- Graaff-Reinet
Graaff-Reinet lies between Cape Town and Jo’burg and is 300km from Port Elizabeth. The jewel of the Karoo, it’s an oasis of gracious old charm in the heat of its dusty surroundings.
- Nieu Bethesda
This tiny archetypal Karoo village is tucked into a valley in the shadow of the Kompasberg Mountain, part of the Sneeuberg range. It’s best known as the home of the Owl House.
- Somerset East
Walter Battis, the eccentric artist lived here, old fashioned roses flourish and the odd historic monument decorates the tree-lined back streets.
- Shamwari
A malaria free wilderness area where the Big Five roam.
- Grahamstown
Seeped in Settler history, Grahamstown is a real student town and when Rhodes University shuts for the holiday the town closes and goes home. Joke. But close enough. Truth is, when you put enough students together, something fun always happens - so keep an ear open for what's on when you're there.
- Hogsback
Hogsback is one of those soft places that somehow speeds up the passing of time. Dominated by the impressive Amatola mountain range, she has a charm and mystique all of her own. She's whimsical, teasing, enchanting and downright wicked.
- Cathcart
Located on the N6, this is a good overnight stop between Jo'burg and the Wild coast or the Garden Route.
- Stutterheim
Close to the Amatola Mountains and off the beaten track, this town offers yet another opportunity to discover South African via the back roads.
- Bedford
Situated on the N10 between Port Elizabeth and Cradock, this is a real country town stopover.
Addo Elephant Park
Addo has three backpackers. It is the best place in South Africa to see elephants close up.
Elephants for Africa
Begun with a mere 2 000ha and 11 elephants and now covering 165 000 hectares with 470 elephants roaming its plains, the Addo Elephant National Park has been home to a growing number of ellies for the past 70 odd years. The Park’s next most important inhabitant is the dung beetle who lives in dung beetle heaven.
Lion and hyena were re-introduced to Addo 18 months ago.
Places to Stay
- Avoca River Cabins
This backpackers in Addo is on a working citrus farm which is on the banks of the Sundays River.
- Orange Elephant Backpackers
This Addo backpackers is situated outside Port Elizabeth and close to the Addo National Park.
- The Aardvark Guesthouse
This stylish Addo backpackers is close to the Addo.
What to do
- Criss Cross Adventures
Offer some of the best tours into the Addo Elephant Park
- Voluntours
Help research the movements of lions in the Addo.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Situated in the rugged Maluti mountains, this is a trekking paradise.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
Lying on the border of Mozambique high in the mountains, this is a community owned camp with good facilities.
(Eastern Swaziland,Swaziland)
A backpackers in the heart of Observatory - the centre of Cape Town backpackerland...
(Observatory,Cape Town)
A mountain paradise.
(Ais Ais,Lesotho)
Walk, hike or drive to the wild side of being in the Middle of Nowhere
(Lubanzi,Wild Coast)
A riding centre on the edge of the winelands.
(Joostenbergvlakte,Wine Region)
A children's volunteer project in the heart of the Wild Coast.
(Addo Elephant Park,Wild Coast)
Sodwana backpackers accommodation close to the beach and dive courses for everyone.
(Sodwana Bay,Zululand)
This is the oldest lodge in Observatory and is the play ground of students....put your party shoes on!
(Observatory,Cape Town)
Backpackers here's a chance to stay at a Big-5 Game Reserve and a 5-Star Lodge at budget prices.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
