- 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.
- Addo Elephant Park
Addo has three backpackers. It is the best place in South Africa to see elephants close up.
- 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.
- 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.
Cathcart
Located on the N6, this is a good overnight stop between Jo'burg and the Wild coast or the Garden Route.
Nudging up against the northern end of the Amatola Mountains, it's a quaint country town chock full of museums and churches. Steeped in rich histories, this area has seen tribal migrations, wars, and a sucession of settlers. It was once a farm called the Fountain and before that, home to the San. Visit their paintings, which record the time before the arrival of the white man and his first appearances in the area. Fresh farm milk and cheese can be bought in town and the butchery sells addictive biltong.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Cape Town's newest backpacking hostel, which is close to the Waterfront.
(Green Point,Cape Town)
A hotel with a difference in Long Street.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Gecko Lounge backpackers is the perfect place to take some Malawian time out at the lake.
(Plettenberg Bay,Malawi)
The Cape Town backpackers which is located at the top end of Long Street, next to the Long Street Baths and all the action.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Lying on the border of Mozambique high in the mountains, this is a community owned camp with good facilities.
(Eastern Swaziland,Swaziland)
A comfy, fun spot.
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
This wonderful Jeffreys Bay backpackers is perched on top of a dune with a magnificent 270° view of the Indian Ocean, Island Vibe’s setting is divine.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
Centrally located, this efficiently run backpacker has a fantastic view over the Swartberg Mountains and the sunset which casts a magical shadow over it every evening.
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
“Please come and experience what life is like for my brothers and sisters in the township and I will describe to you what has changed in recent years since democracy.”
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
Do the Garden Route and get high on adrenaline.
(,Garden Route)
