Backpacking South Africa

Tips for responsible travel in South Africa

2010-10-18T06:40:00.000+02:00

Have a look at our new article on 'Tips for responsible travel in South Africa'. We’ve put together some tips for responsible travel in South Africa. If you run through the list, you’ll realize that the suggestions aren’t that unreasonable and not meant to reduce your enjoyment of our country in any way. Some suggestions may be obvious, but others may come as a surprise, so please read on

Alternative Route

2010-10-13T19:43:00.000+02:00

Alternative Route is getting ready for edition 12 to be released at the end of this year. What a great year it has been for Backpacking in South Africa with the 2010 world cup. The party is over though and 2011 is going to be a challenging year for backpacking in South Africa. It seems that the travel piggy banks are empty in Europe as the world recession carries on as does the hang-over. On the

New Buccaneers Backpackers Website

2010-09-12T18:07:00.000+02:00

The Buccaneers Backpackers website has gone live. Visit www.cintsa.com to view the new site. Their site was long overdue for a rebuild as their old site was still a frames based site. The job was a little easier as Sean from Buccaneers gave quite a comprehensive brief of what he wanted. The site is still a work in progress. The base is up now the adornments need to be added and perhaps the

Wild Coast Backpackers

2010-07-30T00:24:00.000+02:00

Had a Wunder time on the Wild Coast recently. Spent a night at the awesome Amapondo Backpackers in Port St Johns and had a coupla awesome meals at Jungle Monkey. As with all my trips this one was'nt purely pleasure. I stopped off in Mthata to drop some books off for my clients in Coffee bay and Bulungula. After PSJ I stayed at Buccaneers Backpackers to help with their new website and for the

Ansteys Beach Backpackers tempory site

2009-11-26T10:50:00.001+02:00

Anstey's have been having problems with their website. A disappearing service provider and a AWOL designer...Anyway. We have put up something for them temporarily until a gap opens to do a proper site. Visually it is not too bad but it could do with a whole lot more information and more current photographs...http://www.ansteysbeach.co.za/in reference to: Ansteys Beach Backpackers & Self-Catering

New Alternative Route website

2009-10-19T22:17:00.001+02:00

The new Alternative Route website has been released. So far the responce has been good. There are still a few speed issues that need to be sorted out...in reference to: South Africa Backpackers | Hostels | Tours | Swaziland | Lesotho | Alternative Route - South Africa Backpackers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Diamond Diggers

2009-07-03T09:36:00.000+02:00

Just arrived and wondering what to do? There's lots. Tour Soweto, go down a gold mine or play with the cubs at the Lion Park. When you get back to Diamond Diggers after your adventure, kick back and relax in our jacuzzi bar, play a game of pool and watch the sunset over the Joburg city skyline. We are a stone’s throw away from restaurants, Eastgate Shopping Mall, Ellis Park Stadium and Bruma

Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel

2009-07-02T10:23:00.000+02:00

Situated in the thriving cultural heartbeat of Cape Town’s Long Street, Daddy Long Legs is a backpackers with a difference. The friendly South African hospitality of a well-travelled team sets you on track for a hotel adventure through rooms designed by Cape Town’s artists, photographers, sculptors and writers. Daddy Long Legs is South Africa’s first, and most affordable art hotel, bringing you

Coffee Shack

2009-07-01T10:11:00.000+02:00

You will find Coffee Shack nestled on the beach where the Mbomvu River meets the sea. Most of us here at Coffee Shack have been lucky enough to grow up on the Wild Coast, and we love sharing our special world of unique culture, breathtaking scenery, friendly smiles and non-stop fun. Travellers can eat, drink and be merry at Coffee Shack. If you’re looking for some ‘breathing space’ instead, ask

