Discover South Africa’s secrets with brand-new travel format ‘Hidden Gems South Africa’

by Staff Bona

From the producers behind BBC Lifestyle’s popular Listing franchise, Hidden Gems South Africa is a brand-new travel format led by local travel influencers who compete to uncover South Africa’s untouched luxury escapes. The show will launch on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) on Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 20:00, with repeats every Thursday at 17:00.

Also see: Welcome spring in delicious style by recreating Jamie Oliver’s easy seasonal recipes on BBC Lifestyle

Over the course of five episodes, Hidden Gems South Africa will follow six influencers (‘gem-fluencers’), with their plus one, as they discover ten incredible hidden destinations dotted across our beautiful and vibrant country. Each gem introduces a new theme for the influencers to explore; from the vibrant plant life of Skukuza to the mountains of Winterton and the desert landscapes of Cederberg, unveiling the ultimate bucket-list gems only a few travellers have been fortunate enough to have uncovered.

But here’s the twist: at the end of each episode, the viewer gets to decide which hidden gem takes the top spot by casting their weekly vote for their favourite hidden gem experience.

In Episode 6, one month after the fifth episode airs on BBC Lifestyle, on Wednesday 8th July at 20:00, the ultimate South African Hidden Gem will be crowned. By voting, viewers also stand a chance to win big: every week, audiences who cast their vote will go into a draw to win a R10,000 LekkeSlaap voucher, with five weekly chances to win across the first five episodes. All voters will additionally be entered into a grand prize draw for a R25,000 LekkeSlaap voucher, awarded after the final episode. The “gemfluencer” whose destination receives the highest number of votes overall will also take home a R25,000 LekkeSlaap voucher.

At the heart of this series are the content creators themselves, each bringing a distinct energy and perspective to every stop along the journey.

 

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Discover the Hidden Gems South Africa influencers

• Tebogo Pin-Pin (@tebogo_pinpin) is an award-winning South African travel writer who swapped a career in banking for a life spent uncovering the country’s most beautiful hidden destinations. Known for his meticulous factchecking and storytelling, he has worked across all nine provinces and has received multiple international accolades for his content.
• Linda Munnik (@lindahikessouthafrica) is a hiking enthusiast dedicated to exploring the country’s most scenic, and often overlooked, trails. Her practical, honest approach inspires thousands to step into nature with confidence.
• Senzelwe Mthembu (@senz_m) is a Johannesburg-born travel storyteller whose artistic photography and thoughtful narratives showcase South Africa through a culturally rich, deeply authentic lens. Featured on CNN’s Inside Africa, she champions immersive, community centred travel experiences.
• Rhett & Claire (@RhettandClaire) are a Johannesburg duo who left their nine to five jobs to travel the world fulltime, creating cinematic YouTube guides that help viewers plan unforgettable trips. Their content breaks down everything from costs to must-see attractions across both local and international destinations.
• Melissa Blanche (@itsmelissablanche) is a Cape Town–based filmmaker and photographer known for capturing luxury lodges, boutique hotels, and standout destinations across South Africa. Her refined visual storytelling spotlights the country’s hidden gems while inspiring intentional, adventure filled travel.

Producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan from PD Production said: “With Hidden Gems South Africa, we’re introducing a brand new type of format. By placing influential local travel creators at the centre of the series, we’ve embraced a new level of authenticity and energy to the way South Africa is explored onscreen. The show celebrates South Africa’s most remarkable yet undiscovered locations, spotlighting the communities and creatives who bring these hidden destinations to life. We have also invited the audience to join this journey for themselves. By voting each week, viewers have a chance to win amazing prizes and become active participants in discovering the best kept secrets South Africa has to offer.”

Pierre Cloete, VP for Africa at BBC Studios said: “We are committed to investing in highquality local content that reflects the richness and diversity of South African storytelling. Hidden Gems South Africa is a perfect example of this in action, a fresh, homegrown format that not only showcases the country’s extraordinary locations but also elevates the voices of local creators who are shaping how audiences discover and experience travel. We’re proud to bring this innovative series to viewers and to continue strengthening our dedication to content made in Africa for BBC Lifestyle audiences”

Hidden Gems South Africa is proudly sponsored by LekkeSlaap, in association with Toyota.

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