- 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.
Gonubie Eastern Cape
Rocking surf, dune boarding, diving and plenty of hiking.
In summer, surfers migrate to Gonubie. The Point has a 6 foot reef break, Yellow Sands can cook, and Black Rock is a great option for beginners. Dune boarding is here is also popular. Sweat~Whoosh. 10 minutes up, 2 seconds down. There’s horse riding on the beach, fishing, wreck and reef diving, a game park nearby and plenty of local nightlife with restaurants, pubs and beach parties that really rock.
Places to Stay
- The Crowned Crane
This East London establishment is excellent value, offering self catering accommodation near the beach or in Gonubie
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Close to Durban International airport, the beach, shops and Ballito's funky nightlife.
(Ballito and Shaka's Rock,Durban)
This is an amazing trip into the heart of the Wild Coast. Their office open daily from 7am to 10pm.
(Port Edward,Wild Coast)
Stop over here if you're on the road between SA and Mozambique, or want to go from Mozambique to the Kruger and Swaziland and need to restock.
(Komatipoort,Mpumalanga)
Hey Backpackers, here's a safe place to stay in the presigious suburb of Randburg for under R100 a head!
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Colesberg is one of those famous half way stops between here and there.
(Colesberg,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Ashanti backpackers is one of Cape Town's biggest hostels. They are a Cape Town backpackers which is busy, organised and knowledgeable and have a great building in a good location near the city centre of Cape Town.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
Learn to surf in J'bay.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
This well established Cape Town backpackers is near the Waterfront and across the road from the World Cup Stadium.
(Green Point,Cape Town)
Find this wonderful Montagu backpackers a short stroll from the centre of town.
(Montagu Western Cape,Overberg )
Barry’s offers upmarket accommodation (linen and towels provided) at backpacker rates.
(Witsand,Overberg )
