In the winter, the area enjoys mild days and nights that can be cold with occasional frost.
At the height of summer, between November and February, daytime temperatures can be
high and sometimes exceed 40º Celsius.
As the humidity is generally low, the heat is
seldom oppressive.
Rainfall average about 450mm a year and is generally distributed through the year.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
The name Sundays River actually comes from the
Zondagh family that farmed higher up the river in the 1800’s.
The source of the 250 kilometers (160mi) long Sundays River is in the Compassberg
Mountains ( the highest mountains in the former Cape Province) near Nieu-Bethesda.
The river then flow in a general south-south easterly direction, passing the town of
Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo before winding its way through the Zuurberg Mountains and
then past Kirkwood and Addo in the fertile Sundays River Valley.
It empties in the Indian Ocean at Algoa Bay after running through the village of Colchester,40km east of Port
Elizabeth.
Places to Stay
- Sundays River Backpackers
This backpackers on the border of Addo is found on the lower banks of the Sundays River.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
This dedicated backpackers in Joburg organises everything from car hire to safaris.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Do the Garden Route and get high on adrenaline.
(,Garden Route)
Cape Town's newest backpacking hostel, which is close to the Waterfront.
(Green Point,Cape Town)
A great variety of local tours are on offer here.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
A Backpaker must with Safaris and close encounters of the wild kind
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
This Cape Town based car hire company has reliable and affordable car hire for both local and national use. They pick up and drop off anywhere in the country. Their share call number is 0860 447 3222.
(Gaborone,Botswana)
Cape Town's first backpacking hostel is still going strong and offers excellent facilities.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
An up-market Backpackers lodge at affordable prices
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
On-line bookings that make the most of what's on offer.
(Stellenbosch,)
A great place for visiting Backpackers to meet Grahamstown University Students
(Grahamstown,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
