South Africa’s Small Town Tour

Matjiesfontein

South Africa is a wonderful tourist destination on many levels, offering everything from trendy city jaunts and rough ‘n tumble rural adventures to big 5 safaris. Another thing that South Africa has in abundance though, is small, intriguing towns which make for wonderful weekend escapes. Here are 6 which we deem worthy of a visit.

Clarens

Where? ‘The jewel of the Free State’ as it’s known, is located approximately 300km from Joburg, Durban and Bloemfontein respectively.

Why go? Clarens is one of those towns which have become a mecca for creativity and a haven for artists. This is perhaps owing to its striking backdrop, which has the ability to inspire creativity for sure. Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountain Range, the surrounding areas are a canvas of colourful, stratified sandstone rock. The Golden Gate National Park, offering spectacular hikes and bird-watching nearby, the abundance of art galleries and the slow pace of life in the town provide more than enough reasons for visiting Clarens. Plus it’s a great spot for trout fishing.

Meitjiesfontein

Where? Situated in the Klein (Little) Karoo, between Laignsburg and Touws River.

Why go? The village of Meitjiesfontein began life as a service point for travellers on the then new Cape Town-Kimberley railway line. A young Scotsman working on the line spotted a gap in the market, bought a couple of farms and opened a trading post. Today, the town itself is a national heritage site and visitors will be struck by the weird sense of timelessness imbued in the place. On a superficial note, the buildings are stunning and the air is fresh! What’s not to like?

Hilton

Where? The little village of Hilton is just outside Pietermaritzberg in the beautiful Kwazulu Natal Midlands.

Why go? Hilton is just one of the cute towns on the Midlands map. It is teeny-tiny with a matching community spirit. It is an excellent base for exploring the restaurants and craft-scene of the well-trodden Midlands Meander and is a hop skip and jump away from the

prestigious boys’ school of the same name. It’s also conveniently located just 2 hours from Durban.

Hogsback

Hogsback

Where? High up in the Amatola mountains, about a two hour drive inland from East London.

Why go? Hogsback is quaint and quirky attracting a decidedly hippie-inclined crowd. The surrounding mountains offer absolutely breath-taking views with plentiful hikes to mystical waterfalls and the opportunity to spot up to 100 bird species. In winter the snow coats the area and there is little else more enjoyable than huddling around a fire with a bowl of stew and a glass of wine in a cottage in the mountains.

Prince Albert

Where? In the Central Karoo, about 400km from Cape Town.

© spill.co.za

Why go? Prince Albert is the epitome of country living. Life is slow, the architecture is beautiful and the area is choc-a-block full of wine farms, cheese factories and markets selling fresh bread and jams. There is a thriving little restaurant scene and the wide-open spaces outside town offer hiking, mountain-biking and birding opportunities to those inclined to do a little exercise on their holiday.

Dullstroom

Where? Dullstroom is in Mpumalanga, between the Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg, just 2 hours away.

Why go? Dullstroom has one of the highest altitudes of any town in South Africa. This makes for cold misty mornings and exhilaratingly fresh air. Perched in the Steenkampsberge Mountain Range, the area is awash with water sources as this is where many rivers are born. The abundance of trout and great fishing spots mean that Dullstroom is often referred to as the fly-fishing suburb of Joburg.

Next time you’re at a loss for where to organise accommodation in South Africa, consider escaping to one of these small towns. You are guaranteed to come home refreshed and inspired. And Sleeping OUT’s directory will make the organising process smoother than you thought possible.