De Rust is a charming, sleepy Victorian village set along South Africa’s famously beautiful Route 62 in the Western Cape. The town is a favourite among nature lovers, providing one of the best bases to explore the phenomenal biodiversity of Meiringspoort, a magnificent mountain pass that carves through the Swartberg Mountain Range. Meiringspoort is also home to rare pelargonium, a glorious waterfall, and an array of animals, such as the Cape Mountain Leopard. An excellent network of hiking trails, cycling routes, and the stunning Stompdrift Dam mean there is plenty on offer for active travellers. History enthusiasts will delight in the picturesque 19th-century architecture displayed all over town, while gourmands flock here for the legendary cheese and dessert wine.