ACCORDING to a report by TikTok Marketing Science US Custom Travel Destination Survey via AYTM, April 2024, 83% of TikTok users agree that the platform sparks their interest in visiting new destinations while 76% are more likely to plan future trips after seeing content about a destination.

The report further highlights that travel reviews, tips, educational routines and guides are the most helpful travel content that travellers on TikTok love.

With more than 1.7 million posts under the #TravelTok hashtag, TikTok has established itself as a powerful platform for sharing travel advice, tips and personal stories that inspire others to explore and reflect.

TikTok creators like Farirai Sanyika (@gopharitravels) and Karabo Maepane @misskabz form part of this movement, showing how South African travel offers both adventure and introspection.

As hashtags like #TravelHacks, #TravelWithMe, #TravelTips and #LuxuryTravel continue to grow, so too does the potential for travel content to connect cultures, inspire journeys, and, ultimately, help travellers discover new aspects of themselves.

As part of Tourism Month draws to a close, here are seven local places to #DiscoverYourself, according to the TikTok content creators.

A tree house at Kosi Forest Lodge. Picture: Website

Serenity in the wilderness

For those looking for serenity in the wilderness, Kosi Forest Lodge, tucked away in KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offers a secluded, eco-friendly escape where treehouse-style cabins are nestled within the forest canopy.

Days here are spent canoeing through the lush waterways, with the sounds of nature surrounding you. It’s an ideal spot to retreat from modern distractions and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Sanyika said that Kosi Forest Lodge is her go-to for disconnecting from the world. “The serene environment and lack of signal force you to truly unwind and reconnect with nature,” she said.

A hiker’s dream in Clarens

In the Maluti Mountains near Clarens, Cathedral Cave is a destination that rewards travellers with both physical challenge and spiritual fulfilment.

Maepane describes the three-kilometre hike as “tough but worth every step”, leading to a stunning waterfall pool where travellers can reflect on their journey.

This destination is perfect for those who find peace in movement, where the process of hiking becomes a metaphor for life’s challenges and the beauty that awaits at the end.

Cathedral Cave in the Maluti Mountains in Clarens. Picture: Website

Industrial chic on the Garden Route

On Knysna’s Thesen Island, The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa is a stylish retreat housed in a former power station. With its industrial charm and luxurious amenities, the hotel offers guests a unique mix of history and indulgence.

Overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, it’s perfectly located for exploring the scenic Garden Route, whether you’re taking a boat trip or relaxing with a spa treatment.

“The Turbine’s quirky charm and proximity to adventure make it one of my favourite stays,” said Sanyika.

She added that you should visit if you’re looking for a blend of luxury, history, and prime access to the outdoor wonders of the Garden Route.

Where two oceans meet

At the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge in a dramatic display of nature’s power.

Far from the tourist crowds, this rugged destination offers awe-inspiring coastal views and a profound sense of being at the edge of the continent. The windswept cliffs and crashing waves create the perfect setting for introspection.

“Standing at Cape Agulhas feels like the end of the world. The vastness of the ocean and the rugged beauty of the landscape -it’s a place where you can truly reflect on life,” said Sanyika.

The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa on Thesen Island. Picture: Website

A cultural retreat

In Limpopo’s mountains, Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge is a gateway to the culture and traditions of the Venda and Tsonga people.

The lodge’s rustic luxury cabins offer stunning mountain views, while its focus on local art and craftsmanship provides an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore nearby artist villages and learn about the region’s rich heritage.

Sanyika said that Madi a Thavha is more than just a place to stay.

“It’s an opportunity to connect with South Africa’s cultural history. The blend of natural beauty and local culture is something truly special,” she said.

Luxury safari in Dinokeng

Just outside of Johannesburg, Minara Private Boutique Game Lodge offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of the Big Five country.

Combining opulent accommodations with the wild adventure of a safari, this lodge lets travellers reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. For Maepane, Minara represents a hidden gem that combines the thrill of the wild with the peace of luxury.

A wild coastal legend

And finally, far off the beaten path, Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay is a destination steeped in Xhosa legend and surrounded by untamed natural beauty.

For travellers seeking adventure and solitude, this rugged coastline offers both, with dramatic rock formations and coastal trails.

“It’s a place where you can feel completely disconnected from the world, yet deeply connected to the land,” said Sanyika.

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