Chill and Surf Easy Living Lodge

2009-06-30T10:13:00.000+02:00

This backpacker lodge is for people who want to appreciate the beauty of the Cape away from the city. Relax, enjoy the view and discover the Cape Peninsula. We are close to Chapman´s Peak, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and the charming seaside villages of Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. We provide excellent service for all types of travellers. There’s a lot nearby to do and see or you can just relax

Cape Town Deco Lodge

2009-06-29T12:17:00.000+02:00

Deco Lodge has been awarded four stars by the Tourism Grading Council. It’s clean, tastefully decorated and very comfortable. But the stars don’t tell you about the artwork on the walls by local and international talent, or about the water features and secret spaces in our thriving garden. It also doesn’t tell you how much we enjoy welcoming new guests and how lasting friendships have been made

Cape Agulhas Backpackers

2009-06-27T13:25:00.000+02:00

Explore this best kept secret where white sandy beaches embrace turquoise waters and time stands still. Cape Agulhas Backpackers is 400m from the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also the most southern backpackers in Africa. If you want to chill out for a couple of days, this is definitely the place to do it. We have a mini travel desk and do free bookings for your journey ahead

Backpackers Paradise

2009-06-25T16:43:00.000+02:00

Personal attention is the order of the day in this family-run backpackers. •Twins, dorms, doubles & camping •Clean linen & free towel service •Safe off-street parking •Pub & pool table away from bedrooms •Free ostrich breakfast (in season) •Daily meals •Superfast internet & satellite tv •Swimming pool •Guest kitchen •Travel desk/travel info •Laundry •Bicycle hire Book Bacpackers Paradise

Backpackers Oasis Shanti

2009-06-24T14:08:00.000+02:00

Oasis Shanti is a great little backpackers from which to explore all that Outshoorn has to offer. We offer clean rooms in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Pick our brains on what to do in the area and how best to do it. Or take a day off backpacking (you deserve it) and soak up the rays next to our sparkling pool which is essential in summer. Join us for sundowners on our balcony and watch the

Black Mamba Lodge

2009-06-19T10:11:00.000+02:00

Valley of a Thousand Hills Meander. Black Mamba offers easy access to Durban’s finest adventure spots. It is situated along the famous Comrades and Duzi Canoe Marathon routes. The lodge has beautiful views of Bothas Hill, a jacuzzi under the stars, open air showers, garden hammocks and Nigel’s rustic pub. · Mountain bike trails, horse riding and golf · Game drives · The 1000 Hills Choo Choo

Big Blue Backpackers

2009-06-15T10:33:00.000+02:00

Big Blue Backpackers is 600m away from the world renowned V&A Water- front. The historic Victorian mansion that houses Big Blue was initially designed as a hotel and is therefore ideally suited for accommodating guests in comfort and privacy. "OUR WORLD" is at your doorstep. Restaurants, pubs and Green Point's lively nightlife are a stumble away. A 10 minute walk gets you into Long Street and

St. Lucia Bibs International Backpackers

2009-06-12T09:43:00.000+02:00

Bibs is comfortably nestled on the banks of The St. Lucia estuary. The water is only a short hippo-waddle away. We have a covered open air bar and a big BBQ area. Get connected in our broadband internet café. Also don’t worry about washing the dishes, we are fully serviced until 10pm daily. Free activities · Guided morning walk in the St. Lucia Park. Spot zebras and wildebeest. · Beach

Bayside Beach House

2009-06-11T09:46:00.000+02:00

Betty’s Bay is just an hour’s drive from Cape Town along the breathtaking R44. Bayside Beach House lies in the heart of Betty’s Bay; nestled at the foot of the soaring Kogelberg mountain with panoramic ocean views. A blissful sleep in one of our comfortable doubles or twin rooms is the perfect start to days spent on the beach, surfing and sand boarding down the Silversands Dunes. You can also

Banghoek Place

2009-06-09T10:34:00.000+02:00

Banghoek Place is ideal for travellers looking for privacy and rooms with en suite bathrooms. We are centrally located on the university campus with great views of the surrounding mountains. We have self-catering facilities, safe on-site parking and a swimming pool. We are close to the university, the town centre and all the night spots. We offer a free Baz Bus pick-up and discounts on Easy

