N1

Capital of the Karoo Beaufort West lies on the banks of the Gamka River and just north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo. In a world with an ever growing need for space, the Karoo offers a vastness that allows you to feel free. It is peaceful, silent and breathtakingly beautiful with clear, bright skies and clean air. The town of Beaufort West is the largest in the Central Karoo and is referred to as the “Capital of the Karoo”. The town is also the oldest town in the area and is rich in history, making it a place of interest to the Historian, the Scientist and the Eco-Tourist. It displays elegant Edwardian, Victorian, Georgian, Romanesque, Cape Dutch, Neo-Gothic,…

The expanding town of Bellville grew up around a village called 'Twelve Mile Stone' which was the exact distance from the centre of Cape Town. In 1861 in the days of horse and ox-drawn wagons 'Twelve Mile Stone' was renamed Bellville, after the surveyor general of the Cape Colony, Charles Davidson Bell. In 1979 Bellville acquired full city status and in May 1996 it was incorporated into the Tygerberg municipal area. In early colonial days a signal cannon was fired from Tygerberg when a ship entered Table Bay. Distant farmers who could hear the signal would also fire their cannons so that those far away could hear the message. Farmers then rushed to Cape Town with their fresh produce. Bellville is built on the slopes of the 415 m Tygerberg, so named because of the pattern of the soil…

City of Roses The beautiful city of Bloemfontein lies perfectly in the heart of the Free State and is also the most centrally situated city in the country. It is a favourite stop over for travelers between Johannesburg and Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. The city lives up to its name, Bloemfontein translated into Afrikaans means “fountain of flowers”, as thousands of rose bushes line the city streets and more than 4000 rose trees have been planted in the rose gardens in Kings Park. The locals fondly refer to their city as “Bloemies” and the residents have created a virtually stress free atmosphere, unlike the other major cities in the country. Less stress and less haste is their…

Brackenfell can be found among the northern suburbs of Cape Town. An advantage of staying in this suburb is that you have easy access to both the winelands as well as the attractions in the city of Cape Town, only a 45 minute drive from Brackenfell. This nature lovers’ suburb is within view of the beautiful mountain scenery of Oostenberg and using the area as a home base for travelers to the Cape winelands makes perfect sense, as it is also close to other popular areas such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek. Brackenfell has a few sporting facilities for outdoor enthusiasts to choose from as well a nature reserve which is the perfect spot for a picnic. It is also close to the very many popular beaches such as Clifton and the Strand. Bordering Brackenfell are the…

Cape Town – Simply the Best City in the World Cape Town is undoubtably South Africa’s gem in the tourism industry, a place both South Africans and foreigners choose as a holiday destination. The Mother City continues to pull out all the stops, promoting her undeniable beauty to tourists and gathering awards around the globe! The 2015/2016 Telegraph Travel Awards chose Cape Town as the “Best City in the World” for the fourth year running, beating Vancouver and Venice which took second and third place respectively in the Best City category. Cape Town also took the honours as the number one food city in the world in the Condé Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Cape Town is the heart…

The quaint town of Colesberg, between Hanover and Springfontein, lies within a typical Karoo landscape of clear skies and small koppies (hills) with the most well-known Coleskop Hill on the horizon. The Coleskop Hill was formally known as “Toverberg” (Magic Mountain) which seemed more appropriate and was so named because, for the traveler, it is visible from 40 km, but as you travel towards it, it never appears to get any closer. Colesberg is only 220 km from Bloemfontein and is the perfect stopover when travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Karoo is famous for its wide open spaces and healthy climate so if you find yourself staying overnight there are a few outdoor…

The Principle centre of the Hex River Valley, De Doorns is spectacularly situated in the middle of the Hex River Valley but is sun-baked and without shade. Each year the vineyards of De Doorns and the Hex River Valley are transformed into a rich tapestry of Autumn colours - a photographer's dream. The name means 'the Thorns', as many thorn bushes fomerly grew here. In the old days the town was a railway base where a second 'pusher' locomotive was attached to trains to enable them to make the steep climb up the Hex River Mountain pass. Nowadays the electric units take the trains unaided. De Doorns is a busy loading point for table grapes being transported to Cape Town docks or the inland markets of Southern Africa.

