Hidden gems are places and experiences that captivate you, often in ways that you don’t expect. Whether it’s a scenic lookout, a quirky museum, or a cozy bakery in a quaint alleyway, discovering a hidden treasure feels like an exciting surprise.
While some of Africa’s most significant landmarks get all the attention, many lesser-known highlights are on our African tours. These hidden gems showcase the diverse natural and cultural beauty of Africa.
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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The dune-swept landscapes of Kgalagadi are an unforgettable, unique experience. As the first cross-border peace park in Africa where free movement of animals and people between Botswana Safari and South Africa is embraced, it is a wilderness destination that will take you on a journey of discovery.
The park is a favorite of wilderness lovers and safari enthusiasts alike. It protects a beautiful desert landscape of rippled apricot-colored dunes and dry acacia-lined riverbeds where the famous black-maned Kalahari lions roam. Predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and brown and spotted hyenas also frequent the area. Other wildlife include giraffes, Springbok, and oryx. You’ll also find a wealth of bird species, including the swallow-tailed bee-eater, crimson-breasted shrike, and violet-eared waxbill.
The Kgalagadi is an extraordinary place to visit and is one of the best places in the world to witness the majesty of the black-maned lion. Unlike other game parks, it is a wilderness without fencing or roads. Stay in a remote campsite on the Botswana side of the park for an authentic African adventure.
Hogsback
South Africa is brimming with awe-inspiring natural wonders and rich historical experiences, but it’s also home to lesser-known treasures. These hidden gems offer a different perspective on the country’s diversity and allure, connecting travelers to local communities and nature’s beauty beyond the everyday.
High up in the Amathole Mountains in the Eastern Cape province lies Hogsback, a small village whose name is derived from its hog-like appearance. Those who know it well describe its otherworldly charm as something that cannot be put into words. It’s a place that steals your heart and keeps it there, beckoning you back year after year.
The quaint village is a paradise of lush forests, pristine mountain streams, and enchanting waterfalls. It’s a place that families, couples, and nature lovers love. The Xhosa youth often sell their quaint clay cattle along the highways, inspiring FC Slater’s poem Clay Cattle: “Shaping in dull, dead earth their dreams of riches and beauty.” This otherworldly feel is also captured in the landscape paintings by local artist Anton vd Merwe.
Coffee Bay
The kind of place that takes your breath away, Coffee Bay offers a stunning view where black cliffs tumble down to ivory sand lapped by turquoise waters. But this is only one of the hidden treasures found in Mozambique. Its Bazaruto Archipelago is home to beautiful beaches and diverse marine life.
A scenic village near the roaring waters of Lake Malawi is filled with colorful, mud-built huts and a people renowned for their hospitality. The area is also known for its pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails.
It’s not the kind of place you’d expect to find in Africa, but this natural wonder is worth a visit for its eerily beautiful landscape. Raging waters have created a geological phenomenon that looks straight out of a progressive rock album cover. Other sights include a thriving bookshop and a bar inside a hollowed-out 6,000-year-old baobab. This is where intrepid travelers can connect with local communities, explore their history, and marvel at nature’s beauty.
Etosha National Park
The 22 750 km2 Etosha National Park is one of the most rewarding and accessible prominent game safari destinations in Southern Africa. While the pancake-flat Etosha Pan casts an otherworldly impression, the surrounding grasslands and scrub feed elephants, giraffes, zebra, desert specialists like Springbok, and the striking black-faced impala.
During the dry season, the wildlife congregates around water holes (natural and artificial) in droves, leading to phenomenal game viewing. This includes herds of the tallest elephant in Africa (whose nutrient deficiency means shorter tusks) and black and white rhinoceroses, lions, and leopards.
The best time to visit is July to September, when the park teems with animals descending on limited water sources. It is also possible to enjoy a night safari in the park during this time, although only with a guided drive (not self-drive). Stay at one of the three rest camps within the park or opt for an exclusive luxury lodge on the borders.
