From fancy governors to dandy explorers, from hard-pressed shipwreck survivors to hard-bitten timber barons, from whalers to captains of industry, and from famous artists to world-class polo players, the jet-set elite of South Africa and beyond, Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route has welcomed them all. more

The mostly misty Port Nolloth lies near the southern Richtersveld region, at the top end of Namaqualand, in South Africa's far north-western corner. For more than 150 years it has been an occasionally rowdy seaport catering to copper miners, seafarers, diamond divers, fishermen and, these days, overland travellers with a sense of adventure. more

The original Kroondal Mission Station, built in 1896, has been replaced by a new church, built in 1962. The more modern Kroondal church is located in the town centre where a 400-strong rural congregation regularly worships. Around 80% of the congregation speak German, the remainder speak Afrikaans. more

Kosi Bay, although in a remote part of northern KwaZulu-Natal, is well worth a visit for the beauty of its isolated white beaches, palm-fringed reed channels, lakes and waterways. Known for its traditional system of fish-trapping in woven baskets, this little known area is one of Zululand's loveliest holiday destinations. more

In 1871, a dramatic cloudburst caused a flood that shattered the little Northern Cape community of Victoria West, killing 60 residents. Few thought the town could survive such a tragedy, but today it is a welcoming Upper Karoo destination. more

The quaint little village of Pilgrim’s Rest is a settlement lost in time. Here you can walk in the footsteps of early gold prospectors, reliving the heady days of pioneers, garter-snapping barmaids and highway robbers. You can also stay over in an historic hotel - and drink in a legendary bar. more

Dubbed the place ‘where the sun spends the winter’, the Eastern Cape’s Kenton-on-Sea is traditionally 1 of South Africa’s most popular holiday escapes. Whether you go for the quiet in the off-season or the buzzy vibe of a ‘Kenton Christmas’, the little seaside village will look after all your needs. more

There aren’t many small towns in South Africa where you can find boerewors and baguettes. In Smithfield you can. An easy drive from Bloemfontein, this enigmatic Free State town has entertained everyone from Moshoeshoe, the 1st king of the Basotho, to British soldiers fighting the the South African War from 1899-1902. more

Underberg is a typical old-style South African farming town, with a mix of basic shops, pubs, dust roads and visiting farmers bustling about. Along the Himeville Road, two new malls are an indication of the town’s recent expansion. more

The hamlet of Haenertsburg, in the Magoebaskloof Mountains, is a great place to stroll for a few hours. You can climb to the top of the hill for amazing mountain views, stroll the main street with its quaint shops and historic buildings, or wander through the beautiful arbour park. more

Cullinan is a small, well-preserved 19th century mining town east of Pretoria. Founded in 1902 and named for the founder of the Premier Diamond Mine, Sir Thomas Major Cullinan, this semi-rural community consists of mining families, farmers, artists and, on weekends, bikers and families looking to escape to the country. more

Mossel Bay has much more than surf and sand: here you will find a rich and diverse history, some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, plenty of adventure and some of the finest restaurants in the region. more

Plettenberg Bay is a top-class holiday, nature-lovers and adventure destination, all rolled into one. Whether you’re after a seaside holiday, with a difference, a wilderness experience in pristine natural surrounds, or adrenaline-packed adventures, you’ll find it in Plettenberg Bay – fondly referred to by locals as Plett. more

With a clear 15km stretch of beach, natural forest, exciting outdoor adventures, cultural encounters on tap and a range of accommodations and restaurants, Chintsa in the Eastern Cape is recognised as 1 of South Africa’s prime coastal destinations. It’s the perfect chill-out hideaway for travellers of all ages. more