- 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.
- East London
East London is the largest river port in South Africa and is the gateweay to the Wild Coast
- 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.
Places to Stay
- Raggies International Backpackers
Located in the centre of the village, this thatched backpackers lodge has a pub and restaurant and is just a stones throw from the beach.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Funky Monkeys is a happy backpackers that’s easy to spend time in.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
Safaris to the Southern Kruger.
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
This backpackers has recently been renovated. It's a snazzy spot with great communal spaces, welcoming surfers and holidaymakers alike.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
Stay here and they'll get you to the Delta on an affordable trip.
(MaunBotswana,Botswana)
Cape Town's newest backpacking hostel, which is close to the Waterfront.
(Green Point,Cape Town)
MozVolunteers is a small volunteer organisation based in Xisondwe, Zavora.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
These adventure specialists offer a variety of exciting activities in the Stormsriver Gorge and its surroundings.
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
This Lesotho backpackers is set in the grounds of the original trading post and is a good base for exploring the beautiful Lesotho surroundings.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
This Mossel Bay backpackers is located in a spacious 130 year old stone homestead with some wonderful woodwork and some stunning artwork.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
