- Surfing South Africa
South Africa is a fantastic surf destination. With two different oceans – the icy Atlantic and the warm Indian – bordering the country, there are a large numbered of surf spots with a wide variety of waves. So no matter if you’re a beginner or if you’ve been around since Captain James Cook, you’ll find something to suit you. This icon idicates good surf stops.
- 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.
Mantis and Moon Backpackers
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| Physical address........ 178 Station Road Umzumbe 4225 |
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A quiet beach with warm water year round, thumping surf and safe swimming is just a 2 minute walk away. Most mornings see dolphins cruising around the point.
Directions
100km south of Durban. From N2: Exit 72 to Hibberdene (N) onto R102. 4km, turn into Umzumbe Station Road. Or exit Port Shepstone (S) onto R102. 16 km. Turn into Umzumbe Station Road.
100km south of Durban. From N2: Exit 72 to Hibberdene (N) onto R102. 4km, turn into Umzumbe Station Road. Or exit Port Shepstone (S) onto R102. 16 km. Turn into Umzumbe Station Road.
When planning a trip make sure you stop at Mantis & Moon
When you’re planning your trip, think about when to stop at Mantis as it’s one of those special places that, with its magical jungle atmosphere, draws people in.
Only a 2 minute walk from a warm water Blue Flag beach which provides crystal clear water with lifeguards and sharknets, you can enjoy unforgettable swimming experiences, gnarley surf waves, sensational snorkelling and sundowners in the company of dolphins and whales.
Here, hidden between wild banana trees is a rustic cocktail bar with an exotic rockpool, blackjack table, Kicker and pool table. But things can get wild in the jungle with Saturday theme parties! Sip on a Bahama Mama cocktail in the jacuzzi while vervet monkeys play above you.
Get extreme with the highest gorge swing in the world, white water rafting, abseiling, hiking, horse riding and the longest zipline in Africa. Enjoy wildlife with giraffe, and zebra, or dive down to an underwater world with sharks and manta rays. Take an ocean safari, or check out their new yoga studio. On lazy days, enjoy a cold beer while watching movies or sport on their big screen.
Book your sweetheart a full body massage on the outdoor massage deck or spoil them with funky clothes from the jungle shop.
Slip into dreamtime magic in their en suite tree-houses, (there’s a new treehouse dorm!). Chill out in a secluded cabin and stargaze from an openair bath. Get back to basics in a traditional teepee, or stick to a spacious dorm.
Hungry? Enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner - from cheesy homemade pizzas to sizzling steak braais and potjies with homebaked bread. Or DIY in their well equipped kitchen.
Slurp free tea and coffee all day.
Mmm, it’s a fine place to spend a holiday. So don’t plan too far ahead or you might just have to cancel that ticket…
When you’re planning your trip, think about when to stop at Mantis as it’s one of those special places that, with its magical jungle atmosphere, draws people in.
Only a 2 minute walk from a warm water Blue Flag beach which provides crystal clear water with lifeguards and sharknets, you can enjoy unforgettable swimming experiences, gnarley surf waves, sensational snorkelling and sundowners in the company of dolphins and whales.
Here, hidden between wild banana trees is a rustic cocktail bar with an exotic rockpool, blackjack table, Kicker and pool table. But things can get wild in the jungle with Saturday theme parties! Sip on a Bahama Mama cocktail in the jacuzzi while vervet monkeys play above you.
Get extreme with the highest gorge swing in the world, white water rafting, abseiling, hiking, horse riding and the longest zipline in Africa. Enjoy wildlife with giraffe, and zebra, or dive down to an underwater world with sharks and manta rays. Take an ocean safari, or check out their new yoga studio. On lazy days, enjoy a cold beer while watching movies or sport on their big screen.
Book your sweetheart a full body massage on the outdoor massage deck or spoil them with funky clothes from the jungle shop.
Slip into dreamtime magic in their en suite tree-houses, (there’s a new treehouse dorm!). Chill out in a secluded cabin and stargaze from an openair bath. Get back to basics in a traditional teepee, or stick to a spacious dorm.
Hungry? Enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner - from cheesy homemade pizzas to sizzling steak braais and potjies with homebaked bread. Or DIY in their well equipped kitchen.
Slurp free tea and coffee all day.
Mmm, it’s a fine place to spend a holiday. So don’t plan too far ahead or you might just have to cancel that ticket…
Here are some of the AAAH-ctivities
Check out the Mantis and Moon tours
Check out the Mantis and Moon tours
Feeling Adventurous?
Well, at Mantis, you’re spoilt for choice:
- World’s biggest Gorge Swing 165m.
- Africa’s longest zipline
- Abseil
- Thrilling white water rafting day trips.
- Hike to stunning waterfalls.
- Dive with sharks, rays and turtles at Protea Bank or the world famous Aliwal Shoal.
Not Qualified? Try a PADI course (beginners to Instructors).
- Try Wild Waves Waterpark for adrenaline-busting speed slides.
- Wake-boarding.
- Deep-sea fishing
- Visit Lake Eland Game Reserve. Walk the suspension bridge across the magnificent Oribi Gorge to eagle’s nests and caves.
- Check out the reptiles at Pure Venom Snake Park.
- Discover top secret surf spots on day surf trips or visit the Wedge surf factory for custom-made boards and ding repairs
And more…
Life is swell
This is one of the South Coast’s sickest surf spots.
Step 1: Book a surf school lesson with the Mantis and Moon instructor and learn on professional beginner boards. Go Joe, strut your stuff. This could be the start of a wonderful relationship.
Step 2: Buy or rent a surfboard from the Mantis and Moon.
Step 3: Visit the ‘Wedge’ surfboard factory for a custom-made board.
Step 4: Re-visit them for ding repairs.
This is one of the South Coast’s sickest surf spots.
Step 1: Book a surf school lesson with the Mantis and Moon instructor and learn on professional beginner boards. Go Joe, strut your stuff. This could be the start of a wonderful relationship.
Step 2: Buy or rent a surfboard from the Mantis and Moon.
Step 3: Visit the ‘Wedge’ surfboard factory for a custom-made board.
Step 4: Re-visit them for ding repairs.
Staying home?
• Boards to hire
• Professional massage therapist
• Pool table
• Table tennis and table soccer
• Blackjack/poker table
• Big screen TV
• Cool down in the rock pool
• Warm up in the jungle jacuzzi
• Surf lessons
• Boards to hire
• Professional massage therapist
• Pool table
• Table tennis and table soccer
• Blackjack/poker table
• Big screen TV
• Cool down in the rock pool
• Warm up in the jungle jacuzzi
• Surf lessons
Rates & extras
Dorms and teepees R120; En suite dorms R180; Tree-house dorm R180; Doubles R340 - R440; Tree houses R520 - R540; Family room R800; Camping R90.
Volunteer/AroundAboutCars/Student discounts.
Free pick-up in Port Shepstone.
Baz Bus stop. Airport shuttle. Laundry. Free wi-fi. Parking. DSTV. 4 stars.
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