• 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.
  • Baz Bus

    The 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

You are here: | Adventure | Nature

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.

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.
  • Amapondo Backpackers

    Amapondo is a friendly laid-back place which overlooks Second Beach with its good swimming.
  • Avoca River Cabins

    This working citrus farm on the banks of the Sundays River is about 80km out of PE, on the way to the Addo Elephant park.
  • Away With The Fairies

    Set on a huge property with lovely gardens and overlooking the mystical Hogsback Peaks, this is a wonderful backpacker.
  • Bloukrans Backpackers Lodge

    This log cabin is set close to the world’s highest bungy jump with a huge view over the Bloukrans Gorge and indigenous forest below.
  • 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.
  • Bushpackers

    Go bushwalking, safari-ing, braaing or just hang out at the pool.
  • Cederberg Oasis

    This area is a hiker’s wet dream and rock climber’s secret fantasy.
  • Drakensberg International

    Set at Giant’s Castle in the majestic central Drakensberg and surrounded by mountains and nature reserves, this lodge offers an excellent mountain experience.
  • Fairy Knowe Backpackers

    Fairy Knowe is set on an old rambling farm with masses of space, horses, dogs and birds, overlooking the wetlands.
  • Gekko Backpackers

    Close to the mountains and hiking trails, this small lodge is a good base for exploring the area.
  • 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.
  • Kariba Bush Club

    On the banks of Lake Kariba, this is relatively unexploited area is home to the Tonga, who still live according to age old traditions.
  • Legends Backpacker Hostel

    A lodge that is home to an adventurous ancestral spirit and other adventurous types of earthly people.
  • Makuleke Home Stay

    A Community Centre and Homestay that offers fascinating insight into our history and the paths that can be taken to repair past injustices.
  • Mdumbi Backpackers

    In the Mdumbi River valley in the heart of rural Transkei, this small settlement on the coast has brilliant surf and great fishing. As there’s only one small shop, we suggest that self-caterers stock up before arriving.
  • Nisela Safaris

    Close to the border between Swaziland and Zululand, on the road to Big Bend, Nisela is a game lodge with numerous species of wild game.
  • Pippins Country House

    An escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
  • 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.
  • Satvik Backpackers

    Satvik is a wonderful laid-back and rustic farm where time holds its breath and fish eagles are framed by seablue skies.
  • Shewula Mountain Camp

    Lying on the border of Mozambique high in the mountains, this is a community owned camp with good facilities.
  • Sondzela Backpackers

    Located in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Sondzela offers an incredible African experience.
  • 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.
  • Tube 'n Axe

    The Tube ’n Axe is just 300m away from the Stormsriver Adventure Centre - this is Wild Adventure Frontier Territory.

What to do

  • Africa Travel Co

    They have over 19 years of experience running overland trips in East and Southern Africa.
  • Amadiba Adventures

    This is an amazing trip into the heart of the Wild Coast. Their office open daily from 7am to 10pm.
  • Chameleon Safaris Namibia

    Chameleon Safaris has been operating since 1995 and offer a choice of safaris designed for backpackers and independent travellers. Departures are guaranteed.
  • Nomad Adventure Tours

    An owner driven business with thousands of kilometers and a few years of adventurous travel in the bag.
  • Stormsriver Adventures

    They offer a variety of exciting activities in the Stormsriver Gorge and its surroundings.
  • Swazi Trails

    Rafting, caving, mountain biking, hiking, adventure and culture - just ask them.
  • Viva Safaris

    Sleep in a tree house surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
  • Voluntours

    Volunteer to help with research on dolphins and whales.

Tourist Offices

  • Backpackers Bazaar

    The experts on travel and adventure in Southern Africa, based in Vic Falls.