- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Be careful when you’re out walking in the mountain because naughty fairies easily lead you astray.
The Amatola Mountains rise from the dry grasslands and hot valleys, their green flanks an oasis of jewelled colours and coolness.
Paths wind through indigenous rainforests to waterfalls that crash down the cliffs. Misty rainbows point to pots of gold and fairy hideaways.
Legend has it that these peaks were the inspiration for Lord of the Rings. Go and spend some time in Middle Earth and find out for yourself…
BOX: The Xhosa call it Qabimbola (red clay on the face) because they dig out clay from the clay pits with which they covered their face
Places to Stay
- Away With The Fairies
Set on a huge property with lovely gardens and overlooking the mystical Hogsback Peaks, this is a wonderful backpacker.
- Terra-Khaya
Enjoy simple living...
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Situated in town, Jeffreys Bay Backpackers has the best of both worlds.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
A good overnight stop.
(Ermelo,Mpumalanga)
Offer some of the best tours into the Addo Elephant Park
(Addo Elephant Park,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
A retro country house in the heart of a big city.
(Pretoria City,Pretoria)
This Botswana backpackers is only 10km outside the city of Gaborone and in the bush.
(Gaborone,Botswana)
Ikhayalam Lodge is on the beachfront and has lots to offer backpackers plus guided tours
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
A Backpaker must with Safaris and close encounters of the wild kind
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
The perfect backpcker adventure in Cape Town....
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
This Kimbeley backpackers lodge offers budget accommodation in extensive well wooded grounds.
(Kimberley,Northern Cape)
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)
