Discovering the Hidden (and not so hidden) Gems of South Africa

Not too long ago, I wrote about what we assume will be a shift, driven by the recent increase in airfares, from international leisure travel to locals holidaying right here in good old SA. We spoke about game lodges then, but South Africa is so full of incredible destinations that one could take a road trip for months and still never get to them all.

This article looks at just a few of these hidden gems and, thanks to a fascinating video I saw on YouTube, includes some insight into what makes them so special. The video, titled Rewiring Your View: The Astonishing Diversity and Unique Wonders of South Africa, inspired some of the descriptions used here, alongside my own observations and experiences. So, let’s hit the road.

Ancient civilisation landmarks

The Cradle of Humankind – It is scientifically true that the remains of the people who came before all of us, resting in the Sterkfontein Caves outside Johannesburg, may be those of our ancestors, regardless of where we were born. The Sterkfontein Caves have yielded more early human fossils than any other site on Earth, which is why the entire region is officially known as the Cradle of Humankind.

The ancient Iron Age civilisation of Mapungubwe – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet very few South Africans have visited this fascinating place. Mapungubwe Hill was the centre of a powerful Iron Age civilisation that flourished more than 1,000 years ago. It was advanced, sophisticated, and a true kingdom. So why, I wonder, does it remain such a hidden gem?

Natural wonders

Table Mountain is much older than you think – We all know that Table Mountain is a World Natural Wonder, but few realise quite how ancient this flat, table-like icon has been sitting there. It is estimated to be approximately 600 million years old – older than the Himalayas (around 50 million), the Alps (about 34 million) and the Rockies (roughly 80 million) combined!

Paarl Rock – This is a place that Capetonians visit regularly to just walk or run up to the top of the rock, but very few, as they enjoy their family braai there, realise its significance. Most people have never heard of Paarl Rock, and that’s honestly a shame. It’s the world’s second-largest exposed granite boulder, covering 22 full hectares and visible from 25 kilometres away!

Biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula – The Cape Peninsula covers only 471 square kilometres, yet in this tiny space, it packs in 2,285 plus plant species, more than the Amazon rainforest. This is about 4.8 plants per square kilometre, whereas in the Amazon, which is said to be the global standard for biodiversity, it’s only 0.007.

Blyde River Canyon – Let’s face it, most Canyons are just large holes in dry rock, but our own Blyde River Canyon is not only the 3rd largest, but the only green canyon in the world! It looks like something out of a fantasy film, but somehow, it only gets a fraction of the international attention of canyons.

A scientific super site

The Sutherland Observatory – Because it gets up to 300 clear nights per year and is under one of the darkest, clearest skies on the planet, Astronomers from around the world flock to this observatory in Sutherland, said to be one of the most likely places on Earth to receive signals from aliens if they do exist!

Take the road less travelled

This just touches the tip of the iceberg as there are so many more. The video mentions 30 (do give it a watch, it is fascinating and informative), but in the comments below the video, dozens more are mentioned by a public who, obviously intrigued by what our own amazing country has to offer, have taken the road less travelled and decided to discover more about what much of the world will never know. I will be mentioning a few more of these unique destinations in my next article which will be talking about the long overdue international recognition of our amazing Garden Route and other sites that I believe should be equally recognised on the global stage. So, watch this space.

In the meantime, start planning your next road trip through this ‘World in one’ we call South Africa. It is a destination second to none in so many aspects and one of which we can be truly proud. Yes, it is time to start discovering the hidden (and not so hidden) gems of South Africa!

Lidia de Olim
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER