- 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)
An owner driven business with thousands of kilometers and a few years of adventurous travel in the bag.
(Cape Town City Bowl,)
Extreme adventure farm famous for their “wolfdogs” - you could soon be "dancing with wolves…" under the moonlight!
(Paddock,South Coast)
These guys offer great adventure on the Garden Route.
(Nature's Valley,Garden Route)
This Stellenbosch backpackers is In the hub of town and close to all the action.
(Stellenbosch,Wine Region)
Come here and find out why Long Street is such a happening spot.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Stay in a traditional cottage, hike, explore, and chill.
(Howick,Lesotho)
This Stellenbosch backpackers is an easy going place in the centre of Stellenbosch with lots of upbeat energy.
(Stellenbosch,Wine Region)
A backpackers in the heart of Observatory - the centre of Cape Town backpackerland...
(Observatory,Cape Town)
Hout Bay Backpackers behind the dunes explore Llandudno and Chapman's Peak or hop on a bus to Cape Town
(Hout Bay,Cape Town)
Enjoy simple living...
(Hogsback,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
