• 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.
  • 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
  • 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.

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Thornhill

A little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.


A deep river gorge, pockets of forest and a scattering of farms patchwork this area. The city is close by and easy to get to. Spend some country time out where the air is clean, the birds traffic jam the trees and the wildlife tunnels merrily through the undergrowth.

Places to Stay

 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Sabie Backpackers Lodge and Xtreme Adventures
They run their own adventures and have loads of info on the area.
(Sabie Mpumalanga,Mpumalanga)

Starling Village Backpackers
At Starling you’ll experience all the beauty, wildlife, culture and all the adventure that you came to find in South Africa.
(Plettenberg Bay,Garden Route)

Tandem Skydive - Mossel Bay
The ultimate thrill for Backpackers. Mossel Bay offers the highest skydives in South Africa.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)

Bulungula
Situated within a vibrant Xhosa community overlooking a spectacular untouched beach, this is a true glimpse into rural Africa.
(Coffee Bay,Wild Coast)

Dianne Lang Children's Home
A genuine opportunity to volunteer and help children in need. You don't pay anything except your own costs, there is no placement fee or any other kind of fee to be paid.
(Graaff-Reinet,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)

Dhow Beach Resort
An exciting beach resort on a tropical island paradise with lots to do and fun to be had in the beach bar and restaurant.
(Jambiani,Zanzibar Island)

Bushpackers and Campsite
This Hazyview backpackers offers bushwalking, safari-ing, braaing or just hanging out at the pool.
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)

Cape Surf Hostel
Get your board and get out there…
(Northern Beaches,Cape Town)

Calypso Dive and Adventure Centre
Dive at the aquarium and for close up encounters with big (and small) fish.
(Durban ,Durban)

Gansbaai Backpackers
Within a yell (scream) of the Great White shark's playground…
(Gansbaai,Overberg )