Backpackers Paradise

2009-06-08T11:12:00.000+02:00

Personal attention is the order of the day in this family run backpackers. · Clean linen & free towel service · Safe off-street parking · Free ostrich egg breakfast (in season) · Swimming pool & pub (away from bedrooms) · Superfast internet & satellite TV · Travel desk & travel info & Baz Bus · Cycle down the Swartberg Pass · Discounts at local attractions · Laundry & bicycle hire

Away with the Fairies

2009-06-04T11:53:00.000+02:00

The Fairies commands incredible views of the Hogsback Mountains and the forest below. Hiking trails start in the garden and winds through the forest to amazing waterfalls. Endangered Cape Parrots nest in the garden and Samango monkeys are daily visitors. Go horse riding and abseiling and watch magical sunsets from the terrifying tree house. During the evening relax with the fairies or have a

Amapondo Backpackers

2009-06-03T13:13:00.000+02:00

Amapondo is nestled in the forest on top of a hill overlooking a meandering river and the only swimming beach. Listen to the sound of the crashing waves, the call of the monkeys and bird song, whist lying in a hammock taking in the view of the ocean. Every day, our guide takes guests on a free hike to one of PSJ’s attractions - Silaka Nature Reserve, Bulolo Waterfall, the Gap, the lighthouse

Afrovibe Lodge

2009-06-02T14:13:00.000+02:00

Visit us to experience the exceptional beauty of the Garden Route. Centrally located in the picturesque town of George, Afrovibe Lodge provides comfortable accommodation to pamper the most discerning traveller. Afrovibe has breathtaking views of the Outeniqua Mountains. Its unique position allows travellers the freedom to experience renowned local attractions including premier golf courses

Accoustix @ Grants

2009-06-01T13:58:00.000+02:00

We are · Personalized · Stylish, Clean · Spacious · Comfortable · Safe, Homely Tour & Info Centre · Soweto-Jo’burg Tours · Apartheid Museum · Lesedi Village · Lion Park · Overland Adventures · Kruger safaris · Bas Bus stop · Shuttle services · Car hire 2 Roads intersect here: Jan Smuts Avenue · Jo’burg City · Hyde Park Centre · Rosebank Fleamarket(F/M) · African Curios Market · Goodman

33 South Boutique Backpackers

2009-05-29T10:38:00.000+02:00

33 South is nestled in "OBZ" (Observatory), the bohemian student neighbourhood that is the centre of everything hot and happening! Packed with quaint bars, restaurants of all sizes, atmospheres and flavours, live music venues and so much more, as well as a stone’s throw from the train line, Obz is the place to be. 33 South is a "boutique backpackers" - where travellers can stay in

Ashanti Lodge - Cape Town

2008-07-06T08:57:00.005+02:00

Ashanti Lodge and Travel Centre is stylishly housed in an Afro-Victorian mansion, complete with a pool and more spacious balconies, palm-fringed sundecks and mountain views than you could possibly hope for.Set in chilled parkland but within walking distance of the city centre, we offer all accommodation options, including private rooms with en suite bathrooms in our guesthouse around the

Afrique Du Sud Backpackers Website

2008-04-24T15:01:00.001+02:00

Afrique Du Sud backpackers has a new website. After many years of using the free hosting service offered by Mweb, Afrique Du Sud Backpackers has taken the plunge and registered their own domain. I did the site update for them using a template from Styleshout.Site Summary for www.afriquedusudbackpackers.co.zaHome Afrique du Sud is the best-positioned seaside backpacker lodge/hostel in Cape Town.

