Three must-see spots per province

Tourism Month offers the perfect excuse to go road tripping. There are amazing sights and activities in each of South Africa’s provinces that international visitors include in their travel itineraries, yet remain unexplored by many locals.

September in South Africa heralds not only spring – a season of beauty and renewal, but also Tourism and Heritage months. It offers the perfect excuse to pack your masks and sanitiser and hit the road to explore the wonders on your doorstep.

Seasoned traveller Neil Jansson shares his list of must-see places in each province to help you get started.

Gauteng

Constitution Hill – A living museum. Not only is the highest court of our country here, but the precinct always has something on, from music events to walks and talks. Entertainment guaranteed.

Voortrekker Monument – One of the most visited sites in Gauteng, if not the country. Climb to the top and look down. The architecture and sheer scale will impress.

Vilakazi Street – The heart of Gauteng. Vibrant and intoxicating; if you leave, you will be back for more kasi (township) inspiration.

Limpopo

Salt makers of Baleni – A 2 000-year-old tradition, salt is harvested by the Tsonga community on the banks of the Klein Letaba River. The salt is believed to have healing properties and is used by chefs around the world for cooking.

Ribola Art Route – Situated near Elim, the route consists of numerous artists and crafters. You will need a few days to discover that piece you have been looking for and to take it all in.

Mapungubwe – Ancient kingdoms, gold rhinos, and inspiring landscapes. A place for true adventure.

North West

Sun City – Because it’s as close to Vegas as most of us will ever get. Can we just bring in the same rule that ‘what happens at Sun City, stays at Sun City’?

Anglo-Boer Route – It was in the North West that the first shots of both the Anglo-Boer wars were fired, and scattered around the province is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be rediscovered. Local guide Tebogo Mabe offers Siege of Mafeking tours (072 010 5964). Allan Gordon (allan@battletoursza.com / www.battletoursza.com) offers driving tours. Rob Milne (rob@robmilne.com / www.robmilne.com) conducts walking tours.

Madikwe Game Reserve – Malaria-free, luxury, big five safari, a few hours from Joburg. Known for its population of endangered wild dogs and leopards. Look out for specials for SA residents while international travel remains restricted.

Mpumalanga

Long Tom Toboggan – On the scenic Long Tom Pass, Africa’s longest toboggan run (1.7km) reaches speeds of up to 45km/h.

Graskop Gorge Lift Co – A viewing lift, a steep cliff, an indigenous forest, magic. If that is not enough, throw in a gorge swing for luck.

Geotrail at Makhonjwa Mountains – These ancient mountains are a Unesco World Heritage Site. The self-drive geotrail starts in Barberton and offers a fascinating look at what makes the region so spectacular. This is a geological resource of international importance.

KwaZulu-Natal

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Unspoilt beaches, lagoons and wildlife make for a true wilderness experience.

Battlefields Route in KwaZulu-Natal – The largest concentration of significant battle sites in South Africa.

Amphitheatre Drakensberg – Regarded as one of the most impressive cliff-faces on earth. A great place for hiking, no matter your fitness level.

Eastern Cape

Coffee Bay – No matter the angle, this small village on the Wild Coast offers spectacular beach views. Nearby is magnificent Hole-in-the-Wall.

Hogsback – Famous for its three flat-topped Hogsback Mountains, spectacular views, Cape parrots, Knysna loeries and Samango monkeys. You cannot go wrong.

Tsitsikamma National Park – Hiking, water sports and dramatic scenery, from forest to coast and fynbos; this is a great place to get outdoors.

Western Cape

West Coast – The people of this corner of South Africa are incredibly welcoming. Pick a small town and explore.

Cederberg – The world’s bouldering capital, or wildflower spectacle, you choose.

Cape Whale Coast – From land-based whale watching in Hermanus, to boats, phenomenal sunsets, wineries and wildflowers, this is an enchanting part of the world.

Northern Cape

Xaus Lodge – Owned by the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities, this is a unique desert environment in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Tankwa Karoo National Park – Remote, dry and the brightest night skies you’ll ever see.

Augrabies Falls National Park – The place of great noise, as water from our longest river is pushed through a narrow 18km abyss. Look for quiver trees and Verreaux’s eagles.

Free State

Gariep Dam – The dam is an engineering marvel. Do a tour through the kilometres of tunnels in the walls. With a surface area of 374km², this is the country’s largest dam.

Golden Gate National Park – Spectacular scenery and hiking trails in an area characterised by ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs that have been eroded into interesting formations.

Sandstone Estates – The largest private collection of narrow-gauge steam locomotives in the world, situated near the cherry-growing town of Ficksburg.