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 :-)

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

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

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

Away with the Fairies

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 party in The Wizard’s Sleeve Inn.

We also offer en suite group accommodation in Striders Lodge next door.

Book Away with the Fairies
Away with the Fairies Website
Alternative Route

Amapondo Backpackers

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 and a township walk with drinks at the shebeen(bar).

There’s still time to explore PSJ’s history at the museum, a surf lesson or a surf with the developmental surf school.

Later, we drive out for sundowners to the airstrip that has amazing 360° views of Port St Johns. Spend a night in the village or find some fun back at Amapondo at one of our theme parties, drumming around the fire or listening to SA bands.
Be part of our community project and volunteer for a day or longer.

Our family and double rooms, dorms and camping all have sea views.

For your wellbeing
· Yoga on the beach
· Massage
· Reflexology
· NO TV

At our restaurant
· Seafood specialities
· Organic fresh juices
· Smoothies

Book Amapondo
Amapondo Website
Alternative Route

Afrovibe Lodge

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 that are in close proximity.

Amenities
· Walking distance from the botanical gardens & Outeniqua Mountains
· Magnificent heated pool, hot tub and entertainment area
· Bar area leading to pool
· Fully equipped kitchen and dining-room
· Doubles, twins and en suite rooms
· Clean and spacious living areas
· Laundry and storage facilities
· 24-hour access

FREE
· Wireless internet
· Airport transfers
· Bus station transfers
· Nature hikes
· Beach shuttles

Book Afrovibe Lodge
Afrovibe Lodge Website
Alternative Route

Accoustix @ Grants

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 Gallery
· Moya’s African Restaurant
· Zoo Lake & Zoo
· 4 Ways Shopping Complex

& Republic Road
· Sandton City
· Bright Water Commons
· Cresta Shopping Centre
· Mellville

You get
· Internet, Wi-Fi, Fax, Phone
· 24 hour Security
· Linen supplied
· Safes & luggage storage
· Laundry & ironing
· Reception & parking
· Satellite TV, BBQ area
· Free DIY breakfast
(Conditions apply)

Pre-Book a Safari or Overland Tour with us & get 50% off the night before you depart

Book Accoustix
Accoustix @ Grants website
Alternative Route

Ashanti Lodge - Cape Town

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 corner.

Cater for yourselves in our smartly renovated and well-equipped kitchen. There’s always good company, delicious food and tempting cocktails at the legendary Kumasi Bar.

Ashanti Lodge is a relaxed, more-ish comfort zone, known for its outstanding security, friendly staff and the buzzing, on-the-case Travel Centre, who'll sort out any activities required, including overland safaris.

Book Ashanti
Ashanti Website

More Cape Town Hostels

Afrique Du Sud Backpackers Website

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.za

• Home Afrique du Sud is the best-positioned seaside backpacker lodge/hostel in Cape Town. It nestles comfortably between the Atlantic Ocean and Lion's Head.
• Accommodation and Facilities Position, position, position - close to the sea and Olympic size seawater swimming pool. Only a short bus ride to Waterfront and city as well as famous Camps Bay and Clifton beaches.
• Cape Town Backpacker Tours Afrique du Sud Backpackers has a up-to-date, well organised and informed tour desk that will be able to help you with any adventure you might want to go on.
• Cape Town Backpacker Information Backpacker Information on the cable car, tablemountain, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, The Company's Garden, Constantia Vineyards, Boulders Beach, Chapman's Peak Drive, Beaches and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
• Contact and booking information page Online bookings
• Resources on the web What Afrique Du Sud Backpackers has found out and about on the web for you.
• Book a Southern African Hostel Secure online bookings provided by hostelworld...