Three Sisters is a small village, actually more of a well-known landmark, situated approximately 80 km north of Beaufort West where the N12 and N1 converge. The N12, the Diamond Route, from here leads through Kimberley to Johannesburg. The village became a landmark for two reasons, firstly with the building of a Shell Ultra City there, it soon became a popular stopping off place for travellers between Johannesburg and Cape Town and secondly for how the area received its name – it is named after a series of three very distinctive hills, almost in the shape of rondawels. Like the Karoo's table-topped hillocks, the Three Sisters are capped with dolerite. The dolerite protects the soft…

One of Cape Town’s upmarket residential suburbs, Durbanville has become a sought after area both to visitors and locals wanting to lay down their roots. This fast growing town is situated within minutes from the main highways into Cape Town’s city centre. Durbanville is home to one of the Cape’s most guarded secrets, the Durbanville Wine Route. A number of the farms, from as far back as the 17th Century, still form part of the Durbanville Route, many award winning wines ranging from red and white wines to cellar blends. Talent abounds in this sleepy hollow and the local craft market is the place to find all their creative work from photographers, potters, artists and well brewed coffee! The suburb is also home to cheesemakers, quilters, prize gardener’s and of course…

Founded in 1862 on the farm Rietfontein as a church centre, the town of Edenburg lies on the main railway line and roadway from the Cape to the north, 83 km south of Bloemfontein. The first erven were sold in 1862 and Edenburg became a municipality in 1890. Cattle and sheep roam the plains around this farming centre. The old Berliner Mission Society station of Bethany lies on the Riet River, only 16km away.

Edenvale is a popular area in Johannesburg and is ideally situated approximately halfway between O R Tambo International Airport and the city centre. Being so close to all the major parts of the city of Johannesburg has made Edenvale a comfortable place to live. Edenvale is a quiet town with a peaceful atmosphere. It is close to many places of interest and has a few activities of its own that are well worth visiting. It is also close to shopping malls including Eastgate, Johannesburg’s first “super-regional” shopping centre. For the sporty types, Edenvale has a host of activities available such as a gym, indoor action cricket and soccer arenas, squash courts and indoor volleyball. It also boasts two beautiful golf courses and a nature reserve, ideal for cycling, jogging or…

There are very few cities in the world that can claim to have a nature reserve within their perimeters but the Franklin Nature Reserve is one of these, a unique 250-hectare wildlife reserve right in the heart of Bloemfontein. It was named after Sir John Stuart Franklin, the mayor of Bloemfontein during the 1920s. Within the Franklin Nature Reserve sits Naval Hill. During the Anglo-Boer War the British Naval Brigade was stationed there.  There are beautiful panoramic views of the city from the overhanging platforms that were especially designed for this purpose. There are also two statues that make a drive to Naval Hill worthwhile : White Horse - said to have acted as a direction marker for…

Gariepdam is a stunning stop-over for tourists and travellers, with accommodation facilities flourishing during the holiday seasons. In 2010 it was voted tourist town of the year and the number of visitors are increasing every year. It has a tranquil safe environment with crisp clean air and offers one of the best rural lifestyles and climates in the country for those wishing to retire or own a holiday home away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is not short of leisure pursuits with activities such as bird watching, boating and other water sports, bowls, fishing, game viewing, nature hikes, sailing, tennis and more. Gariepdam is host to a number of national and international…

