Tips for responsible travel in South Africa

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 and take notice...

Main Points

• Reducing your carbon footprint
• Interacting with South Africans
• Caring for our environment
• Appreciating our wildlife
• Making good choices
• Try to understand

Alternative Route

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 brighter side South African backpacking has seen the benefit in recent years of more Travellers from the USA. Onwards we go :-)

New Buccaneers Backpackers Website

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 structure tweaked according to usage data we collect.

Wild Coast Backpackers

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 Friends of Chintsa website. The site has been slow going but it feels like its gonna get better now... For more Wild Coast backpackers info visit the Alternative Route website: http://www.alternativeroute.net/wild-coast.html

Ansteys Beach Backpackers tempory site

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 (view on Google Sidewiki)

New Alternative Route website

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

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 Flea Market where you can browse for African crafts or simply relax and enjoy the traditional entertainment provided.

When you arrive, don’t forget to take advantage of our free airport or bus station pick-up. Then once you've settled in talk, to one of our experienced staff members who can organise you a day tour, a Baz Bus ticket, a trip to Kruger Park, as well as many more tours.

Book Diamond Diggers
Diamond Diggers Website
Alternative Route

Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel

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 closer to the collective imagination of the people of this diverse and dynamic country. Clean and comfortable, Daddy Long Legs offers private, air-conditioned double rooms with en suite showers and toilets and 100% cotton linen.

If you travel with music, ask for a room with an IPOD docking station. The lounge and bar also has a high-tech AV unit. The open balcony and bar is the perfect place to soak up the sun, take in the view of Table Mountain and watch the street below.

If you need help arranging tours, trips and services, our travel centre is at your service.

Book Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel
Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel Website
Alternative Route

Coffee Shack

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 for a quiet thatched rondavel with a sea view on the ‘other’ side of the river.

Looking for even more reasons to visit? With so many good sunny days and all that warm water, our surf instructor can tempt you with a surf lesson and our local guides can lead the way on one of our many fun and interesting day trips.

Day trips and activities
· Xhosa village tours
· Dinners in a village household
· Cheap surf lessons
· Cheap surfboard hire
· Hike to Hole in the Wall
· Mapuzi Cliffs and Caves
· Abseiling the Baby Hole
· Easy Falls adventure hike
· Make your own drum

Coffee Shack freebies
· Welcome drink
· Sundowners
· Your 5th night’s stay
· Sunday Potjie dinner
· Pool table
· Oysters/mussels in season
· Drum playing lessons

Book Coffee Shack
Coffee Shack Website
Alternative Route

Chill and Surf Easy Living Lodge

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 at the sundeck near the pool.

GPS-position: S 34°08’11.5” E 18°22’21”

Book Chill & Surf Easy Living Lodge
Chill & Surf Easy Living Lodge
Alternative Route

Cape Town Deco Lodge

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 around the big table overlooking the pool.

Deco Lodge is in the suburb of Woodstock that has a strong local flavour. We are close to amenities, UCT, Groote Schuur and CPUT.

What we offer
· Pick-ups
· Secure parking
· Travel desk
· Meals & picnics
· Rooms serviced daily

Book Cape Town Deco Lodge
Cape Town Deco Lodge Website
Alternative Route

Cape Agulhas Backpackers

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.

We offer boat-based whale watching during the winter when many whales visit our coast.
Rent a sea kayak and explore the bay or rent a bicycle and head down to the most southern tip of Africa where the two oceans meet.

End your day snuggled under a goose down duvet with the sound of the ocean in your ears.

Book Cape Agulhas Backpackers
Cape Agulhas Backpackers Website
Alternative Route

Backpackers Paradise

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 Paradise Website
Alternative Route

Backpackers Oasis Shanti

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 sun set on another beautiful day.

Book Backpackers Oasis Shanti
Backpackers Oasis Shanti Website
Alternative Route

Black Mamba Lodge

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 Tour
· Midlands Meander & Valley of 1000 Hills Tour
· Abseiling and picnics at Inanda Dam
· Trips to Albert Falls Nature Reserve

Book Black Mamba Lodge
Black Mamba Lodge Website
Alternative Route

Big Blue Backpackers

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 Green Market Square. Walk to the bottom of our road and you're on the main bus route to either the city centre or the trendy beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

We never close. Our reception and tour desk is open till 10pm. If it’s travel advice or a helping hand up the stairs that you need, one of our staff is always around to help.

The bar opens onto a shaded seating area flowing out to the pool, complete with sun deck and Zen garden. We offer a continental breakfast at the best backpacker price.

What we offer
· Amazing specials. Ask for info
· Free airport pick-up if you stay 3 nights with us
· Security lockers
· Overland trips
· Luggage storage
· Free Wi-fi enabled internet cafe
· Guest kitchen
· Free tea and coffee
· CCTV guarded on-street parking.
· Fully Eqipped kitchen

Book Big Blue Backpackers
Big Blue Backpackers Website
Alternative Route

St. Lucia Bibs International Backpackers

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 shuttle in the morning and back again in the afternoon.
· Beach fires. Sit around a fire, listening to the ocean and watch the stars.
· Mud baths on the shore of the estuary for the ultimate skin treatment.
· FREE meal on Wednesdays and a performance by a Zulu singing group.
· Traditional Zulu dancing on Saturday evenings by a local school group.

Book St.Lucia Bibs International Backpackers
St. Lucia Bibs International Backpackers Website
Alternative Route

Bayside Beach House

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 go hiking and swimming along the Palmiet River and explore waterfalls and our unique flora, fynbos, at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. For a touch of the cute, visit the local penguin colony at Stony Point.

Enjoy sunset drinks at the poolside bar while watching the whales play and the sun sinking slowly into the ocean.

Book Bayside Beach House
Bayside Beach House Website
Alternative Route

Banghoek Place

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 Rider Wine Tours.

Book Banghoek Place
Banghoek Place Website
Alternative Route

Backpackers Paradise

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 available

Book Backpackers Paradise
Backpackers Paradise Website
Alternative Route