the perfect escape.
City life has its perks, until the noise, traffic, and daily stress become too much.
When that happens, the best remedy is space, both physical and mental. South Africa’s lesser-known small towns provide exactly that, offering peaceful getaways without the crowds or tourist clichés. Here are seven hidden gems that promise tranquility, charm, and a true escape.
1. Rosendal, Free State, South Africa
A quiet artist’s outpost in the highlands
Artists have transformed Rosendal from a forgotten farm town into a creative haven. Though tiny, the town bursts with charm, featuring sandstone houses, vast open skies, and a close-knit community of creatives who swapped corporate life for canvases and clay. There’s little to tick off on a to-do list here, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.
2. Haenertsburg, Limpopo
Misty mountains and forest trails
Perched in South Africa’s Magoebaskloof mountains, the village of Haenertsburg sits surrounded by thick forests, crisp mountain air, and endless winding trails. It’s a haven for hikers, bikers, and anyone who wants to get lost in nature. Expect crackling fireplaces in winter, colourful gardens in summer, and a strong sense of stillness all year round.
Take a look here: #haenertsburg
3. Bathurst, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Eccentric history, rolling hills, and the world’s biggest pineapple
Bathurst feels like a time capsule wrapped in a local pub. Founded in 1820, this underrated town is steeped in history but full of offbeat charm – home to artists, farmers, and misfits who never quite clicked with city life. It’s also got a massive, kitschy pineapple-shaped building that’s somehow perfect. You’ll find laughter, character, and no rush at all.
4. Matjiesfontein, Western Cape
One street. Infinite character.
South Africa’s Matjiesfontein is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town – but stop, and you’ll feel like you stepped into another era. Its preserved Victorian buildings and old-world charm make it feel like a living museum. The Lord Milner Hotel anchors the scene, offering whisky, ghost stories, and Karoo sunsets that go on forever.
Take a look here: #matjiesfontein
5. Williston, Northern Cape
Karoo space and stories
Deep in the Upper Karoo, Williston offers stark beauty and silence you can feel in your bones. It’s a town of fossil-rich soil, ancient history, and locals who know how to spin a story. The drive here is half the adventure, unfolding into a desert that looks empty – until you realise it’s full of life.
6. Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape
Where wildflowers outnumber people
In spring, Nieuwoudtville explodes into colour as millions of wildflowers bloom across its landscape. But even outside flower season, this tiny, underrated town is a sanctuary for solitude seekers. Set in the Hantam Karoo, it offers raw beauty, star-strewn skies, and a kind of quiet you can’t buy in the city.
Take a look here: #Nieuwoudtville
7. Kaapschehoop, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Fog, forests, and wild horses
This mountaintop village is wrapped in mist and mystery. Wild horses roam its hills. Cobbled streets and historic homes give it an almost European feel. South Africa’s Kaapschehoop (also called Kaapsehoop) doesn’t shout – it’s more of a whisper. The kind that tells you to slow down, stay longer, and breathe deeper.
Take a look here: #Kaapschehoop