Hammanskraal is a small town approximately 30 minutes outside of Pretoria and is home to thousands of workers at the ever-increasing business district of Babelegi. Hammanskraal is not a particularly pretty town and its neglected conditions are directly linked to it being one of the previously disadvantaged areas. Nevertheless, travelling through there are plenty of roadside stalls offering essential items and home-made delicacies throughout the township. Most visitors to the area pass through the little town to visit the number of game lodges, farms and small holdings in the area that provide opportunities to experience the bushveld minutes from the city. East of Hammerskraal is the Dinokeng region, Dinokeng meaning “place of rivers”, a beautiful part of the country also full of game…

Hanover is a small town and is often described as the town in the middle of South Africa. The town lies halfway between most major cities of South Africa i.e. halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town; between Cape Town and Durban and between Upington and Port Elizabeth. Before the arrival of cars, all roads led to Hanover and virtually all travelers passed through this little town. Nestled in the southeastern section of the Northern Cape known as the Great Karoo, Hanover is an ideal stopover for travelers driving to and from Johannesburg and the Western Cape. The town, in its heyday, was home to the wealthy and eccentric and it still has remnants of the early 1900’s architecture.…

The City that Gold built Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa is the Provincial Capital of Gauteng. This unique city is often referred to as Jozi, Jo’burg, Egoli or City of Gold as it is home to some of the worlds’ richest gold fields. Johannesburg is also the wealthiest city and economic powerhouse in Africa. It is for this reason that many visitors come to Jozi as it is seen as a multi-cultural mix of people in a booming, happening and trendy city. Sandton has become the new hub of the city, after businesses transferred from the city centre, and it is here in this leafy green suburb you will find the famous malls and social gatherings. The cultural district of Newtown on…

Klapmuts is a small village town in the heart of the Cape Winelands Region. It can be found just off the R45 between Paarl and Kraaifontein, perfectly situated for visits to other areas such as Stellenbosch or Franschhoek and only 45 minutes Cape Town. Klapmuts is not a well-known town amongst tourists which ensures that the atmosphere in this beautiful village remains calm, peaceful and just right for a quiet getaway. There is plenty to do and the town is popular mostly because of the many wine farms that surround it. Nature lovers have various hiking trails, nature reserves and outdoor activities to experience as well as a few wonderful golf courses to indulge in, all within 10 km's…

The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is renowned for its imposing hills, vast grasslands, unique fauna and flora, and its variety of stunning walking trails. Situated a mere 10 km from the centre of Johannesburg, 5 km from Soweto and easily accessible from Sandton, the East and the West Rand, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve provides for an exciting nature experience. It is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area (About 680 ha. in extent) and boasts a surprising diversity ranging from larger game such as zebra, red hartebeest, and black wildebeest, to many items of botanical, geological, archaeological, historical and cultural interest. Red data and…

Koppies is a small town located almost halfway between Kroonstad and Vanderbijlpark on the N1, close to the Renoster River. This little farming town began as a railway station, but today serves as a little hideaway for city goers looking for a peaceful weekend away from their hectic lifestyles. Koppies is only three hours from Bloemfontein and less than two from Johannesburg! The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun from hiking and biking to birding and horse riding! Koppies is a beautiful small town where fields of sunflowers, grain and mielies are visible during the summer months and where visitors can and experience some wonderful fishing at the Koppies Dam just east of the town. The surrounding area offers visitors a choice of a few guesthouses,…

Kraaifontein is one of Cape Town’s northern suburbs, about 25 minutes outside of the city centre, and flanks the N1 toward Paarl and Worcester. For years Kraaifontein was regarded as the “ugly sister” to its neighbours Brackenfell and Durbanville, but this perception has changed dramatically in the last few years. Its easy access to the N1 and to a multitude of attractions in Stellenbosch, Paarl and the city centre has made Kraaifontein a wonderful base from which to explore the city and the winelands! Kraaifontein boasts the biggest playground in the Western Cape, Bugz Playground, open for kiddies’ fun rain or shine and for older persons outdoor fun, Cool Running Tobogganing isn’t far away either. Enjoy shopping, wine tasting and theatre all on the doorstep of this beautiful…

