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”.
We recently had a chat with one of the six creators, Tebogo Pin Pin. He is an award-winning travel writer who swapped a career in banking for a life spent uncovering the country’s most beautiful hidden destinations. Known for his meticulous fact-checking and storytelling, he has worked across all nine provinces and has received multiple international accolades for his content.
Check out our interview with Tebogo below.
1. What stood out the most to you about your destinations and how does it reflect your approach to travel storytelling as a creator?
Being part of Hidden Gems South Africa allowed me to showcase a side of South Africa that often gets overlooked in favour of mainstream travel destinations. What stood out to me personally about my destinations was how authentic, grounded, and emotionally connected the experience felt. It was not just about beautiful landscapes or luxury experiences, but about the people and the stories that live within the destinations themselves. That reflects my approach to travel storytelling as a creator because I have always believed that travel is most impactful when it seems relatable and human. I love highlighting places that have souls. Destinations that leave a lasting emotional impression and serve as a reminder that there is still so much beauty to discover within our own country.
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?
There were no scripts, and the show challenged me creatively, and it pushed me to experience the destination beyond the lens of “content creation.” Having the filming crew around really helped me to focus on the experiences rather than creating. This reminded me to slow down, observe more deeply, and connect with the environment and people in a more meaningful way. Creatively, it inspired me to tell stories with more intention and emotion rather than simply focusing on aesthetics. Sharing the experience with my audience became less about showing where I was, and more about making them feel like they were part of the journey with me. It strengthened my passion for creating travel content that feels immersive, authentic, and story-driven.
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?
Content creators have completely transformed the tourism industry in South Africa, especially by bringing attention to lesser-known destinations, experiences, and communities. Social media has created a space where hidden gems can gain visibility without the need for large marketing expenditure. Creators are helping travellers discover places they may never have considered visiting before, and in many cases, that exposure directly benefits local businesses, accommodations, restaurants, tour guides, and surrounding communities. I also believe creators have changed the way people travel emotionally. Travellers today want experiences that feel personal, unique, and meaningful rather than simply “touristy.” Through storytelling, creators help people connect with destinations on a much deeper level.
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?
Personally, being part of Hidden Gems South Africa means a lot because it validates the effort and passion I have poured into travel storytelling over the years. As someone who genuinely loves discovering and documenting experiences, it felt incredibly rewarding to be part of a platform that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and hidden stories of South Africa. Professionally, it has been an opportunity to grow as a storyteller, connect with wider audiences, and contribute to changing the narrative around local travel. It also reaffirmed my purpose as a creator and travel writer, not just to create visually beautiful content, but to inspire people to explore, appreciate, and support destinations within South Africa.
5. Why should audiences vote for your destinations, and what makes them a must-visit bucket-list experience for South Africans and travellers alike?
I would like the audience to vote for my destinations because they offer something that many travellers are truly searching for these days, such as authenticity, beauty, connection, escapism, and unforgettable experiences. They are the kind of places that surprise you in the best possible way and leave you with memories that stay long after the trip ends. What makes them a must-visit bucket-list experience is that they reflect the essence of South African travel: diverse landscapes, friendly locals, rich history, diverse culture, incredible experiences, wildlife, adventure, and hidden stories waiting to be discovered. My destinations represent the magic that exists beyond the obvious tourist routes, and I believe more people deserve to experience that for themselves.
