White River

This pleasant little town is set amid nut and tropical-fruit plantations and is one of the gateways to the escarpment's major sights. Settled by retired British army officers in the early 20th century, it still retains some of its colonial feel, but it’s now much more representative of the "new" South Africa, crowded with people of all backgrounds. Casterbridge is an attractive shopping center, and because White River is home to a resident esoteric community, those who feel like a bit of alternative therapy will find holistic healing hands.