- Kimberley
Some cities grow up on the banks of mighty rivers. Others in fertile valleys. Some sprawl around natural harbours. Kimberley is a city that has flourished thanks to an immense wealth of diamonds hidden in the ground. There is a great backapckers in town.
- The Kalahari
The wild desert area is home to scorpions, hot sun and rugged beauty.
- Augrabies
Hot desert conditions and spectacular scenery.
- Upington
Set on the banks of the Orange River, Upington is one of the larger towns in the Northern Cape and the centre of the local lucerne, sultanas, raisins, dried fruits, cotton, peas, sheep, goat and cattle industries.
Colesberg
This is a perfect half way stop if you're travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Although it's a dorp, it's well supplied with restaurants, pubs and friendly locals.
The mountain that moves away.
Coleskop, an important landmark for 18th century travellers making their way into the unknown interior, can be seen from over 40km away. Strangely though, you never seem to get closer to it… * a dorp - a small country village
Coleskop, an important landmark for 18th century travellers making their way into the unknown interior, can be seen from over 40km away. Strangely though, you never seem to get closer to it… * a dorp - a small country village
Spring in the desert
If you are lucky enough to be here after the first rains of the summer season, you will see the dry soil burst into abundant life, hardy succulents blooming and bright mesembryanthemums sparkling in vivid colours along the roadside. The area around Colesberg is renowned for producing high quality racehorses and top quality Merino sheep.
If you are lucky enough to be here after the first rains of the summer season, you will see the dry soil burst into abundant life, hardy succulents blooming and bright mesembryanthemums sparkling in vivid colours along the roadside. The area around Colesberg is renowned for producing high quality racehorses and top quality Merino sheep.
The last outpost
The self-proclaimed Afrikaner Volkstaat of Orania is about 100km north of Colesberg. After the official death of apartheid, a group of Afrikaners purchased the town and surrounding land in order to live according to their traditional beliefs. This marginalised community exploits technology to the full in all facets of their lives. (They don’t employ labourers, unlike the rest of South Africa.) The irrigation project, organic vineyard and dairy farm can be visited. There is also a museum with a collection of firearms, some dating back to the 18th century.
The self-proclaimed Afrikaner Volkstaat of Orania is about 100km north of Colesberg. After the official death of apartheid, a group of Afrikaners purchased the town and surrounding land in order to live according to their traditional beliefs. This marginalised community exploits technology to the full in all facets of their lives. (They don’t employ labourers, unlike the rest of South Africa.) The irrigation project, organic vineyard and dairy farm can be visited. There is also a museum with a collection of firearms, some dating back to the 18th century.
Places to Stay
- Colesberg Backpackers
Colesberg is one of those famous half way stops between here and there.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
This Ballito backpackers is hidden away in the trees above Shaka's Rock beach, this is close to a surf spot of note.
(Ballito and Shaka's Rock,Zululand)
This Hazyview backpackers offers bushwalking, safari-ing, braaing or just hanging out at the pool.
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
This Kimbeley backpackers lodge offers budget accommodation in extensive well wooded grounds.
(Kimberley,Northern Cape)
East London backpackers is just 50m from Orient beach with restaurants, clubs and pubs nearby.
(East London,Sunshine Coast)
This backpackers has recently been renovated. It's a snazzy spot with great communal spaces, welcoming surfers and holidaymakers alike.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
In the Mdumbi River valley in the heart of rural Transkei, this small settlement on the coast has brilliant surf and great fishing. As there’s only one small shop, we suggest that self-caterers stock up before arriving.
(Coffee Bay,Wild Coast)
Simon’s Town Boutique Backpackers is close to Simon's Town station and the beach, the backpackers is well situated for access to the best of the peninsula.
(Simon's Town,Cape Town)
Does a Chico blow your hair back? Or do you prefer a Polo? This is your spot.
(Camps Bay,Cape Town)
A sanctuary, a volunteer opportunity and a chance to see animals in the wild.
(Thornhill,Sunshine Coast)
Stay in a traditional cottage, hike, explore, and chill.
(Howick,Lesotho)
