Away from the Honeypot – New Destinations to try in South Africa

South Africa’s best-known destinations fill up fast. But that doesn’t mean great travel options run out. With a little flexibility, it’s surprisingly easy to explore quieter, equally rewarding new destinations in South Africa that offer more space, character, and often better value.

Why South Africa’s Honeypot Destinations Fill Up So Quickly

South Africa  has enjoyed an exceptionally strong tourism run in recent years, mainly lead by interest in Cape Town and the Greater Kruger. For which we are profoundly grateful. The country offers remarkable value especially in terms of restaurants and wine, extraordinary diversity, and a reputation that continues to grow as more our our visitors return home singing its praises.

But South Africa is not a vast tourism giant like France or Italy. There are only so many rooms, and at peak times they run out and quickly.

Trying to find space in Cape Town in February can feel like searching for a last-minute Thanksgiving flight. And don’t get me started on Christmas! Even trickier, unless you are looking almost a year ahead.

As a specialist tour operator, we plan trips based on places we genuinely believe in. Sometimes that means being honest and saying: we’d rather suggest a different approach than compromise on quality.

If all the good game lodges in the Kruger are full – and we know nearly all of them – we are NOT going to sell you a second-rate option which will leave you disappointed.

And this is where flexibility – and a sense of adventure – becomes your greatest asset.

“New” Destinations in South Africa? Beyond the Big Four

Many overseas visitors arrive with a familiar wish list:

• Cape Town
• The Kruger
• And then Whale Coast or the Garden Route

If we’re lucky, we can add the Cape Winelands to that list. These places are wonderful. But they’re also the first to book up. (And sometimes they are not the best region to recommend for your seasonal dates.)

What’s often overlooked is just how diverse South Africa really is. Landscapes, climates, cultures, wildlife experiences. There is FAR more within easy reach than most people realise, even on a first visit.

We have so much more to offer, even for the 1st time visitor.

Below are some excellent alternatives we often suggest when availability is tight;  when you are looking for something different; or when it’s a second or third visit.

KwaZulu Natal – One Province, Endless Variety

KwaZulu Natal(often shortened to KZN) remains one of South Africa’s most under-appreciated regions, and yet it’s one of our favourites.

In a single trip, you can experience:

• The dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains
• Big Five game reserves with excellent wildlife viewing
• The warm Indian Ocean and golden sands of the Dolphin Coast
• The wetlands of iSimangaliso, home to hippos, crocodiles and turtles and its remote coastal beaches.
• The moving stories of the Anglo-Zulu battlefields

It’s also an active traveller’s dream: hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, horse riding, canopy tours and diving are all easily accessible.

Other more niche delights include the Anglo-Zulu battlefields in Zululand, the charming Midlands Meander, turtle-tracking in the summer months or the sardine run of the South Coast in June & July.

KZN works beautifully as a standalone holiday or combined with Cape Town for some balance.

It’s ideal as a self-drive road trip, but we can also use private transfers to connect a series of fully inclusive lodges.

Sample Itineraries:

KwaZulu Natal Adventure – self drive or with road transfers

South Africa Safari & Beach – KZN & Cape Town

Articles on KwaZulu Natal:

The Wonders of KwaZulu Natal

Turtle Tracking in KwaZulu Natal

Cape Vidal – Bush & Beach in one day

Thonga Versus White Pearl

West Coast and the Cederberg: Close to Cape Town, Far From the Crowds

Yes –  we’re biased. But with good reason. But great accommodation is in short supply so it may be more for second time visitors rather than last minute planners

 The West Coast

Just north of Cape Town, the West Coast offers:

• Relaxed seaside towns
• Excellent seafood
• Turquoise waters around Langebaan Lagoon
• Cooling sea breezes that make summer travel comfortable

It’s an easy, rewarding alternative when the city feels oversubscribed.

The Cederberg

The Cederberg couldn’t feel more different. Think rugged mountains, ancient rock art, swimming holes and a sense of wilderness not easily found in much of the Cape.

