Set along the idyllic Garden Route on South Africa’s spectacularly scenic coastline, the port town of Mossel Bay has grown impressively from its days as a little fishing village. Today, the thriving holiday resort town has plenty of recreational attractions – one of which is the Mossel Bay golf course, which boasts a spectacular sea view from every tee affording visitors the chance to whale watch as they line up their next shot. Visitors can also enjoy an array of other wonderful activities including visiting the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, sampling local cuisine, as well as enjoying 4x4 excursions, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. The large bay, edged by long, gorgeous sandy beaches lapped by warm Indian Ocean waves, is still the primary drawcard for many visitors.
Located along South Africa’s beautiful ‘Sunshine Coast’, in the province of the Eastern Cape, Port Alfred boasts a great climate, warm water beaches, a pristine golf course, an intimate small-boat harbour, and interestingly a world-class training facility for pilots and air traffic controllers. Visitors Royal Alfred Marina can enjoy boat cruises through the canals and if you feel energetic you can hire a water pedalo or canoe to make the trip. The warm Indian Ocean and many inland water surfaces offer endless opportunities for bathing, boating, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, angling, diving, kayaking and bird watching. Visitors can enjoy a scenic trek along the popular Diaz Trail, jump on a fishing cruise and sample Port Alfred’s culinary delights.
Situated high up on the Amathole mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, the tranquil town of Hogsback is famous for its stunning natural scenery, an abundance of animal life, and various activities. Surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, backed by rugged purple mountains and run through by a multitude of rivers, streams and sparkling waterfalls, Hogsback draws nature lovers from near and far and offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, abseiling and fishing. The area is one of the last remaining habitats of the multicoloured, endangered Cape Parrot and is also home to spectacular Knysna turacos or loeries, playful samango monkeys and hordes of singing cicadas. Animal lovers can also explore the mountain paths on horseback. Other activities include finding the way through the magnificent hedged labyrinth or meandering through the intriguing art at the Eco-Shrine Centre for Art and Ecology.
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a very rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of lovely activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb.
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
