- Cape St Francis
Named after the patron saint of sailors, St Francis Bay was first discovered in 1575 by the Portuguese. It's become somewhat exclusive but still has one of the finest surf spots in the world according to King/surf bum Geoffrey and other surf rats.
- Jeffreys Bay
Until fairly recently, Jeffreys Bay was not much more than a couple of rocks that made good sunset perches. Then, in the 1960's, waves were discovered by local surfers and since then, the town has become increasingly popular. Especially amongst backpackers.
- Thornhill
A little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.
- Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the 5th largest, and reportedly the safest, city in South Africa. It's surrounded by good beaches and has consistently good surf conditions.There are some fantastic backpackers in this city and if you are on the Baz Bus a stop over in PE is manditory.
- Kenton-On-Sea
Tthis quiet little paradise is off the beaten track. Ain't much to write home about the town itself. But who cares when the surroundings are so divine… Nature freaks should get off the bus and do their thang.
- Port Alfred
Port Alfred is a charming little town with a graceful architectural integrity not often found in South African seaside towns. Port Alfred is a very quaint and unassuming place with heaps to do. Actually, we're very fond of it – and not just 'cos the beer's cheap. There is one backpackers in town.
- HamburgEC
Tucked away at the end of a dirt road, Hamburg is an enchantingly dilapidated little village that nestles on an exquisite estuary.
- Gonubie Eastern Cape
Rocking surf, dune boarding, diving and plenty of hiking.
- Sundays River
The Sundays River is a river in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa that is said to be the fastest flowing river in South Africa. The Khoisan people originally named this river Nukakamma (Grassy Water) because the river’s banks are always green and grassy despite the arid terrain that it runs through. The source of the 250 kilometres long river is in the Compassberg Mountains (the highest mountains in the former Cape Province) near Nieu-Bethesda.
- St Francis Bay
This little village on the outskirts of Jeffreys Bay is architectually very pleasing with all the white washed homes having thatched roofs. There is a new backpackers in town which is a great palce to stay as they offer great accommodation and have a lot of entertainment on tap.
East London is the largest river port in South Africa and is the gateweay to the Wild Coast
East London has the largest river port in the country. It’s a great surf stop and those in the know say that Nahoon Reef is comparable to Sunset Beach in Hawaii.
Check out the museum’s Coelacanth. Ancestor to amphibians which in turn became land vertebrates (that’s you and me), the Coelacanth was believed to have been extinct for over 70 million years until one was caught by a local fishing trawler!
The museum also has one of the world’s few dodo eggs.
East London is the Eastern Cape’s second largest town and commercial centre. It has the largest river port in the country thanks to the mighty Buffalo River which enters the sea here.
The city attracts a wide variety of people from the surrounding countryside and is an interesting and colourful cultural melting pot.
With miles of beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes and world class surf breaks, it’s an adventure destination where adrenaline junkies can get their fix sandboarding, waterskiing and surfing.
Nahoon Reef, famous for its consistency and comparable to Sunset Beach in Hawaii according to those in the know, has bred some of the world’s finest surfers, as well as a world champion. It’s still home to some hot shots with the world’s number 16 surfer spinning his stuff on the waves, so catch the action and learn some tricks.
The buzzy beachfront, with its selection of restaurants, pubs and clubs, is where the nightlife starts.
If you’re going to stay on the Wild Coast, feed your wallet before you leave as banking in the Transkei can be tiresome.
En route to the Wild Coast, this is the last city with a variety of amenities and supermarkets until the South Coast so it’s a good idea to stock up here before heading off on your next adventure.
If surfing is your thing, take time to stop for some of the best waves in the country.
Various tour operators offer a range of activities which include helicopter rides, surf lessons, township tours and yacht trips across the bay. The Big Four can be found in Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve which is just half an hour’s drive away.
Places to Stay
- Buffalo Backpackers
This East London backpackers is conveniently close East Londons's beaches, shops and bus station.
- East London Backpackers
East London backpackers is just 50m from Orient beach with restaurants, clubs and pubs nearby.
- Niki Nana Backpackers
This East london backpackers has a zany zebra striped roof you can spot from the air and bright green walls, you can't miss it.
- Santa Paloma Guest Farm
Wake up on your wild side at this stunning private game reserve
- Sugarshack
This East London backpackers lodge is located right on the beach in East London and overlooking a great swell.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Mossel Bay Backpackers is located just 300m from the Inner and Outer Point surf spots. This backpacker lodge also has a guest house adjoined to it, if you are after a few more creature comforts.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
Dedicated to getting the best out of the sea.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
Daytrips to the Winelands
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Cape Town's first backpacking hostel is still going strong and offers excellent facilities.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
You might meet Adam... Or not. But have a dip in the pool and eat an apple anyway…
(Windhoek,Namibia)
Wanna bungeeeeee? But don't know how to get there? Get the Bungy Bus.
(Claremont,Garden Route)
Adrenalin and scenery combined in one rush.
(Durban ,Durban)
This Drakensberg backpackers is a resort and backpackers lodge which overlooks miles of mountains.
(Northern Drakensberg,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
This Backpackers' hostel is set in 3 hectares of forest near to the Vic Bay's famous surfing beach
(Victoria Bay,Garden Route)
This new lodge is the Strand's only backpacker.
(Gordon's Bay and Strand,Wine Region)
