Mzanzitravel Magazine Issue 10

cities and towns, good internet and digital connectivity, plenty of banks and ATMs, and
modern vibrant cities with pulsating nightlife. On the other hand it offers many opportunities
of ‘going bush’, going off-road as it were and experiencing the true African wilderness with all
its beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife, and also the opportunity to engage with a variety
of local ethnic and cultural communities, often in remote and beautiful locations.
In addition the country offers backpackers all the adventures and delights of a 2,800km
long coastline. And the country has awesome weather with sunshine almost all-year long.
On top of it all, at any given time the country is full of backpackers passing through, which
allows new arrivals to tap into the experience of those already in-county for a while in terms
of tips, advice, best destinations, best places to stay, best means of travel, the ins-and-outs
of local red tape and laws, and often allows new arrivals to hook up with those already here
as travel companions.
“South Africa appeals to every kind of traveller and this is a great country for backpackers,”
says Ana.
“Travellers who seek adventure can trek through the Drakensberg Mountains, surf some
of the world’s best breaks, or bungee jump from the world’s highest commercial bridge.
Travellers who crave a holiday retreat can lounge on one of South Africa’s many beaches,
or go wine tasting throughout the Western Cape. There are countless parks and reserves to
view wildlife and spot Africa’s Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo). South
Africa even boasts the “Big 7” because it’s possible to see great white sharks and southern
white whales. There is so much to do and see in South Africa, so I highly recommend
allocating at least a month to a backpacking trip in South Africa,” she says.
In South Africa some of the favourite – and famous – backpackers’ routes and destinations
follow the entire coastline, with cheap lodges and good camping sites found in almost every
coastal town. On the West Coast the area around the Langebaan Lagoon is a favourite,
especially for those who are into kite surfing, while many also enjoy time in the nearby
Cederberg Mountains and wilderness area, or the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. Apart
from all the beach and water sports activities, Langebaan has a national park, plenty of
pubs and restaurants, lodges and camping facilities. The Cederberg Mountains has great
camping and wilderness cottages next to the Algeria Forest Station, as well as awesome
mountain pools for swimming, wonderful hiking trails, bouldering and rock climbing. The
Winterhoek is home to a stunning hiking trail with overnight cottages, with a legendary
mountain pool at the end, and some of the toughest bouldering below the pool down the Vier
en Twintig Riviere (Twenty Four Rivers) for the brave hearted.
Cape Town is always a compulsory stop on any backpacker’s itinerary. The city has an
abundance of backpackers’ lodges and other types of accommodation, as well as a variety
of cheap public transport from minibus taxis, to the MyCity bus system or Uber taxis for
those with deeper pockets. Many backpackers prefer the inner city around Long Street and
Green Point, areas that pulsate with nightlife and never sleep. It’s also close to the V&A
Waterfront, the beaches and pubs of Clifton and Camps Bay, and Table Mountain and Signal
Hill (for hiking, climbing and hang gliding).
Others prefer the Southern Peninsula where they can surf at Muizenberg, indulge in the
endless line-up of eateries and pubs along the seafront between St James and Fish Hoek,
swim with the penguins at Boulders, Simon’s Town, do some shark-cage diving, or go
on hikes at Cape Point. Most backpackers also go on township tours or stay in B&Bs in
the townships, with at least one visit to Mzoli’s in Gugulethu – an open-air shebeen style
restaurant – being a must.
Heading southeast from Cape Town, there are many popular destinations like Hermanus (for
some whale watching), Gansbaai (shark-cage diving) and Still Bay. After that, the next big
favourite is the Garden Route, starting from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, with lodges and
camping sites in every town. The variety of activities and attractions are simply too many to
Surfing…often a common passion-Clarissa Leahy / iStock