- 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.
- Elundini Backpackers
Experience life with a Xhosa tribe in this rural village in the Amatola Mountains.
- Terra-Khaya
Enjoy simple living...
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
This Kosi Bay backpackers is close to the magnificent Kosi Bay lake system and beaches where endangered turtles nest.
(Kosi Bay,Zululand)
Share the family home at Artist's Place and enjoy what Robertson has to offer.
(Robertson,Route 62)
Island Vibe Flashpackers is a very comfortable Backpackers Lodge situated in the up market suburb of Summerstrand
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
A laid-back backpackers located 100-metres from the beach a haven for the perfect Jbay experience.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
A Pretoria backpackers which has a koi pond and an adventure company
(Pretoria City,Pretoria)
An escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
(Grabouw,Overberg )
This is a great choice of backpackers when staying in Stormriver.
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
The adventure specialists in the St Lucia area.
(St Lucia,Zululand)
A great backpackers to stay at if you are an independent self-drive. Awsome surf breaks nearby....
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
This Knysna backpackers is in the thick of the action in Knysna and all set to rock.
(Knysna,Garden Route)