• Perfect for walkers, nature lovers and anyone craving breathing room.
• Swimming in rock pools
• Relaxed wine tasting and Rooibos farm tours

It’s warmer than much of the Western Cape, making it ideal for:

• Early summer (October–November)
• Late summer and autumn, when Cape Town cools down (think mid-March to early May)

Sample Itineraries:

Cederberg & West Coast Explorer

The Ultimate Cederberg

Cape to Kalahari self drive

Articles on the Cederberg

Walks in the central Cederberg

Behind the scenes of the Cederberg Heritage Route

What about different Game Reserves in South Africa?

The Kruger and its neighbouring private reserves, along with Madikwe and the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free lodges, are understandably popular. And often fully booked well in advance.

When space is tight, or when seasons dictate,  we often suggest these alternatives:

Waterberg and Welgevonden

Only around three hours from Johannesburg, the Waterberg combines:

• Dramatic scenery – with high forested mountains intersected by savanna plains, and panoramic views
• Big Five private game reserves such as the Welgevonden
• More attractive pricing and easy self-drive options

It’s a highly practical, and beautiful, alternative to the Kruger. As you don’t have to fly there with private road transfers or self-drive both on offer.

Sample Itinerary: Welgevonden Safari Getaway

Mashatu Game Reserve (Botswana, but accessed via South Africa)

One of our long-time favourites,Mashatu Game Reserve is ideal for travellers seeking a more active safari. Stunning scenery, game drives, bush walks, horse riding and mountain biking are all available.

Great to combine  safari here with 2-3 nights in the Waterberg (see earlier) and also the less visited yet beautiful Tzaneen area.

Sample Itinerary: Zeedeberg Trail Self Drive

Interior of the Eastern Cape

Though very popular with families at Christmas, the malaria-free Eastern Cape is not as well known as the Kruger, and often offers a much better summer climate for summer game-viewing.

And heading inland to the  Great Karoo reveals wide-open landscapes and exceptional conservation work. Properties like Samara and Mount Camdeboo offer superb wildlife experiences, including excellent chances of seeing cheetah. But without many people.

Sample Itineraries:

Gourmet & Boutique – guided tour

Meandering Cape Explorer – self drive

I hope this article was helpful! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are looking for space in South Africa and you are open to new ideas.

I will leave you with some thoughts on flexibility.

A Note on Flexibility (It Makes All the Difference)

I will leave you with some thoughts on flexibility. If availability is proving tricky, a little flexibility goes a long way:

1. Or plan ahead for next year. If you’re looking for last minute in August (peak safari season) or Christmas, sometimes it is better to accept that you wont get what you want. Rather think about next year when early booking opens up far more choice.
2. Be flexible with dates if you can, and highlight the one place you truly don’t want to miss. Then we can build a trip around that key safari lodge or experience.
3. Be flexible with accommodation, focusing on the destination rather than a specific hotel that your friends stayed at. We know the hotels and lodges well, and we will always be candid with you. Sometimes the hotel may not be our first choice, but it is perfectly fine.
4. Be open to alternatives – New regions of South Africa or even a brand new country. Zimbabwe or Zambia may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

South Africa rewards curiosity. Step slightly away from the honeypots, and you’ll often find more space, more character, and experiences that feel uniquely your own. You are no longer doing what everyone else does.

If you’re open to new ideas, we’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

How our Booking Process Works

1. Share your ideas – Tell us where you’d like to go, when you’re travelling, and what matters most.
2. We bring it together – Your itinerary is designed, refined, and tailored until it feels just right.
3. Confirm and relax – Once you’re happy, we take care of the details while you look forward to the adventure.

“Away from the Honeypot – New Destinations in South Africa” was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern and East Africa. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and inquiring people. We can chat to you about a possible trip from personal experience, weighing up the different options, to plan something that’s just right for you.

Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. She has explored the country extensively, from remote mountain regions to lesser-visited wildlife areas, and is passionate about helping travellers look beyond the obvious. Kate believes some of South Africa’s most rewarding experiences are found just off the well-trodden path.