Hidden gems: Breath taking attractions you probably haven’t heard about

Mzansi is a land of diverse beauty and hidden gems, often waiting to be discovered by those willing to venture off the beaten path. In our exploration of this extraordinary country, we’ve uncovered a collection of often-overlooked treasures that deserve the spotlight. Which of these five destinations have you been to?

1. Pinnacle Rock, Mpumalanga

Rising majestically from the forest, Pinnacle Rock is a rock formation almost sculpted by nature’s hand. This 30-meter quartzite monolith is a remarkable natural wonder within the landscape of the Blyde River Canyon. Whether you’re en route to or from Kruger National Park, it’s an absolute must-see.

Don’t forget to explore the ancient rock paintings adorning its base.

2. The Big Baobab, Limpopo

Giant baobab trees, found in the hot, semi-arid regions north of the majestic Soutpansberg mountain, stand as an intriguing feature of this unique locale. These trees, often resemble inverted giants with their roots seemingly reaching towards the heavens. What’s even more astounding is their remarkable lifespan, with some Limpopo specimens reaching an incredible 3,000 years, while even the more common roadside baobabs welcoming visitors to South Africa can be around 350 years old.

The baobab tree, scientifically known as Adansonia digitata, ranks among Africa’s most long-lived trees, with the average age of northern Limpopo baobabs ranging from 300 to 500 years.

3. Lekgalameetse Resort, Limpopo

Tucked away in the Drakensberg mountains, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret. Think dense indigenous forest, clear mountain streams, waterfalls, and rock pools just waiting to be dipped into. The wildlife here is just as impressive—if you’re lucky, you might spot a leopard slinking through the trees or catch a flash of rare birdlife flitting above.

You can explore on foot or by 4×4, but to really soak it all in, stay a night (or more) in one of the reserve’s rustic bungalows hidden among the trees. It’s the perfect escape if you’re after something off-the-grid, far from the tourist-heavy routes of Kruger and the private reserves.

4. Riemvasmaak Hot Springs in Augrabies, Northern Cape

Nestled near the Namibian border, Riemvasmaak is a hidden gem located between the majestic Orange River and the now-dried Molopo River. Encompassing a vast expanse of imposing mountains, expansive desert plains, and boundless wilderness, Riemvasmaak boasts a timeless beauty that spans millions of years.

This extraordinary place is also the proud host of the Riemvasmaak Hot Springs, an invitation for visitors to bask in the therapeutic embrace of these natural waters. The springs are surrounded by towering cliff faces that rise 80 meters above those who find solace in the soothing warmth below. To enhance the experience, two swimming pools have been thoughtfully constructed at the springs, offering an exceptional retreat into nature’s embrace.

5. The Owl House, Eastern Cape

For those with a penchant for the mysterious, a visit to Helen Martin’s masterpiece, the Owl House, in the tranquil town of Nieu-Bethesda, is a must. Here, a plethora of sculptures, vivid glass interiors, and radiant colours bear witness to Martin’s relentless pursuit of brightness in her solitary world.

After her 1940s divorce and the loss of her parents, Martin went on an all-consuming project with labourer Koos Malgas. Over 12 years, they transformed her home into a sanctuary adorned with countless sculptures, crushed glass walls, and colourful windows. The Owl House exudes an intriguing, almost mystical ambience, and while some may find it eerie, it remains an unforgettable and genuinely unique place. Rumours even suggest the lingering presence of Helen Martin, who tragically ended her life here in 1976.

First published by: Getaway Magazine 

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