Exploring hidden gems :
TRAVEL
Exploring hidden gems :
Off-the-beaten-track destinations in South Africa
By Elvira Wood , PPS Positioning Manager
For many , these days , going on holiday is almost more exhausting than being at work . No wonder people often comment after a break : “ now I need a holiday from my holiday ”. It is not that they are working during their holidays , it is because the holiday is very busy . They travel long distances and visit busy venues such as beaches with thousands of other holidaymakers , leading to waiting in queues , navigating crowded spaces and often facing logistical challenges that can overshadow the joy of the holiday experience .
Staying at home for one ’ s break is also not necessarily an option . The temptation to “ just have a quick look ” on a work computer might be too great for some to resist .
But going on holiday does not need to be busy . South Africa offers numerous hidden gems where visitors can connect deeply with nature , culture and local communities , far away from the bustling crowds of typical tourist hotspots .
ST . LUCIA AND CAPE VIDAL
If you are torn between visiting the “ bush ” and the “ beach ”, St . Lucia , located in KwaZulu-Natal , could be an ideal destination . Although one can access the beach from St . Lucia , the easy access from there to world-renowned nature reserves allows visitors to enjoy both bush and beach . St . Lucia – about a 2.5 hour drive from Durban – is surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . From there , it is about a 30 to 45-minute drive to Cape Vidal – depending on “ traffic ”. But “ traffic ” in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park differs from that encountered on Gauteng ’ s highways . Here commuters often have to wait for elephants or other wildlife to clear the road .
Cape Vidal is known for its natural beauty , with long stretches of unspoiled sand and warm waters perfect for swimming , deepsea fishing and snorkelling . What makes Cape Vidal particularly unique is the seasonal appearance of thousands of crabs that take over the beach , creating a mesmerising and surreal sight for visitors . This phenomenon typically occurs during summer .
42