- 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.
- 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
- Gonubie Eastern Cape
Rocking surf, dune boarding, diving and plenty of hiking.
- 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.
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.
Midway between Port Elizabeth and East London, Kenton-On-Sea lies between the mouths of the Boesmans and Kariega Rivers - which means that it's surrounded on three sides by river and sea. The two tidal rivers are safe for swimming and navigable, and a trip upriver promises a rich bird viewing opportunity with possible sightings of the vivid sunbird and fish eagle. Whales to make this their home with whale families returning every year to visit. ??
The Kariega Beach is also lovely with its undulating sand dunes, fascinating rock formations and rock pools.
A 15 minute drive inland offers a true African game experience and the opportunity to stay at a number of game reserves, including Kariega Game Reserve, Sibuya, Shamwari and Lalibela Game Reserve. The area is malaria free and the reserves are well stocked with game with some even boasting the Big Five.
Places to Stay
- Woodlands Cottages
The perfect accommodation outside and inside of Kenton...
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
They promise an adventure around every corner.
(Sabie Mpumalanga,Mpumalanga)
Hluhluwe backpackers is on the doorstep of the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park.
(Hluhluwe,Zululand)
Chill on the West Coast.
(Eland's Bay,West Coast)
This area is a hiker’s wet dream and rock climber’s secret fantasy.
(Cederberg,Cederberg)
Hang out in the mountains for a while.
(Citrusdal,West Coast)
Discounts on backpackers travel in South Africa.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
Studying Linguists and Backpackers tune into this Cape Town jazz vibe
(Sea Point,Cape Town)
In Central PE and close to restaurants, shops and public transport, PE Backpackers is situated in a gracious old Victorian house.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
A Backpaker must with Safaris and close encounters of the wild kind
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
Livingstone's original backpacker and gateway to the north.
(Livingstone,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
