- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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.
Ivory sands, sparkling surf and a sexy temperate climate make J'Bay the perfect fix for a beach addicts. Not only is it the surf Mecca of South Africa, with some of the most perfect waves, but it's also a shell collectors wet dream.
This is the surf Mecca of South Africa and life here revolves around Waves - and all their accessories. Watch the surfers strut their stuff on some truly awesome breaks in mind-numbing displays of skill, or climb aboard yourself.
Landlubbers can get lost in shell collecting, shop till they drop or find heaps of other dry activities that'll keep 'em smiling.
Jeffreys Bay wasn't much more than a couple of comfy rocks that made great sunset perches. Then, in the 1960's, some blabber mouth discovered waves. Bloody good waves. Which got all sorts of sexy names.
...And so the sleepy town transformed from a dope smokers' surf paradise to a throbbing holiday destination where everyone lived happily ever after.
In winter the town's talk becomes increasingly "surf" orientated as the waves pick up and surfers from all over the world begin to pull in.
Places to Stay
- African Ubuntu
A laid-back backpackers located 100-metres from the beach a haven for the perfect Jbay experience.
- Aloe Again
This backpackers has recently been renovated. It's a snazzy spot with great communal spaces, welcoming surfers and holidaymakers alike.
- Beach Lagoon
This Jeffrey's Bay backpackers is located next to the lagoon and has miles of nature reserve - a truly lovely spot.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jeffreys Bay Backpackers
Situated in town, Jeffreys Bay Backpackers has the best of both worlds.
- Phoenix Backpackers
Formerly the Phoenix Hotel now a great Backpackers Hostel
- Surfpackers
Under new management, they are close to Supertubes.
What to do
- Jeffreys Bay Surf School
Learn to surf or hone your skills on J'Bay's legendary waves.
- Wavecrest Surf School
Learn to surf in J'bay.
Language Schools
- Jeffreys Bay Language School
School at the sea side. Learn English AND learn to surf or just hang out on the beach.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A rare opportunity to visit a remote area of Lesotho.
(Northern Drakensberg,Lesotho)
Dedicated to getting the best out of the sea.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
Oasis backpackers is situated in a large, comfortable house with a variety of accommodation options in Oudtshoorn.
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
Close to the beach, malls, the city centre and Durbans nightlife.
(Durban ,Durban)
Daytrips to the Winelands
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
This backpackers in Addo is on a working citrus farm which is on the banks of the Sundays River.
(Addo Elephant Park,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Help research the movements of lions in the Addo.
(Addo Elephant Park,Sunshine Coast)
East London backpackers is just 50m from Orient beach with restaurants, clubs and pubs nearby.
(East London,Sunshine Coast)
A Pretoria backpackers which has a koi pond and an adventure company
(Pretoria City,Pretoria)
This Kosi Bay backpackers is close to the magnificent Kosi Bay lake system and beaches where endangered turtles nest.
(Kosi Bay,Zululand)
