The weather is dominated by the Agulhas Current, which keeps water temperatures warm-ish in winter and warm in summer, often reaching above 22°C. Air temperatures in summer are warm to hot. In winter, the weather is mild, with cold spells. Along the coastline rain falls mostly in summer.


  • 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
  • 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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Sunshine Coast

The sunshine coast encompasses a beautiful stretch of the coastline that's lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and so called because it offers more sunshine hours per year than anywhere else in South Africa. The main cities that are included are Port Elizabeth and East London and all of the towns found along this route.

The Sunshine Coast has a lot to offer the backpacker

The Sunshine Coast  lies as the mountains of the Garden Route slip away and where rolling coastal pastures lead down to a legion of sand dunes and the challenge of the perfect wave. With more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa, the warm Indian Ocean and over 500km of beaches, this could be a very easy place to park off in for a while.

Most backpackers spend a lot of time on the Sunshine coast as sensational beaches and world famous surfing spots litter the coastline, along with a treasure trove of rare and beautiful shells. The Addo elephant park guarantees the sight of elephant herds making their way to the waterholes, along with the ubiquitous, indispensable and protected VIDB (Very Important Dung Beetle). If you aren’t going any further, then splurge on a trip to Shamwari Game Reserve, where the Big Five roam.

Places to Stay

  • Beachfront Backpackers

    For Backp[ackers a convenient spot for sun, sea and sand worshippers to park off, being a shell’s throw from the beach.
  • Buffalo Backpackers

    This East London backpackers is conveniently close East Londons's beaches, shops and bus station.
  • Cape St Francis Backpackers

    Cape St Francis backpackers is located just off the beach. The town of Cape St Francis will give you some of the best surf breaks in South Africa.
  • Cristal Cove

    These self-catering apartments are situated just 100m from the world famous Supertubes and the beach.
  • Dreamland

    Footsteps from the beach… and awesome waves.
  • East London Backpackers

    East London backpackers is just 50m from Orient beach with restaurants, clubs and pubs nearby.
  • Hard Rock Backpackers

    Hard Rock Backpackers in Jeffrey's Bay is centrally located to all the major surf spots.
  • Island Vibe Backpackers

    This wonderful Jeffreys Bay backpackers is perched on top of a dune with a magnificent 270° view of the Indian Ocean, Island Vibe’s setting is divine.
  • Lungile Backpackers

    Lungile backpackers in PE is perched on top of a hill in an attractive house overlooking the city and the ocean, Lungile is just three minutes walk from Port Elizabeth's main beach.
  • Mafusa Backpackers

    Backpackers here's a chance to stay at a Big-5 Game Reserve and a 5-Star Lodge at budget prices.
  • Niki Nana Backpackers

    This East london backpackers has a zany zebra striped roof you can spot from the air and bright green walls, you can't miss it.
  • PE Backpackers

    In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.
  • 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.
  • Sugarshack

    This East London backpackers lodge is located right on the beach in East London and overlooking a great swell.
  • Surfpackers

    Under new management, they are close to Supertubes.
  • The Crowned Crane

    This East London establishment is excellent value, offering self catering accommodation near the beach or in Gonubie

What to do

Transport

  • AroundAboutCars

    People from PE are smooth operators when it comes to finding a soul mate to share their ride.
 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Villa Wiese
Villa Wiese backpackers is a short walk from the centre of town, cinemas and the beach, this historic building has been converted into a practical and friendly backpackers.
(Swakopmund,Namibia)

Bulungula Lodge
A true African paradise with Ivory coloured beaches framed by green hills
(Mthatha Eastern Cape,Wild Coast)

Roc ‘n Rope Adventures
The Roc ‘n Rope Lodge hosts climbers from around the world
(Waterval Boven,Mpumalanga)

Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve
A huge game conservancy
(Hectorspruit,Mpumalanga)

Elephant Walk
They are less than 1km from a gate into the Kruger National Park.
(Phalaborwa,Limpopo)

Kruger Backpackers Tours and Safaris
Let these accredited tour and safari guides take the wheel
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)

Zambia Safari Company
Quality safaris and adventures in and around Vic Falls.
(Gordon's Bay and Strand,)

AroundAboutCars Nelspruit
You should put AroundAboutCars on speeddial.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)

Hazyview Adventure Backpackers
Set in a valley surrounded by rolling mountains and only five clicks from the border of Kruger Park
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)

Eurocentres Language Centre
Want to learn to speak English in Cape Town? Look no further.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)