
- 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.
- 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.
- East London
East London is the largest river port in South Africa and is the gateweay to the Wild Coast
- 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.
Kenton-On-SeaTthis 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.
Wonderful natural surroundings.
Bound by the Bushman’s and Kariega Rivers, this quiet little paradise is off the beaten track. You can walk for miles on a beach all to yourself, explore sandstone cliffs and rock pools or wallow in tidal pools.
The birdlife is absurdly abundant and fishing is good. Go shell gathering and then leave your treasures for nature to play with.
The area is a birdwatcher's delight as a wide range of species occur in area covering a diverse range of habitats (forest, dune and beach). Whale spotting is great between about June and October and the coastline is a fisherman's joy.
The Neptune Festival
"The Neptune Festival" is held every year from about 12 Dec - 5 Jan, and during it live bands, disco's, beer gardens and a bunch of other nightly entertainment can be enjoyed. It also includes a New Year bash that's become something of an institution - so if you're looking for a year end jol* of major proportions, this is the stop.
*jol - party
Places to Stay
Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)Abe Bailey HostelMuizenberg's and Cape Town's original youth hostel. It is a mere stroll from Muizenberg beach.
(Muizenberg and Kalk Bay,Cape Town) Timbavati Safari LodgeMinutes away from the Orpen Gate.
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo) Sani Lodge BackpackersDeep in the mountains, Sani Lodge Backpackers offers a laid-back and relaxed base from which to enjoy the wonders of the Berg.
(Southern Drakensberg,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels) Okavango River LodgeStop here for sundowners and safaris.
(MaunBotswana,Botswana) Robertson BackpackersThis backpackers in Robertson is a friendly spot and a great base for exploring Route 62.
(Robertson,Route 62) Blue Mountain BackpackersWhere Backpackers hit Cape Town City Centre and enjoy life on Long Street
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town) Budget BackpackersThe only real backpackers in St Lucia and good at that!
(St Lucia,Zululand) Bulungula Lodge A true African paradise with Ivory coloured beaches framed by green hills
(Mthatha Eastern Cape,Wild Coast) Lidwala Backpacker LodgeA great backpacking hostel near all the attractions in Swaziland.
(MbabaneSwazi,Swaziland) Strand BackpackersThis new lodge is the Strand's only backpacker.
(Gordon's Bay and Strand,Wine Region)