Third Largest Town in the Free State Kroonstad is situated almost exactly halfway between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, a perfect pitstop when travelling along the N1. Not just a pitstop though, Kroonstad is also a wonderful destination to visit. It is said to be one of the Free State’s loveliest towns - the green agricultural lands bring a sense of peacefulness to the town which lies on the banks of the Vals River. Loved for its wide, open spaces and abundance of vegetation, Kroonstad is a paradise for nature lovers. Activities include fishing on the Vals River or Bloemhok Dam, hiking trails, birdwatching, horse riding and golfing at the Kroonstad Country Club! Kroonstad has a few immaculately preserved historical buildings which give it a nostalgic atmosphere. Some of the fine…

Gateway to the Great Karoo Laingsburg is a small and modern Karoo town just off the N1 highway, about 280 km from Cape Town. It is a warm and friendly town with a proud tradition of old fashioned hospitality. Laingsburg is probably most well-known for the freak flood that devastated the small town in January 1981. The whole town was under water within a couple of minutes after the abnormal rainfall in the catchments of both the Buffels and Baviaans Rivers that come together in the town. The flood claimed 104 lives and left only 21 buildings standing. Today, as a reminder, water marks can be seen high on lampposts as well as the Dutch Reformed Church, one of the buildings that was left…

Leeu Gamka is a small village in the Prince Albert municipal district, situated along the N1 between Beaufort West and Laingsburg and along the Cape Town to Kimberley railway line. This spot is also the coming together of two rivers, the Leeu River and the Gamka River and to the North are the Nuweveld Mountains, and to the South the Swartberge. As with many towns in central Karoo, Leeu Gamka has a wealth of stories to share. The tallest soldier in the British Empire, Private Schultz, died on an ambulance train passing through here and had to be buried near the station and the last of the magnificent Cape Lions, was spotted and subsequently shot here in 1857. Famous men once paused and rested here, among them were Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and President Paul Kruger. Although…

The Little "Boere" Town Louis Trichardt lies at the base of the densely forested Soutpansberg Mountains, in the land of litchis, bananas, mangoes, nuts and everyone’s favourite caffeinated drinks, tea and coffee. The region is an important agricultural centre and is often referred to a “Boere” (Farmers) Town! There is not much to see in the town itself and visitors describe it as a sleepy town that trucks rumble through via the N1, but Louis Trichardt also serves as a gateway to travellers en route to Zimbabwe, Botswana and the Kruger National Park and many stop-over to appreciate the outdoors and the cultural history of the town. There is a lot to enjoy, including scenic drives and wilderness experiences, artist routes, hiking, mountain biking and birding. Visitors can even…

Matjiesfontein is a small karoo town situated between Touws River and Laingsburg in the Klein Karoo. It is a favoured weekend retreat from Cape Town and a unique stopover for travellers along the Cape to Johannesburg route. As the N1 highway doesn’t actually pass through this quaint Victorian town, you would need to actually make a point of turning off to visit. Matjiesfontein is more of a street than a town, but when you spend a weekend there basically everything you can see and do is a must. Take time to walk about and visit all the old historic buildings, after all the entire village was declared a national heritage site in 1975! The Lord Milner is a luxury historic hotel and a night…

Midrand forms part of the City of Johannesburg, situated between Sandton and Centurion. It was originally a small village, quite aptly named Halfway House, as it served as a refreshment station for people making the trip between Johannesburg and Pretoria in the past. Midrand has experienced a great deal of growth and development in the last decade and today it almost connects the two cities with several of its own suburbs. It is built around the N1 with its own Gautrain Station ensuring quick access to the tourist hotspots of Johannesburg and Pretoria such as Montecasino, Sandton City, Kruger House Museum or the Union Buildings, plus it has its own international airport for light aircraft, Grand Central. The area has fast become a large business hub, large enough to rival that of…

