- Air Flights
Major airlines fly into Cape Town and Johannesburg on a daily basis. You won’t get cheaper fares by booking them in Southern Africa so you may as well book them from wherever you are/live.
- Baz Bus Hop on Hop off
The Baz Bus is a hop-on, hop-off backpackers bus in South Africa. It’s an easy way to get from A to B and a fun way to meet other travellers. They drop you at your backpacking hostel door.
- Buy back Car Companies
Buy a car here for your journey through Southern Africa and save up to 60% in rental fees!
- Car Hire South Africa
There are a number of cheap car hire operators in South Africa. All of the cities in South Africa have car hire branches.
- Long Distance Buses
There are a number of long distance buses including Translux, Intercape, Greyhound and the Baz Bus (which is the only real backpacker bus).
- Long distance trains
Southern Africa does not have a great railroad infrastructure so travelling by train is fairly restrictive (but fun nonetheless).
- Minibus taxis
Without doubt, the cheapest way to travel is to use local black transport systems or “minibus taxis”. They require nerves of steel but are definitely the most efficient way to get around pretty much anywhere in South Africa.
Local transport
Local transport is something you’ll have to find out about once you’re at your actual destination. Here are a few of your options...
Local Rikkis
These tiny, cheap, open Asian-style vans buzz all over the place.
These tiny, cheap, open Asian-style vans buzz all over the place.
Local Buses
They're cheap but take a long time to get anywhere and don't run all that frequently.
They're cheap but take a long time to get anywhere and don't run all that frequently.
Minibus Taxis
Once again, they run ALL the time and are the cheapest and most efficient way to get around. Ask a local African about routes, prices and the hand signals/sign language you’ll need to flag them down.
Once again, they run ALL the time and are the cheapest and most efficient way to get around. Ask a local African about routes, prices and the hand signals/sign language you’ll need to flag them down.
Trains
As mentioned previously, they’re fairly restrictive but fun.
As mentioned previously, they’re fairly restrictive but fun.
Taxis
They're hellishly expensive but easy and convenient.
They're hellishly expensive but easy and convenient.
Borrow money from pessimists. They don't expect it back.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
The Spot backpackers is a charming little backpackers set just a few meters from the beach on the south Coast of Natal.
(Port Shepstone,South Coast)
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)
A great backpacking hostel in the centre of Port Elizabeth.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
A great place for visiting Backpackers to meet Grahamstown University Students
(Grahamstown,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Loerie Guest Farm is a peaceful country haven
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
Based at Sani Lodge, they offer tours into the spectacular mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
(Southern Drakensberg,Lesotho)
An escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
(Grabouw,Overberg )
This Lesotho backpackers is set in the grounds of the original trading post and is a good base for exploring the beautiful Lesotho surroundings.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
Safaris to the Southern Kruger.
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
The backpackers choice of car rental agency in Cape Town.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
