Franschhoek used to be known as Olifantshoek because elephants used to calve in its sheltered valley.
- Stellenbosch
The backpackers wine haven of South Africa can be found in Stellenbosch which is the centre of the wine producing region. The setting is exquisite with old oak trees that date back to their original plantings in the 1600’s, wide streets, graceful Cape Dutch architecture, cobbled rain drains and spectacular 360 degree views.
- Gordon's Bay and Strand
Only 30 minutes from Cape Town's airport, these two towns offer mountains, wine and glorious sea.
- Joostenbergvlakte
A country suburb of Cape Town, out in the winelands, where horses are as much at home as people.
- Tulbaghcape
Wine farms and mountains. You can get here on the train.
- Paarl Western Cape
Nestled on the banks of the Berg River, Paarl is named after the enormous dome-shaped granite rock that overshadows the town. The town has played a significant role in the development of the Afrikaans language and culture and is home to the KWV wine co-operative – one of South Africa’s major wine exporters.
- Ceres region
Surrounded by mountains, Ceres is the centre of a vibrant fruit growing industry. The surrounding areas are also well known for their fine wines, so why not go on an overnight tasting trip in the far flung parts of the winelands?
Franschhoek
Nestled in the Drakenstein Valley, this is where the French first settled (and made wine) some 300 years ago. Franschhoek is noted for its many magnificent wine estates, the Franschhoek Vineyards Co-operative and the Huguenot Memorial and Museum.
A rose by any other name…
The charming town of Franschhoek lies on the river by the same name about 25km south-east of Paarl. The picturesque town nestles between distinguished wine farms and imposing mountains in the Franschhoek Valley - a fairy book village that oozes old worlde charm and French influence.
The charming town of Franschhoek lies on the river by the same name about 25km south-east of Paarl. The picturesque town nestles between distinguished wine farms and imposing mountains in the Franschhoek Valley - a fairy book village that oozes old worlde charm and French influence.
Tweaking taste buds
Franschhoek’s excellent restaurants have caused the small valley to earn the title of “food and wine capital of the Cape”. If you only have time to visit one wine farm in the area, make sure it’s the Boschendal Wine Estate. Set against the backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains in the Drakenstein Valley, the estate was established in 1685 and is probably one of the Cape’s most beautiful wineries. The manor house –a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture - was built in 1812 and is open to the public. You can wander around the homestead, sample some of the Cape’s finest wines and enjoy a picnic under the oak trees.
Franschhoek’s excellent restaurants have caused the small valley to earn the title of “food and wine capital of the Cape”. If you only have time to visit one wine farm in the area, make sure it’s the Boschendal Wine Estate. Set against the backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains in the Drakenstein Valley, the estate was established in 1685 and is probably one of the Cape’s most beautiful wineries. The manor house –a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture - was built in 1812 and is open to the public. You can wander around the homestead, sample some of the Cape’s finest wines and enjoy a picnic under the oak trees.
Calling all motorbike riders!
Franschhoek is part of the spectacular Four Passes day trip around the area.
Franschhoek is part of the spectacular Four Passes day trip around the area.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A retreat, organic farm and more.
(Not Set / NA,Not set / NA)
The Baz Bus is a South African backpacker hop-on hop-off any time bus service. They have no time limit on their ticket, so you can travel whenever you like, and, what’s more, start from anywhere on the route.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Getting around the berg is as easy as A. B. C…
(Graskop,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
This Lesotho backpackers is set in the grounds of the original trading post and is a good base for exploring the beautiful Lesotho surroundings.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
A Community Centre and Homestay that offers fascinating insight into our history and the paths that can be taken to repair past injustices.
(Punda Maria and Makuleke,Limpopo)
Horse trails and overnight trails in the Mlilwane Sanctuary
(MbabaneSwazi,Swaziland)
A four star Backpackers with easy access to Cape Town city centre, Waterfront and top beaches
(Green Point,Cape Town)
This owner run hostel has all the essentials for play mode - on the spot or out in the bush.
(Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
Based at Sani Lodge, they offer tours into the spectacular mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
(Southern Drakensberg,Lesotho)
A Johannesburg backpackers which is where it’s rumoured that Ghandi stayed here 100 years ago.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