A Suburb of “View Sites” Milnerton, a suburb of Cape Town, lies only 11 km from the cities centre along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful residential area is built on the Milnerton Lagoon, one of the suburbs most identifiable features and which forms part of the Rietvlei Wetlands. Milnerton is regarded as having the most beautiful and uninterrupted views of Cape Town and its mountains. This is due to the topography of the land which lends itself to magnificent scenic views of land, sea or lagoon and particularly South Africa's most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The views of Table Bay at sunset are said to be legendary! Milnerton is where you would be if you were to photograph South Africa's most famous landmark, Table Mountain, with the Mother City nestling in…

Mokopane lies in the heart of the Waterberg area, only two hours northeast from Pretoria and close to Polokwana. Once known as Potgietersrus, or Potties as the locals still often call it, the town is the ideal destination for travellers en route to the Kruger National Park, Botswana or Zimbabwe. The stunning bushveld environment, with influences from the Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Afrikaans and Engish cultures, has a unique character. It offers visitors the “Big Five”, San drawings, ancient caves, curios, traditional dancing and an opportunity to experience real bushveld food and drink! There is a serious amount of history here! The Arend Dieperink Museum, named after Arend Dieperink its founder and first director, is a charming old stone building and portrays the history of the town,…

After the discovery of tin on the Waterberg by a prospector named Adolph Erasmus, miners streamed into the district and Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) was established in 1910. The start of the present town were the canteens and trading stores which sprang up on the banks of the Naboomspruit. Later platinum was also discovered. The streets and gardens are adorned with many flowering trees and creepers growing on the banks of a nearby stream and the town was named after the profusion of euphorbia trees 'naboom'. Naboomspruit is also known by the indigenous name 'Mookgophong', and was renamed Mookgophong on 24 November 2006. Several hot springs which surface around the Waterberg have abeen developed as health resorts. The Nylsvley Bird Sanctuary is nearby and there are many beauty spots in…

Land of the Baobab Musina is the northernmost town in South Africa, situated 2003 km from Cape Town and just 15 km from the main border post, Beit Bridge, to Zimbabwe. This link to the rest of Africa is one of the busiest roads in the world and certainly the most in Africa. The areas offers plenty of adventure opportunities and Beit Bridge is one of the “must see’ attractions!  Referred to as the land of the Baobab, the Musina Nature Reserve, which today preserves over a hundred mature baobab specimens, is another major drawcard for visitors to the town. The Reserve is also home to the oldest rock ever dated, the Sand River Gneiss has been dated to over 3.2 billion years old. These rocks stick up out of the bed of the Sand River and are easily viewed. Apart from geological…

The town of Nelspoort is a small community lying at the foot of the Nuweveld Mountains. It lies on a long-abandoned loop of the N1 between Beaufort West and Three Sisters, a land formation of three hills near Victoria West, on the road between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Nelspoort is a very small railway town with an even smaller community. Much of the romance has faded like the hustle from the bars in the railway hotel. The locals welcome, in fact challenge, the modern world visitors to step out into the veld and explore! The Bushmen have since gone, but Nelspoort's rock engravings contain many layers of history.  They were created by San, by Khoi, later by European settlers and sundry travellers. With conservation in mind, permission must be obtained to visit the Nelspoort Rock Art…

Norvalspont is a small village situated just off the Johannesburg - Cape Town - Port Elizabeth routes, located at the very centre of the country where the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces meet the Free State, and as the word “pont” (ferry or boat) in the towns name suggests, Norvalspont lies on the southern banks of the Orange River. This is a pretty little town surrounded by hills with its closest neighbour, Colesburg, approximately 40 km away. Norvalspont lies on a particularly beautiful section of the Orange River with the Bethulie hills as a backdrop. The little village offers spectacular sunsets and beautiful clear night skies. This is the spot to enjoy authentic Karoo lamb…

