 - Surfing
South Africa is a fantastic surf destination. With two different oceans – the icy Atlantic and the warm Indian – bordering the country, there are a large numbered of surf spots with a wide variety of waves. So no matter if you’re a beginner or if you’ve been around since Captain James Cook, you’ll find something to suit you. This icon idicates good surf stops.
- Culture
Culture vultures can get their fill of museums, art galleries, Anglo/Boer/Zulu/bullet slinging/spear throwing battle sites. Southern Africa’s history is flavoured by a variety of exotic influences and there’ll be something to suit everyone’s taste. Just don’t expect 1 000 year old cathedrals. This icons covers all cultural interests.
- Diving
South Africa has some fine dive sites. With a choice of oceans and conditions to choose from – not mention a huge variety of wreck and reef diving – water babies will have their hands full. This icon means it's time to pull out your fins.
- Nature
There is lots of it. And most of it is protected so there are huge tracts of unspoilt loveliness that will have any nature lover coming back for more. This icon indicates naturally beautiful areas away from any major civilisation.
- Game Parks
Africa is a wild continent and Southern Africa has fought hard to save her wildlife. A multitude of game parks pepper the area ranging from the impossibly exclusive to the downright affordable. A trip to the Kruger National Park is well worth while – although it is by no means the only game park worth visiting. This icon tells you that you're within game park visiting distance.
- Hiking
With Southern Africa’s abundant natural magnificence, hikers will be in their element. Trails range from short to long, easy to almost impossible, and beautiful to breath-takingly-mind-boggling. This icon points to great hiking areas.
- Horseriding
A lot of cowboy-type mentalities live in this country – so there is no shortage of ponies to ride. Trails vary in length from an hour to seven days. The choice is yours. This icon lets you know that horseriding is available nearby.
- Jolling
Jolling is a wonderful Afrikaans word for PARTYwhy-because-you-canING. And there’s lots of it in Southern Africa because the people are friendly , the beer is cheap and the nightlife whatever you want it to be. This icon tells you when to put on your dancing shoes.
- Whale watching
Southern Right whales visit in winter, and many other whales are found along our shores.
Baz BusThe Baz Bus is a hop-on’ hop-off backpackers bus that has a variety of routes around South Africa. It’s an easy way to get from A to B and a fun way to meet other travellers. We have only included it to help you plan your route. This icon shows you all the Baz Bus stops. Hop on the bus Gus You will find this icon displayed alongside all hostels that are Baz Bus stops. Should you wish to find out about arrival and departure times (which are not always 100% reliable), please contact each hostel, or the Baz Bus directly at info@bazbus.com.
Places to Stay - Abalone Beach House
Set between coastal forest and the white sands of Keurboom's beach, this is the area's only beachfront lodge.
- Afrique du Sud Backpackers
Located in the bustling heart of Sea Point with easy access to city amenities, public transport and (yippee) the Sea Point swimming pools by the sea.
- Albergo For Backpackers
Close to the centre of Plett, Albergo has great views of the ocean and offers plenty of outdoor adventures.
- Amapondo Backpackers
Amapondo is a friendly laid-back place which overlooks Second Beach with its good swimming.
- Ansteys Beach Backpackers
Ansteys Beach Backpackers is just a short walk from the world famous “Cave Rock” surf break. The perfect place to stay at in Durban if you are after waves.
- Ashanti Lodge
Ashanti is one of Cape Town's biggest hostels. They are busy, organised and knowledgeable and have a great building in a good location.
- Backpackers Paradise
Centrally located, this efficiently run backpacker has a fantastic view over the Swartberg Mountains and the sunset which casts a magical shadow over it every evening.
- Beach House Backpackers
Situated in a milkwood forest on large grounds, the Beach House has an incredible view of the coastline and Dolphin’s Point.
- Big Blue
A big hostel with a swimming pool and loads of space.
- Bomvu Paradise
The hostel is set on a hillside in a lovely tropical garden with shady camping and a relaxed, laid-back and easy-going vibe.
- Buccaneers
One of the best, this unique backpackers is a place that most travellers will visit - check it out for yourself.
- Cristal Cove
These self-catering apartments are situated just 100m from the paddle out channel to the world famous Supertubes and the beach.
- Diamond Diggers Backpackers
They're not far from the Eastgate shopping centre and the CBD.
Phone for directions or free airport pick-up.
- Fairy Knowe Backpackers
Fairy Knowe is set on an old rambling farm with masses of space, horses, dogs and birds, overlooking the wetlands.
