As the sand falls away and the sun’s sharp-eyed beam reveals the glint of a buried jewel, there is something magical and unfamiliar to be discovered beyond every great tourist attraction. And it’s often these little known places and experiences that hold the most weight in our treasure chest of memories. We asked 7 of South Africa’s travel blogging greats to share their favourite hidden gems.

1. Vaughan and Lauren McShane, The Travel Manuel

Destination: Hogsback, a small town about two hours inland from Port Elizabeth, is as enchanting as the novel which it is rumoured to have inspired – The Lord of The Rings. As your car winds up the road, leaving the acacias below, you are transported into an ethereal forest that abounds in waterfalls and ancient Yellowwoods.  There is plenty to do, like visiting Lothlorien Cottage, The Edge, and Butterfly Bistro, but none trumps exploring the forests on foot.

Spend the day: We have come to love the West Coast National Park. Once there, follow the road through to Kraalbaai (feature image), a special bay filled with house-boats and surrounded by one of the most pristine white sand beaches in South Africa. You can picnic, braai, tan under the hot summer sun, and swim to your heart’s content. Always remember to “take nothing and leave only your footprints…”

Eatery: We return over and over again to the little Boerewors Roll stand on Muizenberg Beach (the blue one with the Pepsi logo). A big “Juicy Boerewors Roll” sells for only R17 and goes down well with a Fanta.

2. Anton Crone, Bright Continent

Destination: Hardly lesser known, but the very centre of Cape Town – St. Georges Mall and Green Market Square – is not visited nearly enough by South Africans who opt for the beaches and Winelands. The centre is full of history and contemporary culture populated with people from so many different parts of Africa and the world. You can sip Darjeeling tea in the Taj Hotel while watching famous folk come and go, then cruise the African markets in the square where you’ll hear more French and Chichewa than English.

Spend the day: The first 22km of the R536, beginning in Sabie and running down towards Hazyview, on a motorcycle. I could ride that roller coaster back and forth all day.

Eatery: Chef Bruce Robertson’s new spot, The Flagship, opening 7 April 2014 in Simon’s Town.

3. Dawn Jorgensen, The Incidental Tourist

Destination: Nieu Bethesda in the heart of Camdeboo, where history holds on to the life of Helen Martins and her evocative Owl House, million year old fossils lie in the river bank, and the beautiful Karoo homes carry new hope as they are restored to life. There is an incredible amount to do here, from walks and donkey cart rides to craft beer tasting and a ride on the Blaauwater Railway’s trolley called “Tubby”.

Spend the day: Resident in Wellington, I take any chance to walk in the Bainskloof Mountains. There are numerous trails along the river to swimming spots, waterfalls, and even old ruins that tell the story of lost love. A perfect Sunday is a backpack with snacks, my dogs on a lead, and a few hours hiking to a place where I can swim, recharge, and be close to nature.

Eatery: I find my best flavours at Sababa in Bree Street, Cape Town. It may be the four years that I spent living in Israel that has left me with such a need for excellent baba ganoush and fresh falafel. Their buffet is fresh, affordable, and healthy, with an excellent selection for vegetarians.

4. Patrycja Oosthuizen, Travel Opulent Box

Destination: Barrydale is one of those little Karoo villages you fall in love with from the first visit. Breath-taking landscapes, friendly people, cafés, restaurants, and bars as well as interesting things to do, from mountain hikes to arty and crafty activities. It’s my perfect destination to unwind and relax from city life.

Spend a day: Delheim Estate in Stellenbosch is one of my favourite places. Scenic mountain views, a beautiful garden, and great food and service. Perfect every time.

Eatery: I like Manna Epicure in Cape Town, simply for their warm, friendly hospitality and fantastic food.

5. Stuart Parker, CapturingAfrica Journeys

Destination: I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. At the moment, my favourite spot is Mavela Game Lodge in the Zululand Rhino Reserve. It’s a Big Five reserve and the birding is spectacular. I love the lodge’s intimate feel with only 5 guest tents. The food is delicious and the staff are wonderful. A great place for an all-inclusive safari.

Spend a day: There are lots of beautiful beaches on the KZN north coast. My favourite is Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park near St Lucia. The snorkelling at low tide is brilliant and it’s a great place to bob around in the water. You can also enjoy game viewing on the drive in and out. We regularly see rhino, eland, buffalo, and other plains game.

Eatery: On a visit to Durban, one of the local guys recommended Mama Luciana’s near Florida Road. It’s by far the best Italian food I’ve eaten and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for.

6. Scarlet Nguni, Scar*let Nguni

Destination: The barefoot, back-to-basics, rough ‘n rustic town of Gansbaai has slowly grown on me. Best known for Great White Shark diving, its utterly unpretentious nature offers much mundane magic if you look beyond surface things. I buy most fresh produce from local famers – crisp pink watermelon, juicy apples, and the sweetest grapes. And if you like to trawl 2nd hand shops, Baai Gones and Tiekiedraai offer unexpected gems.

Spend the day: De Kelders is a suburb of Gansbaai and boasts the wild beauty of Die Plaat, a magical stretch of rugged beach reserve great for long strolls, horse riding, mountain (dune?) biking, and photographic safaris. Or a spot of yoga. If you can brave the cold, take a dip in the cool, clear Atlantic at one of my favourite swimming spots, Otter’s Pool, and the gully below the Whale Cove apartments.

Eatery: Head down to Gansbaai harbour and buy fresh fish to cook on the braai. If you prefer eating out, try the Blue Goose for gourmet style dining or B Blondes for a more relaxed vibe – they have great pizzas and an extensive, well price menu.

7. Roxanne Reid, Roxanne Reid

Destination: I love the Karoo and there’s a special place in my heart for a destination called Stuurmansfontein on a farm near Carnarvon. It’s a traditional corbelled house that’s been turned into a romantic, candlelit guesthouse. These beehive-shaped structures were built by trekboers in the area of Williston, Carnarvon, and Fraserburg in the Karoo between 1830 and 1880. It’s an unusual stopover and a must for anyone interested in culture.

Eatery: If you go to De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp in the southern Cape Overberg, treat yourself to the set menu (two choices for each of three courses) at the Fig Tree restaurant in the evening. We had a pear and blue cheese salad, and prawns with lemon yoghurt sauce that we’re still talking about – unexpected quality in such an out-of-the-way place.

Do you have a favourite hidden gem to share with us?

Feature image: Kraalbaai by The Travel Manuel