South Africa’s landscapes are as much a character in its literature as the people who inhabit them.
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For travellers who love both reading and exploring, following in the footsteps of these books offers a unique way to see the country.
The Heart of Redness | Eastern Cape Wild Coast
Zakes Mda’s The Heart of Redness is set in Qolorha on the Wild Coast, where the past and present intertwine. Travellers here will find untouched beaches, rolling green hills and villages where traditions remain central to daily life. Hiking the coastline, spotting dolphins on boat rides and staying at eco-lodges like Bulungula give visitors a chance to experience both the beauty and the history that shape the novel’s landscape.
Cry, the Beloved Country | KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country unfolds in the lush valleys of KwaZulu-Natal, a place of both beauty and sorrow in the novel. Travellers today can experience the same rolling hills along the Midlands Meander, stopping for local cheese, coffee and crafts, while also visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick. With Howick Falls cascading nearby and guesthouses like Granny Mouse Country House offering quiet countryside stays, the Midlands remain a setting where literature and history live side by side.
Disgrace | Eastern Cape Countryside
J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace takes place outside Grahamstown (now Makhanda), where the stark beauty of the Eastern Cape mirrors the novel’s intensity. A walk through the university town reveals Georgian buildings, art spaces and cafés like Haricot’s Bistro, while nearby reserves such as Great Fish River and Amakhala showcase the raw landscapes that inspired the book. Boutique lodges and eco-stays add comfort, but the silence of the veld is what makes this journey unforgettable.
July’s People | Johannesburg
Nadine Gordimer’s July’s People begins in Johannesburg, a city that still embodies both fragility and resilience. Visitors can explore Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, visit the Apartheid Museum for context, or head to Maboneng for rooftop bars and art galleries. Staying at The Reef Hotel or a Melville guesthouse brings travellers into the heart of the city, while meals range from fine dining at Marble to shisa nyama in Soweto, capturing the dualities Gordimer explored.
Karoo Boy | Prince Albert, Karoo
Troy Blacklaws’s Karoo Boy captures the semi-desert’s silence and vastness, and Prince Albert gives travellers the chance to step inside that world. Driving the Swartberg Pass reveals jaw-dropping mountain scenery, while at night the skies glitter with stars in one of the world’s best stargazing regions. With cottages like Karoo View offering rustic comfort and The Lazy Lizard serving Karoo lamb, it’s easy to see why this region has inspired generations of storytellers.
Zoo City | Johannesburg Inner City
Lauren Beukes’s Zoo City brings to life the gritty energy of Hillbrow, and today guided tours with social enterprises like Dlala Nje make it possible to safely explore this layered part of Joburg. A visit to Ponte Tower offers a glimpse into the city’s skyline from the inside, while Constitution Hill and Newtown add historical and cultural context. Staying at Hallmark House on the edge of Maboneng and dining at Yeoville Dinner Club immerses visitors in the urban spirit that Beukes captured so vividly.
Books capture the heart of South Africa in ways no guidebook can, tying memory and imagination to real landscapes.
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