Franschhoek used to be known as Olifantshoek because elephants used to calve in its sheltered valley.
- Stellenbosch
The backpackers wine haven of South Africa can be found in Stellenbosch which is the centre of the wine producing region. The setting is exquisite with old oak trees that date back to their original plantings in the 1600’s, wide streets, graceful Cape Dutch architecture, cobbled rain drains and spectacular 360 degree views.
- Gordon's Bay and Strand
Only 30 minutes from Cape Town's airport, these two towns offer mountains, wine and glorious sea.
- Joostenbergvlakte
A country suburb of Cape Town, out in the winelands, where horses are as much at home as people.
- Tulbaghcape
Wine farms and mountains. You can get here on the train.
- Paarl Western Cape
Nestled on the banks of the Berg River, Paarl is named after the enormous dome-shaped granite rock that overshadows the town. The town has played a significant role in the development of the Afrikaans language and culture and is home to the KWV wine co-operative – one of South Africa’s major wine exporters.
- Ceres region
Surrounded by mountains, Ceres is the centre of a vibrant fruit growing industry. The surrounding areas are also well known for their fine wines, so why not go on an overnight tasting trip in the far flung parts of the winelands?
Franschhoek
Nestled in the Drakenstein Valley, this is where the French first settled (and made wine) some 300 years ago. Franschhoek is noted for its many magnificent wine estates, the Franschhoek Vineyards Co-operative and the Huguenot Memorial and Museum.
A rose by any other name…
The charming town of Franschhoek lies on the river by the same name about 25km south-east of Paarl. The picturesque town nestles between distinguished wine farms and imposing mountains in the Franschhoek Valley - a fairy book village that oozes old worlde charm and French influence.
The charming town of Franschhoek lies on the river by the same name about 25km south-east of Paarl. The picturesque town nestles between distinguished wine farms and imposing mountains in the Franschhoek Valley - a fairy book village that oozes old worlde charm and French influence.
Tweaking taste buds
Franschhoek’s excellent restaurants have caused the small valley to earn the title of “food and wine capital of the Cape”. If you only have time to visit one wine farm in the area, make sure it’s the Boschendal Wine Estate. Set against the backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains in the Drakenstein Valley, the estate was established in 1685 and is probably one of the Cape’s most beautiful wineries. The manor house –a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture - was built in 1812 and is open to the public. You can wander around the homestead, sample some of the Cape’s finest wines and enjoy a picnic under the oak trees.
Franschhoek’s excellent restaurants have caused the small valley to earn the title of “food and wine capital of the Cape”. If you only have time to visit one wine farm in the area, make sure it’s the Boschendal Wine Estate. Set against the backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains in the Drakenstein Valley, the estate was established in 1685 and is probably one of the Cape’s most beautiful wineries. The manor house –a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture - was built in 1812 and is open to the public. You can wander around the homestead, sample some of the Cape’s finest wines and enjoy a picnic under the oak trees.
Calling all motorbike riders!
Franschhoek is part of the spectacular Four Passes day trip around the area.
Franschhoek is part of the spectacular Four Passes day trip around the area.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
They offer easy access to the tourist attractions of George and the Garden Route.
(George,Garden Route)
An owner driven business with thousands of kilometers and a few years of adventurous travel in the bag.
(Cape Town City Bowl,)
The most perfect of settings for any of the Dakensberg Backpackers and community run.
(Matatiele,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
This Johannesburg backpackers is situated on a large property 3km from Johannesburg international airport.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Situated in a wing of the George Hotel, Zululand Backpackers offers comfortable good value for money accommodation.
(Eshowe,Zululand)
An awesome hiking trail.
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
Based at Sani Lodge, they offer tours into the spectacular mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
(Southern Drakensberg,Lesotho)
Daytrippers offers a wonderful way to explore the Cape peninsula and winelands by bicycle.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Satvik in Tzaneen is a wonderful laid-back and rustic backpackers farm where time holds its breath and fish eagles are framed by seablue skies.
(Tzaneen,Mpumalanga)
A Johannesburg backpackers with a unique opportunity to experience township life.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