Fiat Strada 1.6 ELX Review

2008-02-16T19:25:00.005+02:00

Fiat Strada 1.6 ELXSo I took the plunge and took ownership of the newest car I have ever owned. Whilst shopping for the bakkie there where three different options. The Opal Corsa Utility, the Ford Bantam or the Fiat Strada. I didn’t even consider the VW Citi pick-up or the Datsan 1400 (sorry Nissan). I wanted a vehicle designed after 1980.After a lot of umm-ing and ah-ing I decided to go the

Backpacking South Africa

2007-11-05T09:30:00.000+02:00

Alternative Route has been busy out on the web designing and releasing a new management site for Alternative Route clients. Backpacker Information is a dual site that showcases the work done under the "Mkoya Travel Marketing" banner and also allows Alternative Route clients to upload and modify information for their adverts in the Alternative Route Travel Guide. Of course travellers can also

Public Transport in South Africa

2007-08-26T17:36:00.001+02:00

For the first time in many years I am taking public transport on a long distance trip.First Impression - The bus was late!Second Impression - Hey the view from up here is awesome... The seats relatively comfortable and the fact that I am not driving is a relief.

Whales in False Bay

2007-08-12T10:14:00.001+02:00

Whales in False Bay Yesterday I went for a drive with Sadia to Kalk Bay to pick-up the post and get my weekly Olympia cafe croissant & coffee fix.On the way there we had already spotted some whales in the bay near Muizenberg. Close into the shore they were probably as close as 100m from the rocks. The whales spotted in the bay are mainly the Southern Right Whale. On the way back we

77 dead dogs, 3 dead cats, 1 dead cow, 1 dead goat but the sheep w ere lucky

2007-07-09T08:41:00.000+02:00

On the road again... This is a serious quick trip around the country. I left Cape Town on Thursday. 3 days later and I find myself in Port Edward at Ku-Boboyi. Today was a heavy day driving through the old Transkei (an old homeland or Bantustan) - no fences and many stray animals. Thus slow speeds.All the dead animals got depressing in the end. Normally I would do this stretch over 2 days, I

Lesotho

2007-05-05T06:50:00.000+02:00

I always enjoy arriving in Lesotho. From the moment a person steps onto Lesotho soil the pace of life slows a little and the prevailing tensions and undercurrents of South Africa disappear. Traveling into South Africa's neighbouring countries gives me a chance to be a foreign tourist again instead of a South African traveling on business through my own country. Lesotho is a poor country that

Baksheesh and Grease on a slippery morning (lesotho part1)

2007-04-16T00:05:00.000+02:00

I woke up early to make a move for Lesotho. Karoo mornings are fresh - perfect for driving. I dropped in at the local truck stop and filled up with petrol and coffee... Just passed Bethuile I passed a car that had rolled some time the previous evening. The car belonged to the provincial traffic department. The driver was lucky to escape unharmed as the car had rolled at high speed for about

Poppies van die Platteland - the dolls of the flatlands (sic)

2007-04-14T19:40:00.000+02:00

I pulled into Colesburg and went straight to my accommodation for the night - Toverberg Backpackers and Guest House. Jurie the owner is an interesting fellow having worked for many years in Malawi and Zambia as a theological lecturer at their respective national universities. His mom lives in Colesburg and subsequently Jurie

All roads lead to Fraserberg

2007-04-02T08:46:00.000+02:00

It's amazing how some obscure little towns have so many roads leading to them yet few people go there. Fraserberg is one of those towns. For about 200km on the N1 heading from Cape Town there must have been 4 turn offs going to Fraserberg. By turnoff number 4 I was tempted but alas schedules and time dictated that Colesburg it was going to be for the night. The beginning of every trip is

Introduction

2007-04-01T10:19:00.000+02:00

So here we are in 2007 and I eventually get my blog on the road... To give you a little background I started a (advertorial) guide to backpacking in 2003 called The Alternative Route. Since last year I have had help with AR and no longer do it by myself. Sadia is now a partner in Alternative Route and together we aim to grow the book further. Each edition of AR goes through a similar