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)
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
- Manor House (www.stanfordvalley.co.za/eat)
- Schneider’s Cape Floral (www.schneiders-kitchen.com)
- The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Top 10 South Africa, www.newtonjohnson.com)
OUR TIPS
- Botanical tour through the Fynbos: www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium
- Shark tours & shark cage diving: https://www.sharkcagediving.co/
Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as the bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
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.
