
- 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.
- 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.
ThornhillA little dorp not far from J'Bay, with plenty of unspoilt nature all around.
A deep river gorge, pockets of forest and a scattering of farms patchwork this area. The city is close by and easy to get to. Spend some country time out where the air is clean, the birds traffic jam the trees and the wildlife tunnels merrily through the undergrowth.
Places to Stay
Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)Johannesburg Airport SafarisGet off the plane and into safari mode.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg) Cristal CoveThese self-catering apartments are situated just 100m from the world famous Supertubes and the beach.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast) Easy Rider ToursEasy Rider tours offer great tours of the wine farms in and around Stellenbosch.
(Stellenbosch,Wine Region) Tandem Skydive - Mossel BayThe ultimate thrill for Backpackers. Mossel Bay offers the highest skydives in South Africa.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route) Windstone BackpackersThey also do horse trails.
(Vredenburg,West Coast) Pippins Country HouseAn escape from city lights with the Winelands, beach and the airport within easy reach.
(Grabouw,Overberg ) Maputo BackpackersMaputo Backpackers are only 50m from the Beach. They offer home-cooked seafood or traditional meals and day/night trips into Maputo.
(Maputo,Mozambique) Paljas BackpackersStudent town = plenty of fun = why not stay?
(Potchefstroom,North West Province) Chubeka TrailsHorse trails and overnight trails in the Mlilwane Sanctuary
(MbabaneSwazi,Swaziland) Phumla Private Bush CampHire yourself a private bush camp.
(Wilderness,Garden Route)