5 underrated South African towns cooler than the big cities

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Tired of overpriced coffee and gridlocked traffic? South Africa’s smaller towns are where the real charm lives – places with history, soul, and room to breathe. Here are five underrated South African towns that beat the hustle of the big cities without trying too hard…

1. Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal

Often overlooked, South Africa’s Kokstad sits quietly at the foot of Mount Currie, acting as a gateway between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. What it lacks in tourist gloss, it makes up for in authenticity. Rolling hills, hiking trails, and real-deal rural South African life. It’s also close to nature reserves and waterfalls few outsiders know about. For those who want to escape Insta-tourism and just breathe, Kokstad’s got space to exhale.

2. Clarens, Free State

Nestled at the foot of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens punches above its weight for such a small town. Think boutique galleries, cosy cafés, and one of the country’s best microbreweries – Clarens Brewery – right on the main square. It’s also the gateway to Golden Gate Highlands National Park, where you can hike, ride horses, or just take in the epic sandstone cliffs. It’s the kind of South African town that makes you want to ditch your phone and stay a while.

3. Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga

Perched on a plateau above Mbombela, Kaapsehoop is full of dramatic views, blue gum forests, and wild horses that roam free. It has a slightly rebellious energy – part mountain escape, part artistic retreat. The hiking trails cut through mist-covered hills, and the town’s rustic pubs are perfect for fireside chats. It feels like a secret hideout, and in many ways, it is.

4. Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape

This remote South African town in the Karoo is best known for the Owl House, a hauntingly beautiful home-turned-art installation by outsider artist Helen Martins. But Nieu-Bethesda is more than just its eccentric legacy. It’s quiet. Like, no street lights quiet. People walk or bike. The stars show off at night. The beer is local. And the surrounding plains stretch into forever. It’s weird, wonderful, and way cooler than anything in Sandton.

5. Richmond, Northern Cape

Richmond doesn’t look like much from the highway – but give it a minute. It’s South Africa’s only Book Town, home to several bookstores, annual literary festivals, and a growing group of writers and publishers who’ve made it their home. If you love books, stories, and strange little places that feel oddly inspiring, Richmond’s your spot.