Escape to rustic elegance with these small-town staycations
South Africa has beautiful dorpies to explore. The beauty in the country’s small-towns is that they provide a variety of experiences.
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, learn about culture and history, immerse yourself in nature or go on a culinary experience, there is something for everyone.
The added benefit of travelling within the country is that the communities you visit get also get a piece of the pie when it comes to revenue and you also contribute to livelihoods in these communities.
Also, travelling within the country means you can either make it a road trip or take a flight as the country’s road and aerial networks are some of the best on the continent.
You don’t have to experience jet lag and you can make your trip a short getaway or an extended break, exploring with the security of being surrounded by familiar culture and languages.
Though small-towns may be synonymous with simple life and plain comforts, there are affordable luxury options.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a getaway or explore the sides of Mzansi that you hardly get to experience, go against the grain with these stays.
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Prince Albert lies at the foot of the awe-inspiring Swartberg Pass. The town offers wide open spaces in which to hike and bike, crisp, clear air, star-filled skies and quiet to restore your soul.
It showcases beautifully preserved Victorian, Karoo, Cape Dutch and uniquely gabled buildings. It is home to artists and crafters, purveyors of fresh produce and good food, as well as the friendliest people in the Karoo.
Prince Albert is on the Swartberg Circle Route linking the Great Karoo to the Klein Karoo. Drive through Meiringspoort with its soaring cliffs and astounding rock formations.
The Swartberg Pass is a national monument and provides travellers with spectacular views and an experience never to be forgotten. Consider a 4-star stay at Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse starting from R2 050 a night for 2 people.
Sabie, Mpumalanga
Often described as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts – and rightfully so – the picturesque town of Sabie is the ideal place to base yourself as you uncover the scenery and sights of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route.
Rock paintings suggest that the earliest inhabitants of the Sabie area were the San but the town developed due to the 1870s gold rush and also has one of the world’s largest man-made forests.
There might not be gold anymore but it is a goldmine of activities with plenty to do, including chasing waterfalls on The Sabie Waterfall Route including Lone Creek Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Forest Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horse Shoe Falls, Maria Shires Falls, Lisbon Falls and the Berlin Falls.
You can also visit Pinnacle Rock, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Echo Caves and Rock Bridge and learn about interesting rock formations that have formed over millions of years.
Consider a stay at Sabi River Sun Resort starting from R3 056 a night for 2.
Sutherland, Northern Cape
A hidden gem, it is not uncommon for Sutherland, the small Karoo town in the Northern Cape, to experience snowfall every month of the year.
The town is known for extreme temperatures as well as starlit skies and is home to the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.
You can visit Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and explore the universe or visit the Sutherland Planetarium, which is the only privately-owned Digital Planetarium in South Africa.
You can also explore Rogge Cloof, where the last active volcano in Southern Africa erupted 70 million years ago.
Rogge Cloof is also home to fossils, history and wildlife and is involved in the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s cheetah meta-population project, so there’s plenty to do in the small town.
Consider a stay at Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve, a 4-star hotel, for R2 382 a night for 2 people.
Cullinan, Gauteng
To experience a part of South African history long forgotten and the nostalgia of a world that once was, Cullinan is the perfect escape.
The biggest diamond in the world comes from Cullinan and the town with its Victorian architecture, historical sights and oak-lined streets will stir up some nostalgia, as if you are walking through a 19th century novel.
The beauty of Cullinan is that it can easily be explored on foot in no time, but don’t underestimate its size and attraction as there are plenty of adventure activities to keep you occupied.
Learn about the history of mining and visit Cullinan Diamond Mine, do one of the tours offered and see the diamonds on display. You can also sniff out a few old gems, from vinyl to dolls, and go antique shopping.
For a bit of adventure, visit Gorge Glide and zipline or abseil down a 55-metre cliff.
You can also meet the big five at Dinokeng Game Reserve on a self-guided or guided game drive, enjoy a bush walk, bird watching or hot-air ballooning. There is also a picnic site.
Consider a stay at Sunset Cottages at Viva Connect, Cullinan starting from R1 280 a night for 2.
Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal
Part of the 80 km Midlands Meander and known by all as the hub of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, Nottingham Road’s ever popular charisma of hospitality, friendliness, good food and jaw-dropping scenery have made it a must-visit spot.
The small town is easily accessible from the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban and is only 20 minutes from the foothills of the Drakensberg.
As a small town, there is plenty of family-friendly fun and you can visit Piggly Wiggly, where there are unique stores like the Zulu Lulu Art House and activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy like mini golf, candle dipping, ceramic art, train rides and chocolate making.
You can also visit Karkloof Farmers’ Market or try out the ales and lagers of one of South Africa’s most successful micro-breweries, Nottingham Road Brewery Company.
For beautiful scenery and adventure, Howick Falls is just around the corner which plummets 95 metres down below into a pool.
Consider a stay at the 4-star Rawdons Hotel & Brewery starting from R2 141 a night for 2.