Discover South Africa’s Secrets with Hidden Gems South Africa
South Africa’s most breathtaking, lesser-known destinations are finally stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Hidden Gems South Africa, a brand-new travel series premiering on BBC Lifestyle. Airing from Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 20:00, the show brings a fresh, interactive twist to travel television, blending influencer storytelling with audience participation.
Produced by the creators behind the popular Listing franchise, this six-part series invites viewers to explore untouched luxury escapes across the country—while also giving them the power to decide which destination truly deserves the title of South Africa’s ultimate hidden gem.
A New Kind of Travel Show
Hidden Gems South Africa follows six travel influencers, or “gem-fluencers,” each accompanied by a guest, as they journey through ten extraordinary locations across the country. From the lush biodiversity of Skukuza to the dramatic mountains of Winterton and the rugged beauty of Cederberg, each episode reveals a new theme and a new destination waiting to be discovered.
But this isn’t just a passive viewing experience. At the end of each episode, audiences can vote for their favourite destination, helping to determine which hidden gem rises to the top.
Meet the Gem-Fluencers
At the heart of the series are South Africa’s leading travel content creators, each offering a unique lens on exploration:
Tebogo Pin-Pin – An award-winning storyteller known for uncovering hidden destinations across all nine provinces.
Linda Munnik – A passionate hiker inspiring others to explore scenic, off-the-beaten-path trails.
Senzelwe Mthembu – A Johannesburg-born creative celebrated for her culturally rich narratives and photography.
Rhett and Claire – A duo creating cinematic travel guides after leaving corporate life behind.
Melissa Blanche – A Cape Town-based visual storyteller highlighting luxury travel experiences.
Interactive Viewing with Big Rewards
The excitement doesn’t stop at discovery. Each week, viewers who cast their vote stand a chance to win a R10,000 voucher from LekkeSlaap. After five weeks, all participants are entered into a grand prize draw for R25,000.
The competition culminates in Episode 6, airing on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 20:00, where South Africa’s ultimate hidden gem will be crowned. The winning influencer also walks away with a R25,000 voucher.
Celebrating Local Stories and Untold Destinations
According to producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan, the show introduces a new level of authenticity by placing local creators at the centre of the storytelling. It not only showcases stunning locations but also highlights the communities and creatives behind them.
Pierre Cloete, VP for Africa at BBC Studios, adds that the series reflects a commitment to high-quality, locally produced content that captures the diversity of South African experiences.
Why You Should Watch
Hidden Gems South Africa is more than a travel show—it’s a celebration of discovery, storytelling, and community. With its mix of competition, audience interaction, and visually stunning destinations, it offers a fresh way to experience the country’s best-kept secrets.
Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply looking for inspiration, this series promises to uncover places you never knew existed.
