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.
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.
Running along the abundant Sundays River, just outside the Eastern Cape’s Port Elizabeth, the idyllic Sundays River Valley is an extraordinary area boasting several unique towns and attractions. Among numerous game reserves and nature parks, the famous Addo Elephant Park provides a wonderland of magnificent scenery and an abundance of wildlife including all members of the Big Five. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities along the river, including fishing, canoeing, and boat trips, and in the neighbouring dunes, try their hands at sandboarding. The area produces delicious, sweet citrus fruit, and in October, the valley is filled with orange blossoms. The 'Wildfees' brings Sundays River Valley to life in June with a celebration that includes concerts, wildlife expos, and stalls. Make sure to visit the popular Nanaga Farm Stall for its famous pies and deli items.
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.
Sandwiched between Betty’s and Gordan’s Bay in the Overberg Region of the Western Cape is the charming, small coastal village of Pringle Bay. Boasting the lush green vegetation, sun-bleached shores, glistening blue sea and the rocky terrain of Hangklip Mountain, famed for its ‘hanging rock’ which leans out to sea, this delightful seaside community offers picturesque vistas from all angles. Travellers can spend a day meandering through the lively town centre, searching for the many hidden gems of the charity store, and indulging in mouth-watering, fresh seafood dishes at one of the inviting restaurants. Those who want more serene surroundings can snorkel, swim, surf or sunbathe at the wondrous Pringle Bay Beach; while adventure-seekers can hike the mountainous landscape of the Hangklip Trail.
