What is a Small Town?
A small town is used when referring to small places, usually in the United States, where people are friendly, honest, and polite, or to the people there. The small town is also sometimes used to suggest that someone has old-fashioned ideas.
Top 10 Small Towns In South Africa
Paternoster
Paternoster is a beautiful seaside village roughly 145km north of Cape Town. It’s one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa and is ideal for travelers looking for a romantic getaway.
Apart from the stunning jagged cliffs and boulders on display here, Paternoster is also well known for its great seafood, excellent hiking trails nearby and tiny white-washed fishermen’s cottages lining the bay.
If it’s your first visit to Paternoster, this detailed guide on what to do in Paternoster highlights everything you need to know for your trip.
De Rust
De Rust is so small that you’ll barely even notice it driving along the N12 on your way to Oudtshoorn. But, what makes this little town so unique is its quaint Victorian architecture. And of course, it’s close vicinity to Meiringspoort – one of South Africa’s most beautiful gorges and an absolute must on any South Africa itinerary.
Nieu-Bethesda
Another great town to add to your ‘best small towns in South Africa’ list is Nieu-Bethesda. This isolated village in the Karoo lies roughly 60km from Graaff-Reinet and is an excellent choice for travelers looking to escape South Africa’s bustling urban life.
The town is not very big, but what it lacks in size it makes up with its quirky and charming vibes. Nieu-Bethesda is the perfect spot if you’re looking to wander around dusty roads, gaze at the stars, admire the rustic architecture, or enjoy small-town vibes.
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas lies only 170km southeast of Cape Town, making it ideal for a quick weekend getaway. The sleepy town marks Africa’s southern tip, and it is also here where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. The town is notorious for its rugged coastline, rocky beaches, and shipwrecks dotting the coastline.
Add Cape Agulhas to your list if you are looking to enjoy laidback vibes, gentle strolls on one of the many hiking trails nearby, and stunning natural scenery.
Clarens
When the hustle and bustle of city life get too much, locals from Joburg, Bloem, and even Durban flock to Clarens. And for very good reason.
Clarens is a picturesque small town in South Africa, set at the Maluti Mountains’ foothills in the Free State. The village is well-known for its scenic views, cherries, and up-and-coming art scene.
Napier
Napier lies between Caledon and Bredasdorp in the Western Cape. Its unique blend of quaint cottages and modern housing makes Napier a must-visit small village in South Africa.
But apart from this, the town is surrounded by rolling wheat and barley farmland, while the Soetmuisberg serves as its backdrop, making it even more appealing to locals and tourists alike.
Cullinan
Cullinan is only a 20–minute drive from South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria – making it ideal for a quick day trip.
It’s home to one of the biggest diamond mines in South Africa, and most noteworthy, it is here where the Cullinan Diamond (the biggest diamond in the world) was discovered.
Besides stopping by the mine for a quick tour, there are many quirky shops and terrific restaurants well worth your time.
Dullstroom
Dullstroom is yet another amazing quaint South African town. Besides being one of the country’s top fly fishing spots, Dullstroom also boasts a rich history dating back to the Dutch settlers.
If you are on your way to the Kruger, don’t miss the chance to stop by here. It’s the perfect place to feast on trout and soak up the fantastic natural surroundings nearby.
Graskop
Graskop is a small forestry town on the Drakensberg escarpment and just one of the many incredible places to visit Mpumalanga.
Although most people rush through Graskop rather quickly to explore the Kruger National Park, the village and surrounding area are well worth your time.
What is the safest town to live in South Africa?
The city of Cape Town, known as the Mother City, is consistently ranked as the safest city in South Africa. While its crime rate is not lower than many other cities in the country, there are lovely safe areas to explore. And like cities anywhere, there are parts that are better avoided.
How many small towns are in South Africa?
There are approximately 500 small towns in South Africa.