These small towns have grown around a single defining industry, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
They built their identity around one industry and do it well, regardless of whether it was planned or not. The result is a focused travel experience shaped by history and local expertise. You arrive knowing exactly what the town is about. These are the five towns worth visiting.
Sutherland: SA’s astrotourism capital
Sutherland Observatory/South African Tourism/Wikimedia Commons
Sutherland is all about the sky. Its high altitude, dry air, and almost nonexistent light pollution create excellent conditions for stargazing. The town’s reputation is closely tied to the South African Astronomical Observatory and the Southern African Large Telescope, where visitors can join guided night tours and learn about the universe above the Karoo. Winter brings especially crisp viewing conditions, with stars that seem close enough to touch. Life in Sutherland follows the rhythms of science and seasonal tourism. Local guesthouses cater to late night visitors, and restaurants serve warming Karoo meals suited to the cold climate.
Dullstroom: Fly fishing retreat
Dullstroom/Simon Hurry/Unsplash
Dullstroom revolves around fly fishing. Located in Mpumalanga’s cool highlands, the town is surrounded by trout stocked dams and rivers that attract anglers throughout the year. Fishing estates and lodges offer guided sessions, equipment hire, and lessons which makes it easy for beginners to try their hand at the sport.
The town’s main street also supports this niche industry. Smokehouses and restaurants feature trout prepared in various styles, reinforcing the connection between local produce and visitor experience.
Cullinan: Diamond mining
Cullinan/Paul Parsons/Wikimedia Commons
Cullinan’s story begins with diamonds. The discovery of the Cullinan Diamond in 1905 placed the town firmly on the global map and mining remains central to its identity. Visitors can explore the working Cullinan Diamond Mine through guided tours that explain how diamonds form and how they are extracted. The town preserves its early twentieth century character through restored sandstone buildings, museums, and heritage sites. Cafés, antique shops, and craft stores serve day visitors interested in geology and industrial history. Cullinan presents a direct view of South Africa’s mineral wealth and its lasting influence on local identity.
Saldanha: West Coast seafood production hub
Saldanha Bay/TheDudeFromTheUpperEchelon/Wikimedia Commons
Saldanha’s economy revolves around fishing and seafood production. Located along a protected bay on the West Coast, the town supports commercial fishing fleets and aquaculture operations, particularly mussel farming. The harbour shapes daily life, with vessels departing at sunrise and returning with fresh catches for processing and sale.
Pilgrim’s Rest: Gold rush heritage
Falco Negenman/Unsplash
Pilgrim’s Rest feels like a step back in time. Established during the nineteenth century gold rush, the town now operates as a living heritage site, with restored buildings, museums, and original mining locations telling the story of early prospectors. While visiting, you can try gold panning and explore historical exhibitions. You could also simply walk streets that retain their period character. Shops and guesthouses maintain the town’s old world atmosphere, while heritage tourism supports the local economy. Pilgrim’s Rest keeps its history close, offering an accessible and engaging look at South Africa’s early mining era.
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