South Africa is a haven for mindful escapes, boasting serene landscapes, soulful towns, and an off-grid charm. From forest cabins to quiet coastal villages, these slow travel escapes will help you rediscover the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing but breathing in and soaking up every moment.
Western Cape
Picture/ McGregor Tourism
McGregor
Tucked along Route 62, McGregor is a village that seems to have been paused in time. Whitewashed cottages, quirky galleries, and silent, starry nights invite you to lean into a slower rhythm. Local tip: pop into the Saturday morning market for fresh bread and homemade preserves.
Paternoster
Picture/Drive South Africa
On the West Coast, life unfolds to the tune of tides. Wake with the sun, sip coffee on a weathered stoep, and enjoy seafood suppers as the ocean turns to silver. Book a fisherman’s cottage and let the sea reset your senses.
Eastern Cape
Picture/Wet and Dusty Roads
Hogsback
Shrouded in forest and folklore, Hogsback is for the dreamers. Spend your days wandering through misty trails, journaling beside a crackling fire, or reading under ancient trees. Don’t miss the local bath-time ritual—an outdoor tub perched on a cliff edge.
Chintsa
Crawfords Beach Lodge/Chintsa
On the Wild Coast, Chintsa is a barefoot paradise. Its long beach begs for lazy strolls, and many eco-lodges have no Wi-Fi—on purpose. A few days here will feel like you’ve added hours back to your life.
KwaZulu-Natal
Picture/Midlands Meander
Midlands Meander
This scenic route is dotted with farm stalls, cheesemakers, potters, and wildflowers. Slow down with long brunches, local wine, and strolls through sculpture gardens. Grab a seat by a log fire and let the drizzle lull you into contentment.
Kosi Bay
Picture/South Africa Nature Reserves
Close to the Mozambican border, Kosi Bay is surrounded by palm forests, crystal-clear estuaries, and the soft lapping of lake water. Go for canoe rides, snorkel slowly, or nap beneath a fig tree. The rhythm here is set by nature.
ALSO READ: Exploring the joy of familymoons
Mpumalanga
Picture/All Trails
Kaapsehoop
Wild horses roam the misty hills of this offbeat village above Nelspruit. Walk the Stone Circle trails, browse antique stores, and breathe in the cool air scented with pine and woodsmoke. It’s a place where time doesn’t just slow—it stretches.
Sabie Valley
Picture/Daniele Codegoni
Base yourself on a macadamia or avocado farm and enjoy river strolls, hammock naps, and the smell of rain on the forest floor. For a quiet adventure, follow the waterfall route and stop whenever something beautiful catches your eye.
Limpopo
Picture/The Wildebeest
Magoebaskloof
Think fern forests, farm stalls, and forest cabins with
decks. This lush corner is perfect for unhurried walks, birdwatching, and savouring tea at quaint cafés. Visit in autumn when the leaves turn to copper.
Vhembe Biosphere
Rich in culture and biodiversity, this region offers an immersive, community-rooted kind of slow. Stay in eco-lodges where the food is local, the pace is unhurried, and the stories of Venda tradition unfold around the fire.
Gauteng
Picture/SA Venues
Magaliesberg
Less than 90 minutes from Joburg, Magaliesberg is a reliable retreat for city-weary souls. Book a stone cottage with a wood-burning stove and spend your days reading, hiking, or simply watching shadows shift across the mountains.
Cullinan
Home to South Africa’s most famous diamond, Cullinan charms with its Edwardian architecture and sleepy streets. Browse antique shops, enjoy long lunches in hidden courtyards, and listen to the creak of the old mine railway.
Free State
Picture/Clarens
A weekend in Clarens is a masterclass in stillness. Art galleries, sandstone cliffs, and craft beer under big skies—what more do you need? Don’t be surprised if you doze off on the stoep mid-afternoon.
Fouriesburg
Just down the road, Fouriesburg is a lesser-known but equally lovely town. Surrounded by farmland and mountains, it’s perfect for slow drives, warm fires, and sunrises that linger long after the coffee’s gone.
North West
Picture/Road Travel To Africa
Groot Marico
This rural outpost oozes character. Spend your days listening to local legends, tasting mampoer, and reading Bosman’s short stories where they were written. You’ll soon forget what day it is—and not care.
Pilanesberg Eco Stays
Skip the luxury lodges and opt for an off-grid cabin. Wake with the sound of jackals, sip wine under the stars, and feel yourself soften in the bushveld stillness.
Northern Cape
Picture/Where To Stay
Nieuwoudtville
Even when the flowers aren’t blooming, Nieuwoudtville offers skies full of stars and soul-deep silence. Visit the quiver tree forest, then retreat to a cosy guesthouse with no cell signal.
Witsand Nature Reserve
Known for its “roaring dunes,” Witsand is about as unplugged as it gets. Climb the dunes at sunset, watch springbok graze in the stillness, and fall asleep to nothing but wind.
What to pack for doing nothing
- A good book or two
- Hammock or picnic blanket
- Herbal teas, red wine, or local gin
- Journal or sketchpad
- Walking shoes for gentle exploring
- An openness to stillness
Tips for embracing the slow life
- Let go of the itinerary—see what the day brings.
- Meet the locals—they often have the best recommendations.
- Unplug—switch off your phone for a few hours or days.
- Notice the small things—a bee on a lavender sprig, the way the light shifts in the afternoon.
- Stay longer—or plan to return before you even leave.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Why Autumn is the best time to visit national parks in South Africa
