- Nature in South Africa
There is lots of it. And most of it is protected so there are huge tracts of unspoilt loveliness that will have any nature lover coming back for more. This icon indicates naturally beautiful areas away from any major civilisation.
- Baz Bus Backpacker Bus
The Baz Bus backpacker bus is a hop-on’ hop-off backpackers bus that has a variety of routes around South Africa. It’s an easy way to get from A to B and a fun way to meet other travellers.
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| Physical address........ Bag End Ambleside Close Hogsback 5721 |
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Set on a huge property with lovely gardens and overlooking the mystical Hogsback Peaks, this is a wonderful backpacker.
The wonderful Away with the Fairies is owned and run by a mad Englishman who came backpacking and never left. Set on a huge property overlooking the mystical peaks of the Hogsback Mountains, you can lounge around revelling in the breathtaking views or cool off in the pool after exploring the magical forests and their beautiful waterfalls. Hogsback’s main hiking trails start at the bottom of the garden so there are no excuses for not bumping into a forest fairy or two.
Hogsback is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in SA, so why not do a tour then rub away the ensuing aches
and pains with a massage or a steaming hot bath in the cliff-edge bathtub with its staggering view. Yum.
Cape Parrots (there are only about 500 in the world) nest in the garden and rare Samango monkeys swing by most days.
End the day with sundowners in the world’s scariest tree-house, then join them in the bar. And hey! Don’t worry about cooking, just tuck into a scrum-diddley-umptious breakfast, snack, or the best backpacker pizza in the world. Yum Yum.
Strider’s Cottage, with its 6 en suite rooms, is great for groups.
A regular shuttle from East London and Chintsa runs to Hogsback. Phone to book a seat.
Book your bed on their website.
If it's raining on the coast, then head for the hills, ’cos lots
of rain makes lots of waterfalls.
Step 1:
Spend some time with Dan the mad Englishman.
Too hard? Yup, thought so...
OK.
Step 2:
Skip step 1. Instead, head out on one of their guided mountain bike trails through the indigenous forests during which you can enjoy waterfalls and off-the-beaten-track viewpoints. Alternatively, cycle around the village to various local art and craft centres. Some are away with the fairies, and they might take you with them...
Step 1 and 2 too much for you? Move straight onto step 3.
Step 3: Get the fairies to fire up their Fairy Bath, which is perched, literally, on the edge of a cliff. Getting squeaky clean has never been such spectacular fun.
Dorms R125; Doubles R290; En suite rooms from R340; Camping R70. 5th night free.
AroundAboutCars/Moola Magic discounts. Environmentally friendly.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
This Swaziland based Volunteer group offers real budget safaris, trips to Mozambique and volunteeer opportunities. The best in Swaziland.
(Manzini,)
Spice up your Big Five holiday with a generous measure of local culture and vibrant music
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
A Johannesburg backpackers which is where it’s rumoured that Ghandi stayed here 100 years ago.
(Johannesburg,Johannesburg)
Established in 1994, Bundu has now joined Intrepid Travel and offers safaris and tours worldwide.
(Various,Botswana)
A great backpacking hostel in the centre of Port Elizabeth.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
Stay in a traditional style Bakalanga village shaded by baobabs and visit the salt pans or watch the incredible zebra migration.
(Gweta,Botswana)
Backpackers dive specials.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
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)
Self catering backpackers lodge built next to a dam overlooking the Swartberg Mountains
(Oudtshoorn,Garden Route)
Deal directly with a township guide.
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
