- 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.
Young and old, fat and thin are crammed into a minibus with varying volumes of noise and a variety of languages. It’s cheap, convenient, they drop you off where you want and are NEVER full (although you might not agree). Ask a local for the appropriate hand signals/sign language you need to flag them down.
Most white South Africans will tell you that minibus taxis are dangerous - so ask African people about what buses and taxis to use if you’re interested. We can’t provide more information on minibus taxis - it is a hugely informal sector and you’ll have to get your information locally.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
The Oude Molen Eco Village provides an interesting alternative to regular city living.
(Observatory,Cape Town)
A private beach and a cliff-top restaurant.
(Simon's Town,Malawi)
Safaris to the Southern Kruger.
(Hazyview,Mpumalanga)
Spend time with nature.
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
When it comes to planning a trip through southern Africa, Cape Town Travel Centre offers a nifty service
(Observatory,Cape Town)
This Drakensberg backpacking hostel is surrounded by indigenous gardens and beautiful mountains.
(Northern Drakensberg,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
Close to Durban International airport, the beach, shops and Ballito's funky nightlife.
(Ballito and Shaka's Rock,Durban)
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.
(East London,Sunshine Coast)
So you’re taking your AroundAbout car on safari?
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
This Addo backpackers is situated outside Port Elizabeth and close to the Addo National Park.
(Addo Elephant Park,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
