South Africa is a favourite destination for backpackers from all around the globe, and is blessed with hundreds of quality backpacker / budget accommodation establishments. This diverse and exciting country offers a wide range of tourist attractions and activities for the more adventurous traveller.
South Africa's backpackers hostels and lodges are clean, well run and generally fun and often offer single and double rooms, as well as the traditional dormitory, with shared bathrooms. Over the last few years, so many hostels have opened that you can travel the length and breadth of South Africa staying only in backpackers hostels. The best way to travel between them is on the Baz Bus, which provides a hop-on, hop-off, door-to-door service between hostels.
As a budget backpacking destination South Africa has a lot going for it: it's different and diverse, organised, safe (when organised) and, while backpackers accommodation is not as cheap as some other destinations, it is still very affordable to young travellers.
The most popular backpacker route begins with a stopover in and around Cape Town, followed by time getting acquainted with wine and scenery around Stellenbosch and a meander along the Garden Route towards Port Elizabeth.
At this point, most backpackers and budget self-drive travellers usually opt for a flight to Johannesburg or Mpumalanga for a visit to the Kruger National Park, or Durban, or head straight back towards Cape Town! However, many other areas of South Africa do warrant a visit.
For those interested in cultural tourism -- that is; getting to know the modern cell phone toting locals! -- travelling through the Wild Coast region to reach Durban is a must. Be prepared for a culture shock though -- the Wild Coast is a very rural area where the (dirty) towns are a mixture of traditional African housing and markets, and shanty towns, that are haphazardly interspersed with modern buildings and decaying colonial homes. Familiar to anyone who has travelled elsewhere on the African continent.
Read this article for a list of recomended backpackers establishments:
Backpacking the Baz Bus Backpackers Route
Getting Around:
The Baz Bus - Public Transport - Car Rentals
The Baz Bus is an affordable and flexible way to travel around South Africa. This dedicated backpackers bus offers a door-to-door, hop-on, hop-off service that allows you to move around on your own personalised timetable.
The Baz Bus Route: The backpackers bus follows a circular route between Gauteng and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, with one leg going via Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zululand, while the other, shorter, leg is via the Drakensberg.
Backpackers can choose to do the route either way, or choose only one way, or only part of the way. The route then continues along the coast between Cape Town and Durban, going through the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
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The Baz Bus offers independent budget travellers and backpackers the opportunity to explore the most beautiful towns and cities in South Africa at your own pace. All you need is one ticket to your final destination and you can hop on and off as often as you like along the route. Furthermore; the Baz Bus drops you off and picks you up from your backpacking hostel or lodge! |
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Public Transport
Long distance buses are reasonably priced, clean and safe, and an excellent option for backpackers wanting to cover long distances between cities. Taxis are...
Car Rental
If you’re travelling in a group of between two and four people, it may be worthwhile to split costs on a budget car rental. There are a number of reputable budget car hire companies in South Africa that offer rates suitable to a backpackers pocket! If you intend to travel in Southern Africa for more than two months, then long term car hire should also be considered.
Hitchhiking
As in many parts of the world, hitchhiking carries unacceptable risks and should NOT be considered when moving around South Africa -- not when there are so many other viable alternatives available.
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