Six unusual destinations in SA for your festive season getaway

The festive season is the perfect opportunity to break free from routine and explore the road less travelled.

With its wealth of unique and diverse landscapes, South Africa offers much more than the typical tourist hotspots. For those seeking something offbeat, these six unusual destinations will provide unforgettable experiences and stories to tell…

1. Nieu-Bethesda

Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, the tiny village of Nieu-Bethesda feels like stepping into another dimension. Its claim to fame, the Owl House, is a whimsical museum crafted by the late artist Helen Martins, who transformed her home into a mystical wonderland of glass and cement sculptures.

Must-do activities:

• Wander through the magical Camel Yard at the Owl House, where creatures of imagination come to life.
• Stargaze in one of the clearest night skies in the country.
• Visit the Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre to uncover fossils older than dinosaurs.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Art lovers, stargazers, and seekers of the extraordinary.

2. The Cederberg

A few hours from Cape Town, the Cederberg region offers landscapes so surreal they resemble the surface of Mars. Known for its towering sandstone formations and ancient San rock art, this area is a must for hikers and adventurers.

Must-do activities:

• Explore the Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross, two iconic rock formations.
• Discover Stadsaal Caves, adorned with 6 000-year-old rock art left by the San people.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Geology enthusiasts, history buffs, and tea connoisseurs.

3. Hogsback

Hidden in the Eastern Cape, the enchanting village of Hogsback feels like it was pulled straight from a Tolkien novel. Many believe the area inspired The Lord of the Rings, as Tolkien spent part of his childhood in South Africa.

Must-do activities:

• Chase the breathtaking Madonna and Child Waterfall and Kettlespout Falls.
• Get lost in the labyrinth at The Edge, a meditative walk with stunning views.
• Immerse yourself in lush forests brimming with moss, ferns, and a fairytale ambiance.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Fantasy fans, nature lovers, and tranquility seekers.

4. Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The stark and dramatic Richtersveld, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a desert wilderness like no other. Its surreal landscapes are dotted with unique flora, including the iconic quiver trees and the mysterious “halfmens” (half-human) plants.

Must-do activities:

• Embark on a rugged 4×4 adventure through barren but breathtaking terrain.
• Discover the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Nama people, the area’s semi-nomadic inhabitants.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Desert adventurers and cultural explorers.

5. Sodwana Bay

While Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs, it hides an astonishing secret beneath its turquoise waters – a submerged fossilized forest that dates back 290 million years.

Must-do activities:

• Snorkel or dive over the prehistoric forest, an underwater marvel like no other.
• Join a turtle tour to witness loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches.
• Relax on pristine, untouched shores with warm Indian Ocean waters.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Underwater adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

6. Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands

Tucked into the Maluti Mountains of the Free State, the village of Clarens is a treasure trove of art and culture. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with rolling hills and sandstone cliffs that seem to glow in the sunlight.

Must-do activities:

• Sip on local brews at Clarens Brewery, known for its unique craft beers and ciders.
• Learn about local traditions at the Basotho Cultural Village, a living museum.

Perfect festive season getaway for: Mountain lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and cultural travellers.