Town with a simple country atmosphere Paarl in the Western Cape of South Africa is situated approximately 60 km northeast from  Cape Town, at the foot of the second largest granite outcrop in the world. It is the third oldest town in South Africa and the largest in the Cape Winelands. Well known for its scenic beauty and fruit growing heritage, Paarl has a wide variety of grapes growing in the area, including Cabernet Sauvingnon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonney and Chenin Blanc. There are over 25 wine cellars to visit along the  Paarl Red Wine Route, some of the most popular being Backsberg Estate, Nederburg, Simonsvlei and KWV. Despite the fact that it is virtually…

The ReserveThe three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain is the second largest granite outcrop in the world and forms part of the Nature Reserve for which Paarl is well known.Few towns have been blessed as Paarl has with an area of unspoiled natural beauty at its doorstep.A network of paths make it an ideal area in which to walk, within a few minutes of the bustle of everyday urban life. Take a vigorous hike, or climb Bretagne Rock, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit Millwater Wild Flower Garden where 15 species of protea may be viewed, catch trout or bass for dinner or enjoy mountain biking or picnics. Fishing permits available at Paarl Municipality.The picturesque…

Pimville is a former small township, bordering the mining belt in the south of Johannesburg, and is now an upmarket suburb of Soweto. The area was first settled over 100 years ago, in 1904, after the outbreak of bubonic plague near present day Newtown. The African population in the affected area was moved to the farm Klipspruit, south west of the city. The settlement became Johannesburg’s first municipal location and in 1934 was renamed Pimville after Howard Pim. Howard Pim had dedicated most of his life to the upliftment of Africans in Johannesburg – he was also a City Councillor between 1903 and 1907. Soweto is a place very rich in history and full of life with friendly people. The Soweto area has a wide variety of activities and Pimville is an ideal location from which to enjoy…

Polokwane (Pietersburg) is situated halfway between Pretoria and the Zimbabwean Border in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo and is ideally situated for historical and cultural experiences, mountain breakaways and for tourists heading off to the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof. It is a bustling modern city, with wide streets, many shops and several hotels. The city holds an enviable position and has long enjoyed a history of prosperity and rapid growth given its proximity to Gauteng and neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. Polokwane boasts excellent accommodation, fine weather and friendly locals, making it an ideal getaway destination and a “must see” for tourists for its numerous attractions and…

Polokwane Game Reserve is situated 10 km outside Polokwane in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Reserve is the largest municipal reserve in Limpopo and covers approximately 3 000 hectares. It is easily accessible and home to 23 species of mammals, including various antelope, giraffe and white rhinos. The added bird life of approximately 300 bird species makes it very popular with tourists. A wonderful way to experience this reserve is by taking a hike and there are several different trails available to visitors. If walking is not for you, the extensive road networks through the reserve, allows visitors to easily traverse the diverse habitats on offer. Polokwane Game Reserve is a well worth stop for wildlife lovers and particularly bird enthusiasts.Facilities Rhino Hiking Trail, 20…

Jacaranda City Pretoria, one of South Africa’s three capital cities is found in the northern part of the Province of Gauteng. It is approximately 67 km from Johannesburg and is known as the Jacaranda City because of the thousands of Jacaranda trees planted in the streets, parks and gardens. When they bloom in October the city comes alive with purple blossoms and leaves. Pretoria has a sleepy nature with a beauty all of its own. Visitors can take in the natural surroundings at the Groenkloof and Wonderboom Nature Reserves and the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary or explore the city on a steam train. The city is full of history, long involved and fascinating and this provides for many art…

Prince Albert Road is a small railway station in the Western Cape of South Africa consisting of a lonely petrol station and a motel.Outa Lappies is just one of the colourful characters that have made their home there.HistoryThe tiny hamlet of Prince Albert Road Station, lies approximately halfway between Beaufort West and Laingsburg, 30 km from Leeu Gamka on the farm Goeiemoed Nr. 90 in the Prince Albert Municipal District. Goeiemoed was originally part of the farms Thuynkraal and Rietkraal, measuring 15,976 morgen and was granted on perpetual quitrent to Anthony Johannes Jurgen Botes on the 31st December 1838. The annual rental was Three Pounds and Five Shillings Sterling. The farm…

