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)
In South Africa's Overberg region, you can experience pristine nature, picturesque coastal landscapes, charming villages, and unique wildlife. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches at Pearly Beach, this area is one of the best spots for whale watching (June to November), whether from land or by boat. The mysterious and graceful great white sharks around Dyer Island attract visitors from all over the world, earning De Kelders and Gansbaai the title of South Africa's great white shark capital.
THINGS TO DO
- Recommended Whale Watching Tour: www.whaleviewing.co.za
- Recommended Marine Big 5 Safari: www.whaleviewing.co.za/trips/eco-marine
- Visit Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary
- Hike the Hermanus Cliff Path, visit Klipgat Cave
- Explore the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
- Schneider’s Cape Floral (www.schneiders-kitchen.com)
- The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Top 10 South Africa, www.newtonjohnson.com)
- Wortelgat Kitchen - Wine & Dining at Springfontein (https://springfontein.co.za/wine-dining/)
OUR TIPS
- Botanical tour through the Fynbos: www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium
- Shark tours & shark cage diving: https://www.sharkcagediving.co/
Nestled between the Swartberg Mountains and the Langeberg–Outeniqua mountain ranges in South Africa's Western Cape, the Klein Karoo is a semi-arid region renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, wide-open landscapes and charming rural towns. Scenic drives reveal rugged mountain passes, vineyards, orchards and vast expanses of fynbos and succulent vegetation, where fertile valleys contrast with the region's striking semi-desert landscapes. Among the region's highlights, Oudtshoorn is home to the spectacular Cango Caves and its working ostrich farms. Warm sunshine, crisp mountain air and ever-changing landscapes create a peaceful atmosphere, making the Klein Karoo an inviting destination for travellers seeking scenic beauty, local produce, outdoor adventure and the distinctive character of South Africa's interior.
Knysna is a charming small town on the Garden Route, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and waterskiing. Surrounded by dense forests, a lagoon, and mountains, Knysna offers a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts. The town also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene. The top attractions are the Knysna Heads, a narrow passage to the lagoon where many ships have sunk, and the Knysna Forest, renowned for its biodiversity and majestic tree species.
THINGS TO DO
- Sunset cruise on the lagoon (www.magiclagooncharters.co.za)
- Visit the art galleries and craft markets in Knysna
- Brenton-on-Sea Beach and Noetzie Castles
- Whale watching tour (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)
- Stand-up paddling on the lagoon (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)
RESTAURANT TIPS
- Freshline Fisheries (http://freshlinefisheries.co.za/)
- Sirocco Restaurant (www.sirocco.co.za)
- île de païn – authentic artisans (www.iledepain.co.za)
- East Head Café (www.eastheadcafe.co.za/)
- Cruise Café (www.knysnafeatherbed.com/cruise_cafe.htm)
OUR TIPS
- Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market every Saturday, 7:30 am - 12 pm (www.wildoatsmarket.co.za/)
- Stroll through the small waterfront and enjoy oysters afterward (www.oystersonline.co.za/)
Located between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown and just east of Addo Elephant Park, the Amakhala Game Reserve is the perfect place to enjoy Big Five Safaris. Featuring spectacular topography created by the Bushman’s River, the reserve is home to a huge array of animal species - besides the big five, visitors can also spot cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, plenty of antelope species, and many other smaller interesting animals.
Amakhala is also inhabited by prolific birdlife (the majestic African Fish Eagle is a particular highlight), and idyllic boat cruises provide a delightful way to see this. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fantastic game drives, guided walks, and horse trails. Just outside the park, there are plenty of attractions to discover, including the Amakhala Craft Centre, and the Bushman Sands Golf Course and Health Spa.
