Six underrated mountain towns to visit this spring

Why choose a mountain town in spring

Spring loosens winter's hold in South Africa's highlands. Morning cold eases, streams run again and gardens begin to bloom. For travellers who want walking, quiet village cafés and mountain views without the crowds, small mountain towns offer a straightforward escape: morning hikes, a lazy lunch in a village and an afternoon watching light move across a pass.

Hogsback: forest, waterfalls and gardens

Hogsback sits tucked into the Amathole Mountains and is defined by indigenous Afro-montane forest, waterfalls and flower-rich mountain grasslands. The village's misty atmosphere and compact scale make it easy to slow down without sacrificing outdoor access.

• Gardens and arboretum: Spring and autumn produce strong floral colour, with azaleas and Watsonias among the spring blooms. The Hogsback Arboretum is an accessible introduction, featuring mature trees, streams and the 39 Steps waterfall.
• Pace: A typical day can mix a morning walk, lunch in the village and a relaxed late-afternoon viewpoint. Hogsback suits visitors who want outdoor time paired with a quiet village ambience.

Rhodes: remote highland scenery and wilderness

Rhodes is a tiny, remote village in the Eastern Cape Highlands. Established on the Tintern farm in the 1890s, it retains a small, unpolished character that matches the surrounding wilderness. The highlands make the journey part of the experience: mountain passes and long rural roads frame visits here.

• Landscape and access: Rhodes sits near Naudé's Nek, one of South Africa's higher mountain passes. The surrounding highlands include alpine meadows, remote mountain roads and clear streams.
• Activities: The area supports hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, birding and wild-trout fly fishing. Wildflower viewing and guided walks are offered during the flowering season.
• Rhodes over four days and crosses remote mountain landscapes. The Camino is a serious multi-day trek rather than a casual stroll.
• Travel temperament: The village's remoteness is part of its appeal. Expect silence, gravel roads and a high chance of solitude.

• Timing: Visit in spring for milder mornings, flowing streams and peak wildflower and garden display.
• Pace your itinerary: Combine a morning hike or walk with relaxed village time. These towns reward slow travel rather than packed activity lists.

If you prefer walking through forest, stopping for coffee in unhurried villages, and spending afternoons watching light on mountain passes, these towns deliver. They suit travellers who prioritise nature, quiet and local character over luxury resorts or busy tourist hubs.