Last time we shared the TikTok hits that had everyone talking.
If you visited those spots or added them to your bucket list, these alternatives will take your adventure even further.
Lisbon Falls → Lone Creek Falls
Bernard DUPONT/Wikimedia Commons
Lisbon Falls attracts travellers with its dramatic 94 metre drop and misty, atmospheric viewpoint. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls on the Panorama Route and it continues to trend for good reason. If you want a destination that offers a similar mix of spray, forest and cinematic cliffs, Lone Creek Falls is a perfect choice. This waterfall near Sabie also tumbles into a lush ravine and is surrounded by thick forest that invites slow walks and peaceful escapes. The experience feels familiar yet more serene which makes it ideal for travellers who want the beauty of Lisbon Falls without the constant foot traffic.
Dullstroom → Clarens
Tayla Kohler/Unsplash
Dullstroom has become a favourite for its trout dams, log fire restaurants, mountain air and countryside calm. It has the kind of village charm that draws people back again and again. If you loved the cosy highland atmosphere and want something with the same creative and slow living feel, Clarens delivers. This Free State town is known for its golden sandstone, art galleries, craft beer, gentle hikes and wide valley views. It offers the same relaxed comfort that people love about Dullstroom with the added benefit of a slightly different landscape to explore.
Moonshine on Whiskey Creek → Tsitsikamma Forest
Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons
Moonshine on Whiskey Creek gained popularity through images of eco cabins perched above forest streams and surrounded by greenery. It is a dreamlike forest escape that feels comfortably remote. If that type of natural seclusion captured your imagination, then the Tsitsikamma Forest is your next ideal stop. The forest is filled with giant trees, deep river gorges, suspension bridges and quiet walks beneath dense canopies. Accommodation ranges from rustic cabins to luxury forest lodges which means you can recreate the same sense of immersion found at Moonshine on Whiskey Creek while exploring a wider area of coastal rainforest.
Postcard Café → Franschhoek
Tanya Paquet/Unsplash
Postcard Café is popular because of its calm lakeside setting, vineyard reflections and soft mountain scenery. If you enjoyed the wineland views and relaxed café culture, Franschhoek offers a natural follow up. With wine estates scattered through a valley of peaks, elegant restaurants, charming streets, artisan shops and tranquil farm stays, Franschhoek gives you the same visual stillness that makes Postcard Café so appealing. It is also one of the most beautiful small towns in the country which means you can combine vineyard lunches with leisurely strolls through a postcard perfect village.
Blyde River Canyon → Augrabies Falls National Park
Sean Brookes/Unsplash
The Blyde River Canyon is known for its emerald river, sandstone cliffs and wide sweeping viewpoints. It is a destination that delivers instant scale and drama. If you want another location that offers remarkable landscapes and a strong sense of natural power, Augrabies Falls National Park is a worthy next choice. Here you can watch the Orange River thunder through a massive granite gorge while exploring the surrounding semi desert setting. Although the environment is more arid than the canyon, the experience carries the same feeling of enormity and visual impact.
Kampersrus → Graskop
IPICS_SA Chikane/Unsplash
Kampersrus is a quiet village destination with a relaxed pace and easy access to wilderness areas. If the soft mountain backdrop and community feeling appealed to you, Graskop provides a similar atmosphere. This Panorama Route town sits on the edge of the escarpment which gives it access to waterfalls, viewpoints and forested hiking paths. It makes a wonderful base for travellers who love small villages that offer proximity to major natural attractions without the rush of more commercial hubs.
Sardinia Bay → Coffee Bay
Coffee Bay/Jon Rawlinson/Wikimedia Commons
Sardinia Bay is known for its wild dunes, vivid surf and untouched coastal character. If you want another beach escape that feels natural and remote, Coffee Bay is a strong option. Located on the Wild Coast, it offers rolling green hills, golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and a sense of freedom that is hard to match. It is excellent for travellers who want to explore coastlines that still feel raw and unfiltered while enjoying hikes, surf spots and welcoming village energy.
Tips for planning your next trip:
- Plan your visits for early mornings to capture the best light for photography.
- Choose accommodation that reflects the nature of each destination to enhance the experience.
- Keep to marked paths and respect local ecosystems to help preserve these scenic places.
- Take your time. Many of these destinations reward slow and intentional exploration.
These alternatives prove that your next adventure might be just as beautiful as the last one you discovered through your feed. Every viral favourite has a companion destination that continues the story and invites you to explore deeper into South Africa.
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