- 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.
- 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.
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.
Standing in splendid isolation at the end of a dirt road, this remote Karoo village will touch something in your soul. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in the Karoo, it offers an unusual stopover en route from Cape Town, the Garden Route, Gauteng or Lesotho.
As Nieu Bethesda has the area’s only backpacker and a lot to hold your interest, we suggest you make it your Great Karoo base...
The Owl House
Home to Helen Martins, a reclusive artist who peopled her garden with concrete sculptures and the interior with ground glass and mirrors, this extraordinary place is well worth a visit.
10 GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM NIEU-BETHESDA
1. Rock art and fossil tour
2. Bike or drive around the Compassberg
3. Train trip up the old Lootsberg Pass
4. Walk to the spring
5. Hike the Gats River Canyon
6. Climb the Compassberg (highest free-standing peak in the Cape)
7. Graaff-Reinet (museums, monuments and cactus nursery)
8. Camdeboo National Park and Valley of Desolation
9. Mountain Zebra National Park and Pred-a-Tours Wild Cat Breeding Centre
10. Cradock and Olive Schreiner House
Places to Stay
- 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.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
People from PE are smooth operators when it comes to finding a soul mate to share their ride.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
This Mozambiquan backpackers is set upon a magnificent lagoon.
(Mozamique,Mozambique)
Bruce's elusive beauties are found around here…
(Cape St Francis,Sunshine Coast)
Where Backpackers hit Cape Town City Centre and enjoy life on Long Street
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
East London backpackers is just 50m from Orient beach with restaurants, clubs and pubs nearby.
(East London,Sunshine Coast)
This new lodge is the Strand's only backpacker.
(Gordon's Bay and Strand,Wine Region)
This Backpackers' hostel is set in 3 hectares of forest near to the Vic Bay's famous surfing beach
(Victoria Bay,Garden Route)
Student town = plenty of fun = why not stay?
(Potchefstroom,North West Province)
A homely backpackers hostel near to the beach and other main attractions
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
They promise an adventure around every corner.
(Sabie Mpumalanga,Mpumalanga)
