- 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.
- 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.
Somerset East
Walter Battis, the eccentric artist lived here, old fashioned roses flourish and the odd historic monument decorates the tree-lined back streets.
The world of Fook
The old farming town of Somerset East lies at the foot of the Bosberg Mountains whose slopes are home to the Bosberg Nature Reserve where rare mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, steenbok and baboons can be found.
Get fooked.
Visit the Walter Battis Gallery. This eccentric artist lived in an imaginary world called Fook. He lived by Fookian law, flew the Fookian flag, drove on a Fookian licence and travelled on a (surprisingly accepted) Fookian passport!
Places to Stay
- Zanre
A backpackers in Somerset East and for those who yearn for lonely country roads…
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Car hire around Inhambane! Cool beans.
(Inhambane and Tofo,Mozambique)
Explore off the beaten track., adventuring as you go. They take you there, drop you off and pick you up again.
(Southern Drakensberg,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
Hang out in the mountains for a while.
(Citrusdal,West Coast)
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)
They are less than 1km from a gate into the Kruger National Park.
(Phalaborwa,Limpopo)
In the centre of the vibey student town of Ob's
(Observatory,Cape Town)
Four and six day adventures through the Transkei.
(Chintsa-East,Wild Coast)
Myxo’s Cultural Tours
(Manzini,Swaziland)
A four star Backpackers with easy access to Cape Town city centre, Waterfront and top beaches
(Green Point,Cape Town)
This Tofo backpackers is on a tropical beach framed by sea and endless coconut palms swaying in the breeze.
(Inhambane and Tofo,Mozambique)
