- 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.
- 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.
Somerset East
Walter Battis, the eccentric artist lived here, old fashioned roses flourish and the odd historic monument decorates the tree-lined back streets.
The world of Fook
The old farming town of Somerset East lies at the foot of the Bosberg Mountains whose slopes are home to the Bosberg Nature Reserve where rare mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, steenbok and baboons can be found.
Get fooked.
Visit the Walter Battis Gallery. This eccentric artist lived in an imaginary world called Fook. He lived by Fookian law, flew the Fookian flag, drove on a Fookian licence and travelled on a (surprisingly accepted) Fookian passport!
Places to Stay
- Zanre
A backpackers in Somerset East and for those who yearn for lonely country roads…
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
An escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
(Grabouw,Overberg )
Hluhluwe backpackers is on the doorstep of the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park.
(Hluhluwe,Zululand)
An international company specializing in Campervan Hire
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
This owner run hostel has all the essentials for play mode - on the spot or out in the bush.
(Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
A Johannesburg backpackers which is where it’s rumoured that Ghandi stayed here 100 years ago.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
This Table View backpackers definately needs you to check out the beach, the bars, the jacuzzi and the menagerie. Hmm. And surf, windsurfing and going mad…
(Northern Beaches,Cape Town)
Formerly the Phoenix Hotel now a great Backpackers Hostel
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
This Hluhluwe backpackers is conveniently situated for easy access to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi park.
(Hluhluwe,Zululand)
This Windhoek accommodation is a civilised stop on the edge of the wilderness.
(Windhoek,Namibia)
Abseil in Cape Town - Drop off the edge of the mountain.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
