Six South African travel content creators recently embarked on a six-part format competing to uncover South Africa’s untouched luxury escapes as part of BBC Lifestyle’s Brand-new Travel Series, “Hidden Gems South Africa”.
One of the six creators is Melissa Blanche, a Cape Town–based filmmaker and photographer known for capturing luxury lodges, boutique hotels, and standout destinations across South Africa. Her refined visual storytelling spotlights the country’s hidden gems while inspiring intentional, adventure filled travel. She detailed her experience being part of Hidden Gem South Africa with us.
Check out our interview with Melissa below.
1.Your hidden gem introduces viewers to a unique side of South Africa, what made your destinations stand out to you personally, and how does it reflect your approach to travel storytelling as a creator?
Both Kagga Kamma in the Cederberg and Mont Esprit in Franschhoek stood out to me for very different reasons. Kagga Kamma felt almost otherworldly, from the dramatic rock formations and ancient Khoi and San rock art, to sleeping beneath vast open skies in the open-air Star Suite, being completely secluded from everyoneelse. Mont Esprit in Franschhoek, on the other hand, is an eco POD cabin tucked away in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in Franschhoek. It felt very intimate, being completely surrounded by mountains, hiking trails and lush greenery, but still being a quick drive away from the main town of Franschhoek with restaurants, wine farms and boutique shops. My approach as a filmmaker and photographer has always been this: the art already exists, I just need to capture it in such a way that others are able to see its beauty the way I do. These two destinations allowed me to do exactly that, by showing up with curiosity, a desire to capture their beauty and ultimately allow the viewer to experience them with me.
2. How did being part of Hidden Gems South Africa challenge or inspire you creatively, both in how you experienced the destination and how you shared it with your audience?
The biggest shift for me was that I was the one being filmed, rather than the one behind the camera. I had to be more present and expressive onscreen, while still thinking like a storyteller. It allowed me to experience the destinations more naturally and intentionally, compared to how I’d normally approach things when I’m directing a shoot. When I removed the control of being behind the lens, I had a more genuine response to my environment and that actually translates beautifully to an audience. The most compelling content often comes from authentic moments, not perfectly planned compositions.
3. Travel creators are increasingly influencing where and how people travel. In your opinion, how have content creators changed the tourism industry in South Africa, especially when it comes to spotlighting lesser-known destinations and communities?
Travel creators often share a more personal side to their travel experiences compared to traditional media and guide books. They don’t simply list what a place offers, they share the feeling of being there based on their personal experiences, and the stories that come along with it. That kind of storytelling builds a genuine connection between the viewer and the destinations. It feels more relatable and real to the average viewer, shifting the way people discover destinations in South Africa. For lesser-known destinations, that is especially impactful as these places don’t commonly appear in your usual travel guides.
4. As someone whose platform is built around discovering and documenting experiences, what does being part of a show like Hidden Gems South Africa mean for you personally and professionally as a travel creator?
Being part of Hidden Gems South Africa has been a huge milestone for me as a South African travel photographer and filmmaker. I have always been passionate about sharing the natural beauty of South Africa, along with its unique places and experiences, so I felt completely aligned with being a part of the show. It’s reminded me of why I started doing this in the first place, and I genuinely feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to share South Africa’s beauty with fellow South Africans and visitors alike. And not to mention getting to work with BBC Studios Africa, what a dream come true!
5. Why should audiences vote for your destination, and what makes it a must-visit bucket-list experience for South Africans and travellers alike?
Kagga Kamma is unlike anywhere else I’ve experienced in South Africa. The landscape feels ancient and almost otherworldly, from the dramatic rock formations and vast open skies to the ancient Khoi and San rock art. Sleeping beneath the stars in the open-air Star Suite is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. You have an opportunity to learn about the deep cultural history, as well as explore some wildlife in the reserve while experiencing a luxurious stay. Mont Esprit offers something equally special but very different in character, an eco POD cabin tucked away in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in Franschhoek, surrounded by mountains in one of South Africa’s most iconic wine valleys. Despite its minimal footprint, it still feels incredibly comfortable, from the wood-burning hot tub and fireplace to the breathtaking mountain views surrounding the cabin. What I loved most is that it offers a more sustainable and immersive way to experience luxury. What makes both destinations so special is that they remind you how much beauty South Africa holds, beyond the places we experience in our day-to-day lives. Voting for these destinations, or any of the hidden gems for that matter, isn’t just about crowning a winner, it’s about celebrating South Africa’s destinations, cultures,natural beauty, and its people.
