Beautiful water, great views, affordable accommodations, and activities for the adrenaline junkie is the reason so many tourists choose to backpack in South Africa.
I spent five days driving along the coast of the country along with three of my friends. It’s fondly known as the Garden Route. We started in Cape Town rented a car and headed east. This place is loaded with fun hostels to stay at and each town has its own vibe.
In an unbelievable experience, Johnson reveals to us and even shows us through her beautiful pictures that the beauty of South Africa is unreal! (Photo taken by Tallie Johnson)
Since its winter now most of the places were pretty empty so for people who are not into crowds this is a great time to go. It also means you don’t have to book things in advance because none of the activities or accommodations will be full. We often received a bit of a discount from the normal price since it’s offseason.
In fact, why don’t you see a snapshot of my adventure to get ideas for your own. Alright, here we go!
Day 1:
First Stop: Betty’s Bay!
This cute this area is known for its penguins! Yes, penguins on the beach. You can set foot onto the penguin colony and watch the animals in their natural habitat. They are great at posing and they are friendly.
Price: 10 rand or $1.20 dollars
Little penguins by the bay at play! (Photo taken by Tallie Johnson)
Second Stop: Hermanus! It’s another beach community.
We walked around, got some hot chocolate. The town was super cute with local businesses and shops. This location is known for whale watching, but it’s winter so you really don’t want to stay outside too long. And unfortunately, from the shore they can be hard to spot. It’s best to book a tour out into the ocean to really have a shot to see the whales up close.
Third Stop: We stayed the Night at Mossel Bay Backpackers.
We were the only people there, so we were able to stay in a four-person dorm room. The place was cozy with a kitchen, great patio, and bar.But we got there so late that we didn’t really have time to do anything more than sleep. Whomp, whomp!
Price: 130 rand each, or $16.00 dollars
And here it comes! What you’ve been waiting for: the animals of South Africa!!! (Photo taken by Tallie Johnson)
Day 2
First Stop: Botllierskop Private Game Reserve!
You could spend the night at this luxury hotel, or you could do like we did and just go for the safari.
A guided game drive is in a jeep with a tour guide as you ride over the area looking for animals. We saw elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and lions over the course, of three hours.
Price: 395 rand each, or $48 dollars
Second Stop: Wilderness Park!
We headed to the wilderness literally that is the name of the area. This park costs 88 rand to visit. It’s great for hiking, a picnic, and canoeing.
Price: 88 rand each, or $11 dollars
Third Stop: We crashed at Wilderness Beach House.
They had options for breakfast in the morning and a great bar that stayed open until the last person standing at night. We were close to some restaurants to eat dinner.
Price: 130 rand each, or $16.00 dollars
Image, Jake Weirick
Day 3:
First Stop: Walking with Cats at the Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
I’m not talking your domestic cats here. I’m talking about the wild ones including cheetahs. This was a fun experience I was able to get up close to a cheetah without a cage, but yet they manage to keep you safe.
Price: 160 rand each or $20 dollars
Second Stop: Plettenberg Bay.
This beach community is not only beautiful, but we stayed at a hostel within walking distance at everything. This was one of my favorite accommodation at Albergo, because they had internet and computers. They had hammocks hanging from every tree, and a nightly bonfire.
Price: 130 rand each, or $16.00 dollars
Day 4:
First Stop: Jumping off a bridge. Yep, that’s right.
Adrenalin junkies will adore this spot. It’s the world’s tallest bungee. I didn’t jump, but one of my friends did. I enjoyed watching from afar as she took the plunge.
Price: 690 rand, or $84 dollars
Second Stop: Ziplining.
It’s perfect for those who are terrified to bungee or skydive but want a bit of adventure on their trip.
Price: 350 rand, or $43 dollars
Third Stop: Tube and Axe. This place is fun! It’s also a popular spot for locals to come and hang out. This place has a happening bar which later turns into a lounge at night.
Price: 130 rand each or $16.00 dollars
Image, Joseph Argus
Day 5:
First Stop: Cango Caves.
These Caves near Oudtshoorn give you a look into the natural wonders beneath the beautiful mountains. For an hour were guided into the dimly light caves to see the natural formations If you are super adventurous there is also another tour that lets you go further in the caves into small spaces that you have to crawl through. If not, the standard tour is just as exciting.
Price: 88 rand, or $11 dollars
We finally headed back on Day 5, and in between the stops we bought souvenirs, ate at cute diners, took too many pictures, and had fun driving on the other side of the road. Even with gas and food and the card for each of us, it averaged out to be around $450 per person. So once you get to South Africa, backpacking is not that expensive. And if your wondering how we found all the places to stay there are two free guides that list all the backpackers on the route…well, Coast to Coast and Alternative Route makes it simple and easy.
So if your looking for some adventure and wilderness “The Garden Route” is road to check out!
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