Franschhoek, meaning "French Corner," was founded in 1688 by Huguenots who fled persecution in France due to their Protestant-Calvinist beliefs. The French settlers found a new home at the Cape, significantly boosting the quality of South African wine production. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek commemorates these immigrants, who gave their names to many places and families in the region. Families such as Du Toit, De Villiers, and Le Roux are common in South Africa, especially around Franschhoek. The town offers a French-inspired atmosphere along the Main Road, with stylish cafés, French restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
THINGS TO DO:
- Wine tasting at one of the many wineries, including the Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za).
- Visit Babylonstoren & take a garden tour – also, check out the new tour at the historic working farm Soetmelksvlei (www.babylonstoren.com).
- Hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
- E-bike tour through the Franschhoek Winelands with wine tasting and lunch: (www.vinebikes.co.za/franschhoek-bicycle-wine-tour/).
RESTAURANT & WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:
The 17 Best Restaurants in Franschhoek in 2025: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/franschhoek-restaurants/
- Le Lude Estate, near the Huguenot Memorial – excellent cuisine (www.lelude.co.za).
- Boschendal, especially for the picnic (www.boschendal.com).
- La Petite Colombe (Top 10 South Africa, www.lapetitecolombe.com).
- Le Chêne (www.lechene.co.za/restaurant).
- La Motte (www.la-motte.com).
- Grande Provence (www.grandeprovence.co.za).
OUR TIPS:
Franschhoek Village Market - Every Saturday, 09:00h - 15:00h, Address: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 (www.franschhoekvillagemarket.co.za)
Situated in the heart of the Karoo in the province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is said to be the area’s premier wildlife destination offering one of the best safari experiences in the country. Stretching over 54 000 hectares, this tranquil reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves boasting pristine natural beauty with its endless plains and awe-inspiring landscapes inhabited by an array of wildlife including the endangered riverine rabbit. To add to this, it is also home to the only free-roaming and self-sufficient white lions in the world. Visitors can also look forward to excellent birdwatching, viewing ancient rock art, enjoying wonderful game viewing, as well as a comfortable stay at the luxury lodges.
Resting in a fertile valley of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, along South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, the historic city of George is one of the oldest town in the country and was once a woodcutter’s outpost. Today, this is the commercial hub of the Garden Route. Surrounded by endless beaches, soaring mountains, and glittering lakes, and is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers, while providing all the luxuries of a modern town, including a great number of excellent restaurants and shops, and a large mall. Visitors can play a round of golf on a variety of championship courses, discover local history at the fascinating George Museum and visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features sublime trails and brightly-colored local fynbos plants.
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, just outside of the port city of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks, also referred to as Umhlanga, is a popular seaside resort town. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Umhlanga and its surrounds feature golden-sand beaches stretching over 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and the rolling verdant landscape of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding. Don’t miss Umhlanga’s excellent golf courses; they are a real treat for the avid golfer.
Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal South Coast is all about stunning beaches, excellent fishing and fantastic golf locations. Well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline and cater to every need from diving to dining, with top-notch golf courses often forming the basis of holidays to the area. Animal lovers flock to the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, home to 150 bird species including Giant Kingfisher and Hamerkop. Adventure sport enthusiasts can take a brave leap at the Oribi Gorge’s Wild Gorge Swing, the highest swing in the world, equivalent to a 55 storey building. The KwaZulu Natal South Coast offers visitors an endless summer with a variety of activities including excellent swimming, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, dolphin spotting and viewing the annual sardine run.