- Fawlty Towers
Self-contained self-catering flats for independent travellers.
- Gemini Backpackers Lodge
Gemini Backpackers is set on a large property with lots of little nooks and crannies, a large swimming pool, spacious garden, tennis court and plenty of parking. GPS: S 026’ 07” 021’ E 028’ 06” 067’
- Green Elephant
This is the oldest lodge in Observatory and is the play ground of students....put your party shoes on!
- Hermanus Backpackers
Hermanus Backpackers just gets better and better, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the live-wire owners, Braam and Hayley.
- Hippo Hide
Set in a beautiful garden with an inviting rock pool this is a good choice for weary travellers wanting a bit of peace.
- House on the Hill
House on the Hill offers luxurious accommodation at backpacker rates.
- Ikaya Le Intlabati
They are on the edge of the reserve and the river is in their front garden.
- In Africa Lodge
One of the quieter Jo’burg places, In Africa Lodge is spotless, comfortable and probably for the more discerning traveller.
GPS: S 26º 09’ 00” E 23º 10’ 30”
- Inkosana Lodge and Trekking
Inkosana is central to the whole of the Berg from the Amphitheatre to Giant’s Castle. It's also a fine place to stay.
- Inn Long Street
A nifty little spot with wraparound views of buzzing Long Street and an eyeful of the mother of all mountains.
- Island Vibe Backpackers
Perched on top of a dune with a magnificent 270° view of the Indian Ocean, Island Vibe’s setting is divine.
- Jikeleza Lodge
Jikeleza offers advice on everything and do bookings for anything, to anywhere.
- Knysna Backpackers
Set in a century old Victorian house with loads of character, Knysna Backpackers is an easy going place.
- Lungile Backpackers
Perched on top of a hill in an attractive house overlooking the city and the ocean, Lungile is just three minutes walk from the main beach.
- Mantis and Moon Backpackers
A quiet beach with warm water year round, thumping surf and safe swimming is just a 2 minute walk away. Most mornings see dolphins cruising around the point.
- Mossel Bay Backpackers
Mossel Bay Backpackers is just 300m from the Inner and Outer Point surf spots ( reputed to be the most consistent wave on the South African coastline).
- Niki Nana Backpackers
With a zany zebra striped roof you can spot from the air and bright green walls, you can't miss it.
- Old Vic Nelspruit
A real home away from home, the Old Vic Backpacking hostel offers snug doubles at refreshingly affordable prices.
- PE Backpackers
In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.
- Sani Lodge Backpackers
Deep in the mountains, Sani Lodge Backpackers offers a laid-back and relaxed base from which to enjoy the wonders of the Berg.
- Santos Express
The Santos Express is a genuine train that’s parked just a spit away from the beach so all cabins face the sea.
- Smith's Cottage
The cottage is a 5 minute drive to beach and city (they run a shuttle).
- Sondzela Backpackers
Located in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Sondzela offers an incredible African experience.
- Southern Comfort Horse Ranch
Southern Comfort - a 26 hectare horse farm - is situated in the heart of the Knysna forest overlooking indigenous forest.
- Stokkiesdraai
They are centrally situated in the main street and opposite a convenience stores, a bank and an Internet café.
- Stumble Inn
Stumble Inn is an easy going backpacking hostel with lots of upbeat energy. There's often a bunch of partying people doing fun things and getting out of hand here.
- Sugarshack
Located right on the beach in East London and overlooking a great swell.
- Sunflower Stop
On the main drag close to Sea Point with easy access to beaches and the city centre.
- Swellendam Backpackers Lodge
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam Backpackers is set on a massive property with its own mountain stream.
- Tekweni Backpackers Hostel
Tekweni Backpacking hostel cooks. One can’t say anything else about this ever-buzzy hostel and its hordes of people.
- The Backpack
Cape Town's first backpacking hostel is still going strong and offers excellent facilities.
- The Backpackers Ritz
The Ritz is situated in a huge mansion-cum-castle complete with round turrets and a dungeon bar.
- The Coffee Shack
The Coffee Shack is superfantasticallydelicious so go and stay a while…
- Tube 'n Axe
The Tube ’n Axe is just 300m away from the Stormsriver Adventure Centre - this is Wild Adventure Frontier Territory.
- Zululand Backpackers
Situated in a wing of the George Hotel, Zululand Backpackers offers comfortable good value for money accommodation.
What to do
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