- 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.
- 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.
Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo
The Hottentot word for this place "Karoo" (a thirstland) perfectly describes this arid area of low rainfall, meagre vegetation and haunting rock outcrops. It's a remote, moody and lonely - but absolutely extraordinary – landscape and any time spent here will have you touching parts of your soul you don't often access.
Eastern Cape Inland
This far flung region encompasses the moody plains and mountains of the Karoo, the esoteric wonders of Nieu Bethesda, the lush Amatola Mountains, the spectacular mountains and passes of the Cape Drakensberg and a slew of game parks and hiking trails.
Reserves include the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari (where the Big Five can be seen), the Karoo Mountain Zebra Park, the Karoo National Park, the Valley of Desolation, the Fish River Valley and the Amatola Reserve. It’s a region of huge and magnificent contrasts and contains some of South Africa’s most beautiful and least visited sites. So get off the beaten path and discover some of our favourite spots.
This far flung region encompasses the moody plains and mountains of the Karoo, the esoteric wonders of Nieu Bethesda, the lush Amatola Mountains, the spectacular mountains and passes of the Cape Drakensberg and a slew of game parks and hiking trails.
Reserves include the Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari (where the Big Five can be seen), the Karoo Mountain Zebra Park, the Karoo National Park, the Valley of Desolation, the Fish River Valley and the Amatola Reserve. It’s a region of huge and magnificent contrasts and contains some of South Africa’s most beautiful and least visited sites. So get off the beaten path and discover some of our favourite spots.
Baviaans Kloof
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness is a World Heritage Site containing 7 of South Africa's 8 biomes! It is the 3rd largest nature conservation area in South Africa with Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Mountain Zebra and Cape Leopard. 200 heritage sites have been located estimated only to represent only 10% of those in existence!
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness is a World Heritage Site containing 7 of South Africa's 8 biomes! It is the 3rd largest nature conservation area in South Africa with Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Mountain Zebra and Cape Leopard. 200 heritage sites have been located estimated only to represent only 10% of those in existence!
Places to Stay
- Avoca River Cabins
This backpackers in Addo is on a working citrus farm which is on the banks of the Sundays River.
- Away With The Fairies
Set on a huge property with lovely gardens and overlooking the mystical Hogsback Peaks, this is a wonderful backpacker.
- Kamerkloof
Tucked away in the magnificent Baviaanskloof is the blissfully remote Kamerkloof
- Orange Elephant Backpackers
This Addo backpackers is situated outside Port Elizabeth and close to the Addo National Park.
- Terra-Khaya
Enjoy simple living...
- The Aardvark Guesthouse
This stylish Addo backpackers is close to the Addo.
- The Falls Backpackers and Adventures
Welcome to God's country at the Tsitsa Falls
- The Old Gaol Backpackers
A great place for visiting Backpackers to meet Grahamstown University Students
- The Owl House
Set in a quaint old Karoo house, The Owl House Backpackers is a must for anyone who has the time, or needs a spiritual boost.
- Whethu Backpackers
An African themed Backpackers close to all the action in Grahamstown and its environs
- Yellow Piano Inn Backpackers
A Backpackers that puts the "Hip" back into "Hippy" - a Bohemian wonderland
- Zanre
A backpackers in Somerset East and for those who yearn for lonely country roads…
What to do
- Criss Cross Adventures
Offer some of the best tours into the Addo Elephant Park
- Dianne Lang Children's Home
A genuine opportunity to volunteer and help children in need. You don't pay anything except your own costs, there is no placement fee or any other kind of fee to be paid.
- Haggard and Brand Expeditions
A classic wilderness experience in true Rider Haggard style.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Tours, safaris and transfers.
(Pretoria City,Pretoria)
A canopy tours that also crosses the Letaba River.
(Tzaneen,Limpopo)
Hard Rock Backpackers in Jeffrey's Bay is centrally located to all the major surf spots.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
Funky Monkeys is a happy backpackers that’s easy to spend time in.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
Minutes away from the Orpen Gate.
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
Volunteer projects in South Africa
(Port Elizabeth,)
A smaller lodge with a friendly owner - all rooms ensuite
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
This Botswana backpackers is only 10km outside the city of Gaborone and in the bush.
(Gaborone,Botswana)
This is Cape Town's longest running travel centre.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
99 Miles is a very comfortable Backpackers Lodge situated in the up market suburb of Summerstrand
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
