Uncovering European elegance in our own Mzansi backyard is easier than you think. South Africa’s rich history and diverse landscapes have birthed towns that echo the charm of France, Scotland, and beyond, blending old-world architecture with thrilling local adventures. No passport needed, just a sense of wanderlust and a love for culture, cuisine, and the great outdoors. In this 6-part series, we’ll explore 12 small towns that feel like a European escape, packed with wine trails, misty hikes, and stories that spark the soul.
First up: Franschhoek’s French finesse and Dullstroom’s Highland spirit.
Franschhoek and Dullstroom: Wine Trails and Misty Highlands
Franschhoek, Western Cape – Your Provence Portal
You’d be forgiven for mistaking these vine-covered hills for a sunny escape in Provence, but this is Franschhoek. SA’s own French-infused haven for wine lovers and hikers. Founded by French Huguenots in the 1600s, this Winelands gem oozes Cape Dutch architecture, gourmet bistros, and lavender-scented valleys that scream “joie de vivre” with a South African twist.
Source: https://insideguide.co.za/
Adventure Awaits: Hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a hop-on-hop-off tour of estates like Boschendal or La Motte, sipping award-winning vintages amid stunning scenery. For more action, tackle the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve trails. Hike to panoramic viewpoints or meander through fynbos forests on horseback with outfits like Cape Winelands Riding. Cycle easy vineyard paths or amp it up with mountain biking routes that wind through orchards and rivers.
Pro tip: Time your visit for the Bastille Festival in July for French-inspired markets and live music – pure escapism without the Euros.
Source: https://insideguide.co.za/
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga – Highland Heartbeat
You can be forgiven for thinking this is from a trip in the Scottish Highlands, but it is our own little Dullstroom, perfect for fly-fishing and foggy trail adventures. Perched at 2,100m above sea level (South Africa’s highest town), Dullstroom channels Scotland’s rugged romance with misty dams, rolling grasslands, and cosy pubs serving local whisky and trout dishes.
Source: https://www.southafricablog.co.za/attractions/exploring-dullstroom/
Adventure Awaits: Fly-fishing reigns supreme here. Cast lines in crystal-clear dams stocked with rainbow trout, or join guided excursions for beginners. Hike the Dullstroom Nature Reserve’s trails, spotting birdlife and wildflowers, or pedal mountain bike paths through pine forests. For a quirky twist, explore the town’s colourful buildings and quirky shops, then unwind with a whisky tasting at a local distillery. It’s an ideal weekend base enroute to Kruger, blending serene vibes with outdoor thrills like horseback riding or even quad biking for that extra edge.
These Mzansi gems kick off our travel Europe feel in SA – series, letting us savour a taste of Europe in rands, all right here in South Africa.”
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Stellenbosch’s Dutch charm and Clarens’ Alpine allure await. Which town’s vibe is calling you? Time to call a sista, grab your adventure gear and dive into Mzansi’s Euro-inspired escapes!
