- Cederberg
The Cederberg is a wilderness area with some fantastic indigenous cedar forests, San rock paintings, magical waterfalls and bizarre rock formations. In winter, you'll find snow capped peaks and in summer you'll trade your soul for an ice cube.
- Paternoster
Paternoster and the adjacent Cape Columbine Nature Reserve are an easy drive from Cape Town - but far enough away to give a taste of true West Coast splendour.
- Darling
Small, sweet and home to some serious satire.
- Clanwilliam
Lying at the foot of the Cederberg, Clanwilliam's biggest drawcard is the Cederberg Mountains.
- Citrusdal
Citrusdal is home, as it's name suggests, to a citrus growing industry. Nestling in the beautiful Olifants River valley between fynbos clad mountains, it makes a great base for exploring the area and everything it has to offer - such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, spring flower hunting and the art of pure relaxation.
- Saldanha Bay
This safe natural harbour is home to a navy training base and a hub for the fishing industry. Thanks to its encircling arms, the bay is not only super safe for swimming and a top spot for sailing, but the water is also warmed by the sun, making it lekker* to swim in, unlike the rest of the West Coast, which is generally a breath-freezing temperature.
- Lambert's Bay
This large fishing village is something of a birdwatchers' paradise.
- Eland's Bay
This is a surfer's (and beach lover's) paradise with the best left hand break in S.A. according to Surf bum Geoff.
- Langebaan
Set on the coast overlooking a beautiful azure lagoon, Langebaan is a watersports paradise.
- Namaqualand
Namaqualand, on first impressions, is a harsh, relentless, arid wilderness. Its few inhabitants are burned and dehydrated by the sun and scorching winds, but far from loathing the territory, they have an intense affection for it.
- Piketberg
The high places in the mountains around Piketberg once offered sanctuary to groups of San (Bushmen) and some fine examples of their rock art can still be seen in the area.
- Richtersveld
This wilderness vastness (bounded in the north by the curve of the Orange River) offers hilly, rugged terrain distinguished by weird wind-sculptured rock pillars and spires. It's brown and bone dry except for the odd astonishingly lush greenness of irrigated lands.
- Vredenburg
Founded around a bubbling spring of clear water, and an important centre for sheep and wheat farmers, "the town of peace" is situated 13km inland from Saldanha and is one of the bigger towns in the area. This is the only town with real backpacker accommodation on the West Coast.
Springbok
Springbok is the largest town in Namaqualand proper and at the centre of the spectacular springtime flower show.
Oasis in a dry land.
Baked by a relentless sun and surrounded by high granite mountains, Springbok is an atmospheric little place and rather like a setting for a western film. Herds of springbok once drank at a fountain here but that was before the copper mines were opened up. Today, Springbok is the commercial and administrative centre for the mining area and is regarded as the capital of Namaqualand. It lies about 80km from the Atlantic coast and began its life as a copper mine in 1852. In fact, copper featured earlier in the region's history when it was worked by the local Khoi (bushmen) centuries ago and, then later, much sought after by the first Dutch settlers. Today there are fairly large workings in the general area which visitors can visit.
Baked by a relentless sun and surrounded by high granite mountains, Springbok is an atmospheric little place and rather like a setting for a western film. Herds of springbok once drank at a fountain here but that was before the copper mines were opened up. Today, Springbok is the commercial and administrative centre for the mining area and is regarded as the capital of Namaqualand. It lies about 80km from the Atlantic coast and began its life as a copper mine in 1852. In fact, copper featured earlier in the region's history when it was worked by the local Khoi (bushmen) centuries ago and, then later, much sought after by the first Dutch settlers. Today there are fairly large workings in the general area which visitors can visit.
Just outside the town you’ll find the Hester Malan Nature Reserve with its springbok, gemsbok, and other desert creatures. Despite the aridity of the area, many wild flowers grow in the spring, transforming the drab veld into a blaze of colour
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Little Brak Beach House offers fab out-of-town tranquillity and loads of comfort .
(Little Brak,Garden Route)
Built in the days when castles were homes
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Years of experience and 24 trips that last from 3 to 16 days.
(The Kruger National Park,)
Cultural, historical and nature tours of Johannesburg and Soweto
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Yeoville is cosmopolitan, vibrant melting pot of people and cultures.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
MozVolunteers is a small volunteer organisation based in Xisondwe, Zavora.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
New brooms have swept Wonky Donkey clean over to a new address with new owners, new management and new improved wonkiness.
(Gordons Bay,Cape Town)
Wake up on your wild side at this stunning private game reserve
(East London,Sunshine Coast)
This Swaziland backpackers is located in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and offers an incredible African experience.
(MbabaneSwazi,Swaziland)
In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
