Fort Beaufort is located on the banks of the Kat River, in the Kat River Valley. The town has a number of buildings dating back to the Frontier wars. The best time to visit Fort Beaufort is in Spring when the orange trees of the surrounding citrus farms are in full blossom.

It is an excellent base from which to explore the Kat River Valley and the surrounding Katberg and Amatola Mountains. Other attractions near Fort Beaufort include the Martello Tower with it's cannon that pivots through 360 degrees, and the Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve, only 25 km drive away.