• 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.
  • 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.

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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.

A thumb nail sketch
Grahamstown is home to Rhodes University, a few thousand students and a lot of churches. Renowned for its diverse festivals and wild parties, the most important annual event is the National Arts Festival in July. It’s a short trip from here to the coast, the Great Fish River Reserve and the Addo Elephant Park.
The City of Saints
Referred to as the City of Saints, you can overdose on churches if that’s your thing. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Michael that took over 128 years to build.
How to find it
 Grahamstown is situated about 125km inland from PE, and 180km from East London.

Places to Stay

  • Whethu Backpackers

    An African themed Backpackers close to all the action in Grahamstown and its environs

What to do

 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Park House Lodge and Travel Centre
This Mossel Bay backpackers is located in a spacious 130 year old stone homestead with some wonderful woodwork and some stunning artwork.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)

Wild Sky Paragliding
Train to become a paraglider or just hang around groundside.
(Bulwer,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)

Camp Africa
Swing into this jungle-side playground
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)

Sea Escapes Sodwana Bay
Sea Escapes offers captivating dives in South Africa's top diving location
(Sodwana Bay,Zululand)

Acacia Kruger Adventure Holidays
4 departures a week to the Kruger mean you can fit this one in for sure.
(The Kruger National Park,Mpumalanga)

Eurocentres Language Centre
Want to learn to speak English in Cape Town? Look no further.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)

iKhaya Stellenbosch Backpackers
This Stellenbosch backpackers is In the hub of town and close to all the action.
(Stellenbosch,Wine Region)

Pemba Dive and Bush Camp
Chill out in your beachfront chalet or sea-view room in this eco-friendly estate.
(Pemba Mozambique,Mozambique)

Island Vibe Backpackers
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)

Sunflower Stop
A backpackers across the road from the 2010 world cup stadium
(Green Point,Cape Town)