Discover the secrets of South Africa with the brand new travel format “Hidden Gems South Africa”

Celebrate South Africa's most remarkable but overlooked places and get the chance to win amazing prizes.

From the creators behind the popularity of BBC Lifestyle listing franchise, Hidden gems South Africa A brand new travel format led by local travel influencers who compete to uncover South Africa's untouched luxury escapes. The show will launch on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) on Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 20:00, with repeats every Thursday at 17:00.

Over the course of five episodes, Hidden gems South Africa Follow six influencers ('Gem-fluencers') along with their plus one as they discover ten incredible hidden destinations scattered across our beautiful and vibrant country. Each stone presents a new theme for influencers to explore. From the vibrant plants of Skukuza to the mountains of Winterton and the desert landscape of Cederberg. Unveiling the best bucket-list gems that only a few travelers have the privilege of seeing.

But here's the twist: At the end of each episode, viewers can cast their weekly vote for their favorite Hidden Gem experience to decide which Hidden Gem takes the top spot.

In Episode 6, on Wednesday, 8 July at 20:00, one month after the fifth episode aired on BBC Lifestyle, the Ultimate South African Hidden Gem will be crowned. Voting also gives viewers a chance to win big. Each week, viewers who vote will go into a draw to win a R10,000 Lakeslap voucher, with five weekly chances to win in the first five episodes. All voters will be entered into a grand prize draw for a R25,000 Lekkeslap voucher to be given away after the final episode. The “Gemfluencer” who receives the most votes overall will also win a R25,000 Lekkeslap voucher.

At the center of this series are the content creators themselves, who bring a unique energy and perspective to each step of the journey.

search for Hidden gems South Africa influencer

• Tebogo Pin-Pin (@tebogo_pinpin) is an award-winning South African travel writer who traded a career in banking for a life spent exploring the country's most beautiful hidden destinations. Known for his meticulous fact-checking and storytelling, he has worked in all nine provinces and has received numerous international accolades for his content.

• Linda Munnik (@Lindahikes (South Africa) He is a hiking enthusiast dedicated to exploring the country's most beautiful and often overlooked trails. His practical, honest approach inspires thousands of people to step out into nature with confidence.

• Senzelwe Mthembu (@senz_m) is a Johannesburg-born travelogue whose artistic photography and thoughtful narratives showcase South Africa through a culturally rich, deeply authentic lens. Featured on CNN's Inside Africa, she is a proponent of immersive, community-focused travel experiences.

• Rhett and Claire (@RhettandClaire) are a duo from Johannesburg who quit their nine-to-five jobs to travel the world full-time, creating cinematic YouTube guides that help viewers plan unforgettable trips. Their content covers everything from costs to must-see attractions in both local and international destinations.

• Melissa Blanch (@itsmelissablanche) is a Cape Town-based filmmaker and photographer known for capturing luxury lodges, boutique hotels and extraordinary destinations throughout South Africa. His sophisticated visual storytelling highlights the country's hidden gems while inspiring intentional, adventure-filled journeys.

Producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan of PD Productions said: “With Hidden gems South AfricaWe are introducing a completely new type of format. By placing influential local travel creators at the center of the series, we have brought a new level of authenticity and energy to the way we see South Africa onscreen. The show celebrates South Africa's most remarkable but overlooked places, shining a light on the communities and creators who bring these hidden places to life. We have also invited the audience to join this journey. By voting each week, viewers have the chance to win amazing prizes and become active participants in the discovery of the best secrets South Africa has to offer.

Pierre Cloete, vice president of Africa at BBC Studios, said: “We are committed to investing in high-quality local content that reflects the richness and diversity of South African storytelling. Hidden gems South Africa This is a perfect example of this in action, a fresh, home-grown format that not only showcases the country's extraordinary places but also elevates the voices of local creators who are shaping how audiences discover and experience travel. We are proud to bring this innovative series to audiences and reinforce our dedication to made-in-Africa content for BBC Lifestyle audiences.

Hidden gems South Africa Proudly sponsored by take slapIn collaboration with Toyota.