Rawsonville lies in the heart of the Breede River Valley, just 90 km from east Cape Town and a mere 15 km to the west of the large town of Worcester. In the Rawsonville area visitors can expect crystal streams and majestic mountains – a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking and fishing – some of South Africa’s best trout fishing spots are along the Molenaars, Elandjacht and Smalblaar rivers. Those who like motorized activities can quad bike through the vineyards or tackle challenging 4x4 excursions. The area is also well-known for the Breedekloof Wine Route which includes 22 cellars and wine estates that produce some of the country’s finest wines. This small wine growing and farming community has fast become a tourist destinations, a drive along…

Literary Gem of the KarooThe small town of Richmond lies just off the N1 in the heart of the Karoo. It is much like the other typical Northern Cape towns of Hanover and Victoria West. The one difference however, is that the Church was not built as the focal point of the town, but rather the town square.Richmond has been built on and around the river and has an imaginative and unusual layout with stunning scenery surrounding the town. Victorian and Edwardian style Karoo homes line the streets adding to the towns’ charm. The Dutch Reformed Church building dates back to 1847 with a tower completed in 1909. The town offers some outdoor activities for visitors as well as a few good…

Rietfontein Nature Reserve is a 25 hectare reserve situated in the midst of suburbia and is home to rock koppies and the following animals: Blesbok Duiker Hedgehog Klipspringer Mongoose Spotted Genet Rietfontein is also home to a myriad of birds including: Bulbul Collared Barbet Glossy Starling Grey Go-Away-Bird (Grey Lourie) Guineafowl Hadeda Olive Thrush Sacred Ibis Sparrow Speckled Pigeon (Rock Pigeon) Spotted Eagle Owl The Reserve is the perfect place for family hikes and picnics. There is an short and relatively easy walking trail in the reserve - suitable for kids - which takes visitors to the top of the ridge with great views of Sandton. It also has an educational centre and…

Roodeplaat is situated about 22 km east of Pretoria and is known for the Roodeplaat Dam and Nature Reserve – if you travelling to this town, you are most likely going because of these attractions! While Pretoria is not quite as congested as Johannesburg, life in the city is still busy and Roodeplaat is a perfect weekend getaway destination that many city dwellers are seeking. The Reserve offers a variety of activities and wildlife - a combination that is hard to beat so close to a major city. Some may visit Roodepoort Dam as a day trip, arriving early to catch the best of the birds, wildlife and fishing opportunities. Others also arrive early, but choose to instead enjoy a leisurely hike around the dam and a picnic with some of the finest scenery the country has to offer. There are…

Sandton, in the Province of Gauteng, South Africa is situated 15 km outside of Johannesburg City Centre. This unique town reigns as the most important business and financial district in South Africa and possibly the Sub-Saharan Africa. Sandton has a Manhattan-style skyline with spectacular skyscrapers that act as landmarks throughout Johannesburg. The most famous being the Sandton City Pyramid Rooftop which draws many a wealthy tourist to shop. Nelson Mandela Square is situated in this shopping centre and is a cascade of restaurants alongside each other. It is here the wealthy locals and tourists alike are found on a daily basis, visiting art galleries, movies, theatres, coffee shops, restaurants, expos, conventions, pubs and clubs. Places to Visit Things to do and see: Sandton…

Springfontein is a small town situated about 140 km south of Bloemfontein and 80 km north of Colesburg – serving as another great small town to overnight at between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth or East London. The town also once served as an important railway junction between the coast and Gauteng while a second line ran toward west to the diamond-producing town of Koffiefontein via Jagersfontein and Fauresmith. Despite not exactly being on the “tourist map”, Springfontein has a few good reasons to visit as its history relates directly to the struggle, and especially to the hardships, of the Anglo-Boer War. During the war, the town of Springfontein was home to the largest field…

