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 and visit the wine museum (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 20 Best Restaurants in Franschhoek in 2026: The 20 Best Restaurants in Franschhoek
- 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)
At Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, open plains, sculpted ridges, and deep gorges stretch beneath the Warmwaterberg Mountains across the semi-arid Little Karoo. The reserve spreads across 62,000 hectares along scenic Route 62, just three hours from Cape Town. Once farmland, the area has been restored into a sanctuary where the Big 5 share space with species such as gemsbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu, zebra, springbok, jackals, and the rare riverine rabbit. Succulent Karoo, renosterveld, and mountain fynbos cover much of the terrain, supporting over 600 species of flora. Visitors explore the reserve on guided drives, bush walks, and tours of San rock art, some over 3,500 years old. Stargazing and nature photography are also recommended, while birders can look out for species such as jackal buzzards, Namaqua sandgrouse, and chestnut-vented tit-babblers, among many others, as the reserve is home to over 200 bird species.
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 towns in the country, originally established as a woodcutter’s outpost. Today, it serves as the commercial hub of the Garden Route. Surrounded by endless beaches, soaring mountains and glittering lakes, George is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, while still offering the comforts of a modern city, including excellent restaurants, shops and a large shopping mall. Visitors can enjoy championship golf courses, explore local history at the George Museum, or visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features scenic walking trails and vibrant displays of indigenous fynbos. With its unique balance of mountain scenery, coastal access and small-city charm, George remains one of the Garden Route’s most rewarding destinations.
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.
