Knysna
There is something about the town of Knysna, situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape, that seduces people. It might be the famous forest with its elusive, shy elephants or the incredible vistas of the lagoon and the ocean beyond. Either way Knysna offers something very special….

At the Knysna Heads the ocean crashes spectacularly through a narrow rocky outcrop to feed the tranquil waters of the lagoon - a nursery for all manner of sea life, such as the tiny Knysna seahorse. Voted South Africa's best small town in a recent competition, Knysna is rich in art galleries with some truly unique creations. The holiday town boasts coffee shops and restaurants of quality and is the home of a sought-after culinary delight - oysters. These are cultivated in the lagoon or harvested in the wild. Knysna's people are by far its most colourful attraction, ranging from the obviously arty to Rastafarians (a whole settlement), fishermen and the well heeled folk who have found their own version of paradise along South Africa's garden route.

Oudtshoorn
The home of the local ostrich industry and the annual Klein-Karoo National Arts Festival, Oudtshoorn lies in an arid but spectacular setting in the shadow of the Swartberg Mountains in the Western Cape province. The fabulous mansions that ostrich feather farmers of yesteryear built here are a must-see, as are the jaw-dropping Cango caves (big enough to harbour a tour bus) where choirs often perform.

All manner of ostrich dishes can be enjoyed in local restaurants and shopping for ostrich leather products is a joy.

Franschoek
Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschoek is a little bit of France in Africa. Settled by French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in the 1700s, it is famed for its brilliant restaurants, five-star guest-houses and excellent wineries. This area is second to Cape Town as the culinary heart of South Africa. Home-made cheeses, preserves, chocolates, baked goods and breads are on show in all the local shops and some of the art galleries are irresistible.

Darling
The lovely little town of Darling lies between the West Coast and the Swartland and is known as one of South Africa's foremost artist colonies. Easily accessible from Cape Town it first attracted attention thanks to its carpets of wild flowers that blossom in the springtime. Quaint restaurants and coffee shops, a theatre, a number of B&Bs and a myriad of shops have since sprung up in this scenic setting. The town also boasts a famous ambassador, Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout Peron -who is actually one of South Africa's best-loved actors and satirists - Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Groot Marico
Groot Marico in the North West Province of South Africa is a legendary place, known for its mampoer (a distilled and very potent alcohol made from peaches) and its most famous citizen - author Herman Charles Bosman, who wrote about the area in many of his published works. During the month of October, the yearly Herman Charles Bosman literary weekend is held and visitors from all over the country visit the Marico to celebrate some of South Africa's best loved tales.

Dullstroom
Known as the trout-fishing capital of South Africa, the picturesque town of Dullstroom offers city dwellers the perfect weekend getaway as it's just two hours from Johannesburg. Founded by Dutch settler Wolterus Dull some 120 years ago, Dullstroom offers breathtaking scenery, great bird life, delightful décor and antique shops and a lot of local colour. Don't miss the pancake parlour in the middle of town or some of the more lively pubs and bars. There are one or two superb restaurants in the area and accommodation ranges from rustic to fabulous and five-star. The sweet-shop is one of the finest in the country….and for good reason.

Pilgrim's Rest
The entire town of Pilgrim's Rest has been declared a national monument. This quaint town came into being during the 1880s after gold deposits were discovered along the banks of the Pilgrim's Creek River. A walk through this town provides a fascinating glimpse into what life was life during the gold digging days in South Africa. The graveyard is a must-see for its historic gravesites, like the robber's grave. The buildings take one back to another era and the Royal Hotel in particular, keeps the stately glory of yesteryear living alive even today. Not too far from Pilgrim's lie some of the most spectacular scenic vistas in the country.

Clarens
Home to potters, actors, artists and a number of fantastic community-based art projects, this little town offers the visitor a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere. The road between Clarens and Fouriesburg is one of the most scenic in the entire country. Just beyond the town lies the Golden Gate National Park with its incredible mountain outcrops, clear streams and wildlife. The town also boasts a number of farm-stay accommodation opportunities, which means that visitors get to have an authentic farm experience - Free State style of course.

Simonstown
Simonstown near Cape Town is founded on naval tradition. From the early days this town functioned as the principal South Atlantic Base for the Royal Navy before it became the home of the South-African navy. Visitors can explore the fascinating Naval Museum, walk the streets to soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the many ocean-side restaurants and bars following a naval theme. Whales and great white sharks patrol these waters and sightings are common.

Nieu Bethesda
A Hollywood movie has even been made in this tiny Karoo hamlet to celebrate its most famous inhabitant - Miss Helen. A spinster with an artistic soul she created fantasy creatures out of glass and cement and scandalised the town with her eccentric ways. Her home, known as The Owl House, is a museum where huge camel sculptures, wise men and owls stand testament to her vision and passion. It has become a place of pilgrimage for artists and travellers alike as it truly does lie off the beaten track (follow the road from Gauteng to the Cape).

The Ibis Gallery on the main road of Nieu Bethesda boasts contemporary South African art, while the local watering hole (bar) are home to some of the area's more colourful inhabitants.

Paternoster
Visiting the West Coast town of Paternoster, north of Cape Town, is like walking into a living painting. Colourful fishing boats ply their trade, fishermen's houses, holiday homes and huge boulders overlook the bay and everyone meets at the local hotel to swap stories. A beach barbecue featuring lobster and fresh local fish is tradition here, with the sunset over the ocean providing the ultimate setting.

Kaapschehoop
Magic lives in this town. It is a haven for the last wild horses of South Africa that roam the town freely. And yes, a stallion still leads them and he is continually challenged for his position. Harem, a young artist, is the town's most famous son after Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines' fame discovered his work. A walk through a labyrinth of rocks brings one to the escarpment that overlooks the Kingdom of Swaziland. Many artists live here permanently and the local bar lady has all the information you need on Kaapschehoop. There are a number of beautiful guest- houses in town, plus other accommodation to suit all pockets.

Matjiesfontein
Today a testament to Victorian splendour, this railway stop became a small town thanks to one man - James Logan. An official with the Cape Government Railways, he suffered from a chest complaint. A transfer to the Karoo proved so beneficial that he decided to stay, farm and acquire land there, amongst which was the area around the Matjiesfontein station. He realised locomotives travelling inland were thirsty for water - and so were their passengers. He pumped water from his farm bore holes to the station and while the locomotives tanked up, he served the passengers food and drink in his restaurant. The restaurant gave way to the majestic Lord Milner hotel he built in the elegant Victorian style. It is as fashionable today as it was way back then.