Backpackers Oasis Shanti

This cheerful old house lies in a big shady garden with a large swimming pool (totally essential in summer), a lazy lounging terrace (for scrumptious breakfasts) and a starlit braai (that grills numerous ostrich braais and vegetarian delights). A roaring fire warms the lounge on winter nights.

The large sparkling outdoor swimming pool enhances your lust to dive in and stay in.

They offer clean and comfortable single, double, triple and family rooms (some with their own shower), and an uncrowded dorm and shady camping spots.

The peaceful backpacker is just a short walk away from the town center and the owners, seasoned travelers themselves, offer great information and discounts on all the local attractions and adventure activities. They also have plenty of tips on how to discover the hidden magic of the Little Karoo through hiking trails and nature walks in and around the breath-taking Swartberg Mountains.

They give maps and excellent advice on self-guided routes that take in the local sights, the surrounding farmlands or the spectacular mountain passes (which are high on the list of what-to-do priorities).

You can also enjoy wine tasting, caving, Bushman rock art sites and possibly even stand a chance of spotting the legendary mermaids of Meiringspoort Gorge...