Doorway to the Karoo Touws River can be found along the N1, it is the first town travellers will encounter upon entering the Karoo after ascending the Hex River Pass on the N1 highway linking Cape Town with Beaufort West and beyond – a real doorway to the Karoo! Once a thriving railway junction, Touws River is now a small town that lies at the seldom flowing Touws and Donkies Rivers. However, despite its declining fortunes as a town, Touws River is set in a most beautiful part of the Great Karoo and offers many opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Hiking, horse riding and 4X4 trails and to the north is the popular Kaggakamma reserve with ancient bushman painting sites which are…

Trompsburg is a typical South African “dorpie”, a small farming town in the heart of the Free State Province. The small agricultural village lies just off the N1, almost exactly halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Due to its location, Trompsburg is an ideal stopover when travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. Travellers are greeted by warm and friendly locals, shopping is done in lovely little shops with architecture ranging from Victorian to modern and pubs are warm and cosy where interesting stories can be heard about the towns origin. Farmers here work primarily with cattle and sheep and Trompsburg is home to the second largest shearing barn in…

Vanderbijlpark is an industrial town south of Johannesburg and forms the southern border of Gauteng along the Vaal River. Along with Sasolburg, Vereeniging and Meyerton it forms the Vaal Triangle. The Vaal River provides most of the recreational entertainment for the resident of Vanderbijlpark and for its visitors. Boat cruises and water sports are a regular pastime along the banks of the River. The town also boasts many wonderful gardens and recreational areas, the town is said to be home to some 500 000 trees. There are ample shops, restaurants and sports bars for visitors to peruse when the outdoor activities end for the day. The town boast a casino to be proud of which has also become…

Ventersburg is the only Free State town situated on the N1 highway, between Bloemfontein and Kroonstad, and is the agricultural centre for the surrounding areas. Mr P. A. Venter originally owned the farm Kromfontein on which Ventersburg was developed. His son, B. G. Venter inherited this land in 1857 and allowed it to be used initially as a church centre and then later for the community that grew around the church. The Ventersburg railway station, called Ventersburg Road, is about 18Km from town. The biggest draw card to Ventersburg is the close proximity of the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, overlooking the Allemanskraal Dam, which is fed by the Sand River. Even though a small game…

The Vredefort Dome is a site of great significance, not only to South Africa but to the whole world, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When a meteorite impacted the earth on this site, aeons ago, it formed a 300 kilometre (multiple ringed) wide crater, so large that it can only be seen from outer space. All that remains today are geological structures, as the dome itself has been eroded over time and the outer edges are barely recognisable.The crater lies about 100 km from Johannesburg and overlaps into the North-West and the Free State Province. It encompasses part of the Vaal River, Parys and Venterskroon in the North West. It was called The Vredefort Dome because of the 90 km wide upside-down bowl shape that was formed. The dome itself has been eroded through the…

Winburg was the first town to be established in the Free State by the Voortrekkers. In 1835, in exchange for 42 head of cattle, Andries Hendrik Potgieter purchased rights from the local tribal chief to the area between the Vet and Vaal rivers. A town was necessary as a centre for the area and after some dispute a site was selected and named Winburg - meaning 'victory town' - because the owner had won a battle in persuading others to accept the site. The town was founded in 1841 on the farm Waaifontein. It became the capital of the unofficial Boer state, but by the time it had become a municipality in 1872, Bloemfontein had taken over as the capital city. Winburg is a classic example of a…

Largest Town in the Bree River Valley Founded in 1818 and named after the Marquis of Worcester, elder brother of the governor, Lord Charles Somerset, Worcester lies at the entrance to the Hex River Valley. Here the Bree River Valley is at its widest and a most imposing collection of mountains look down on the area. Worcester is a busy commercial, communications and industrial area and is the most centrally located town in the Breede Valley. It is surrounded by the Brandwacht, Overhex and Langeberg Mountains and the Breede and Hex Rivers flow on either side of the town. Grapes are grown in vast quantities and there are many co-operative wine cellars in the district and several brandy…