If you loved this, you’ll love that: South African edition

Posted on 20 January 2026 By Zoe Erasmus

Travel tastes aren’t accidental. If you fell hard for a place once, chances are you’ll fall again for somewhere else that shares the same rhythm, landscape or feeling.

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South Africa is especially good at this kind of déjà vu travel: destinations that echo each other without ever feeling like repeats.

Think of this as a guide to your next obsession. If you loved this, you’ll love that.

If you loved Muizenberg, you’ll love Paternoster

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Muizenberg’s colourful beach huts, beginner-friendly waves and laid-back energy make it a favourite for slow seaside days. If it was that unpretentious coastal charm you loved, Paternoster delivers the same feeling with a West Coast twist. Whitewashed cottages, quiet beaches and seafood straight from the ocean create a similarly relaxed atmosphere, just with fewer surfboards and more sea mist.

If you loved the Garden Route, you’ll love the Wild Coast

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The Garden Route is a classic for forested trails, coastal drives and well-trodden towns. But if it was the wild beauty that stayed with you, the Wild Coast offers a more untamed version of the same appeal. Rolling green hills meet dramatic cliffs, rural villages and long, empty beaches. It’s less curated, more rugged, and perfect for travellers who prefer nature without polish.

If you loved Franschhoek, you’ll love Tulbagh

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Franschhoek’s appeal lies in its vineyards, mountain backdrop and indulgent pace. Tulbagh offers a quieter alternative with just as much character. Nestled in a valley surrounded by peaks, this historic town focuses less on fine dining and more on heritage, small-scale wine farms and unhurried exploration. Ideal if you loved Franschhoek’s setting but want something gentler and less crowded.

If you loved Greyton, you’ll love Nieu-Bethesda

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Greyton is beloved for its village feel, tree-lined streets and creative, community-driven atmosphere. If that slow, slightly off-the-grid charm drew you in, Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape will feel instantly familiar. Set deep in the Karoo, it offers art, history and quiet walks rather than packed itineraries. It’s the kind of place where time softens and small details matter.

If you loved Maboneng, you’ll love Woodstock

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Maboneng’s mix of urban creativity, food culture and repurposed industrial spaces has made it a standout in Johannesburg. In Cape Town, Woodstock mirrors that energy. Home to designers, coffee roasters and weekend markets, the area thrives on experimentation and local expression. It’s not polished, but that’s exactly the point.

If you loved the Kruger National Park, you’ll love Addo Elephant Park

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Kruger is often the gateway safari, offering scale, diversity and iconic wildlife encounters. Addo Elephant National Park provides a more compact but equally rewarding experience, particularly for travellers exploring the Eastern Cape. Known for its large elephant herds and varied landscapes, Addo is ideal if you loved safari but want something easier to navigate.

If you loved Clarens, you’ll love Dullstroom

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Clarens attracts visitors with its mountain views, galleries and cosy cafés. Dullstroom shares that small-town appeal but adds misty mornings, trout streams and a distinctly highland feel. It comes into its own in winter, when fireplaces and long lunches set the tone. Perfect for travellers who love atmosphere as much as scenery.

If you loved Lion’s Head, you’ll love Kasteelspoort

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Lion’s Head is popular for its manageable climb and panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. If it was the reward-to-effort ratio you loved, the Kasteelspoort hike on Table Mountain offers a similar sense of achievement with fewer crowds. The route winds past dams and fynbos before opening up to sweeping views of the Atlantic, making it ideal for hikers who want beauty without the bottleneck.

If you loved Hermanus, you’ll love De Kelders

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Hermanus is synonymous with whale watching and lively coastal energy. De Kelders, just a short drive away, offers the same ocean drama in a quieter setting. Cliffside paths, sea caves and uninterrupted views make it perfect for slow walks and long stays. You’ll still spot whales in season, just with more space to breathe.

If you loved the Karoo, you’ll love the Northern Cape

Charl Durand / Pexels

The Karoo’s vast skies and stillness leave a deep impression. If it was the sense of scale and solitude you loved most, the Northern Cape amplifies that experience. From stark desert landscapes to ancient rock formations, this province rewards travellers who find beauty in emptiness and calm.

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ALSO READ: African coastal destinations that are not island escapes




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