- 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.
- 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.
Shamwari
A malaria free wilderness area where the Big Five roam.
Kilometres of wilderness blanket the gently rolling hills of the Eastern Cape where conservationists have tacked together farms to recreate Africa as it was 200 years ago. The result is a magnificent tapestry of free roaming wildlife where elephants crash through the veld, buck wheel and gallop on the grasslands, birds celebrate blue skies and lions intone a nightly lullaby.
What to do
- Haggard and Brand Expeditions
A classic wilderness experience in true Rider Haggard style.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A great place to stay for independent self-drive back backpackers
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
Knysna's newest boutique backpackers lodge
(Knysna,Garden Route)
Fairy Knowe is a Wilderness backpackers which is set on an old rambling farm with masses of space, horses, dogs and birds, overlooking the wetlands.
(Wilderness,Garden Route)
A great place for visiting Backpackers to meet Grahamstown University Students
(Grahamstown,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Backed by a nature reserve and not far from the lagoon and sea, this is a great spot for some time out.
(Betty's Bay,Overberg )
Loerie Guest Farm is a peaceful country haven
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
Take a game ranger's course or volunteer at this private reserve.
(Port Elizabeth,Garden Route)
Surrounded by nature.
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
Muizenberg's and Cape Town's original youth hostel. It is a mere stroll from Muizenberg beach.
(Muizenberg and Kalk Bay,Cape Town)
The experts on travel and adventure in Southern Africa, based in Vic Falls.
(Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
