- 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.
- 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.
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.
Graf-Reinet the town
Founded in 1786, this charming town is one of the Karoo’s gems. The nearby Valley of Desolation, a remarkable phenomena, has been proclaimed a national monument and is part of the Camdeboo National Park, South Africa’s newest reserve. Don’t miss the Mountain Zebra Park for further insight into the Karoo’s diverse fauna and flora.
Founded in 1786, this charming town is one of the Karoo’s gems. The nearby Valley of Desolation, a remarkable phenomena, has been proclaimed a national monument and is part of the Camdeboo National Park, South Africa’s newest reserve. Don’t miss the Mountain Zebra Park for further insight into the Karoo’s diverse fauna and flora.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Four and six day adventures through the Transkei.
(Chintsa-East,Wild Coast)
(Windhoek,Namibia)
A real home away from home, the Old Vic Backpacking hostel offers snug doubles at refreshingly affordable prices.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
See the 'flying' Great White Sharks above and below water.
(Simon's Town,Cape Town)
Tekweni Backpacking hostel in Durban cooks. One can’t say anything else about this ever-buzzy hostel and its hordes of people.
(Durban ,Durban)
Tours in Durban and out in the bush and mountains.
(Durban ,Durban)
Friendly and very relaxed.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
Minutes away from the Orpen Gate.
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
Hard Rock Backpackers in Jeffrey's Bay is centrally located to all the major surf spots.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
A smaller lodge with a friendly owner - all rooms ensuite
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
