So you’re a funloving, vibrant nomad who’s been dreaming about a drive along our beautiful coast, staying a night here, spending a night there, meeting new people and sightseeing during the day. But, man oh man, the finances are just not adding up. You simply can’t see your budget stretching far enough to cover R400 per night accommodation, even if that is the going rate these days. And with the pressure of petrol price increases, you just don’t see how you’ll be able to go on your trip without having to sleep in your car at the Engen service station and washing in a public bathroom.

The answer? Stay at one of our vibey backpackers dotted along the coast!

Is backpacker accommodation your speed?

Many people tend to shy away from backpackers. And, to be frank, they aren’t a good fit for everyone. But backpackers certainly have much going for them.

They are often equipped with more facilities than the mere ol’ bunkbed-and-communal-shower-setup. South African backpackers often include extras like WiFi, a swimming pool, stow away space for your goods, a fun commons, a braai area and even some brekkie. So be sure to enquire about extras.

Secondly, and this is a goodie, you stand more than a fair chance of meeting interesting fellow travellers. These people might even become travel buddies since you’ve obviously got three things in common right off the bat: you are down to earth and funloving, you love to travel, and you know a bargain when you see one (believe me, friendships have been forged on less).

Thirdly, since backpackers cater for sightseers, they’re often situated in the most scenic or central places in town with a real feel for the local vibe ‒ all that at an affordable price. So pity the poor guy in the B&B next door paying three times as much for the same view. Ag shame, man!  

If you fall into the niche backpackers are catering for, it could be a great and inexpensive experience for you. Still not sure? Answer the following questions.

Tips when staying at a backpackers

For the most part backpackers don’t offer the luxuries of a B&B or a guesthouse. That’s why they’re less expensive (ya know this). Yet, if you follow these easy tips, you could weather whatever bad weather a backpacker experience could bring to ensure your stay is safe and convenient:

Try one (or more) of these backpackers

Staying at a backpackers is easy and laid-back enough without the help and easy access TravelGround offers you. But here we are, a-helping anyway since we love travel as much as the next person. So, scroll through some of our most vibey backpackers in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN listed below and kickstart your nomad-heart!

Western Cape

BLOUBERG – The Surf Shack

What’s the setup? 6-Sleeper dorm with communal bathrooms. Budget private rooms available.
Perks
* Swimming pool
* Free WiFi
* Extra storage for beach gear
* Dorm lockers
* Braai area

GREEN POINT – Never@home Cape Town

What’s the setup? Mixed- and female dorms with en-suite bathrooms and communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* On the Green Point strip, surrounded by trendy restaurants and bars
* On-site bar and restaurant
* Swimming pool and sundeck
* Daily hostel shuttle bus available
* 24-hour reception with good trip advice
* Parties and braais hosted
* Bicycle hire
* TV room
* WiFi available
* Continental breakfast available (but not included)
* Communal self-catering kitchen
* Linen, one pillow included
* Secure lockable compartments for your belongings
* Reading lamps at every bed
* Heating and air conditioning
* Rooms serviced daily

OBSERVATORY – 33 South Backpackers

What’s the setup? 4-, 6- and 8-sleeper dorms (male or female only occupancy) with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Extra length beds fitted with high-quality percale linen
* Light breakfast
* Free WiFi
* Large, individually secured lockers
* Digital safes

CAPE TOWN – Once In Cape Town

What’s the setup? 4-sleeper mixed dorms and ladies’ dorms, both with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* As central as it gets
* Breakfast from Yours Truly Café downstairs
* Free WiFi
* Communal kitchen
* Braai area
* 24-hour reception
* Extra length beds with high quality linen
* Reading light
* Lockers
* Safe, designated, universal charge space for electronics
* Wheelchair friendly

GORDON’S BAY – 47 Gypsies

What’s the setup? Mixed dorms and private rooms with communal bathrooms.
Perks
* Right opposite the beach
* Central ‒ shops and restaurants next door
* Historic house with high ceilings and wooden floors
* Kayaks to rent
* Common room with fireplace
* Books and boardgames
* Complimentary coffee and rusks for breakfast
* Braai area
* Free WiFi
* Electrical outlets and USB charging points in all rooms
* Linen and towels included

WILDERNESS – The Wild Farm Backpackers

What’s the setup? 6-sleeper dorm rooms with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Stunning sea view from the verandah
* Breakfast included (bread, cereal, fruit, tea and coffee)
* Communal self-catering kitchen
* Braai area
* Vegetables grown on-site to be used for meals
* TV lounge
* Pet friendly

KNYSNA – Island Vibe Knysna

What’s the setup? 6- and 10-sleeper dorms with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* In the centre of town, surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and night clubs
* On-site bar
* Pool table
* Fireplace
* Swimming pool
* Free WiFi
* Secure parking
* Communal self-catering kitchen

Eastern Cape

STORMS RIVER – Tsitsikamma Backpackers

What’s the setup? Mixed 6-sleeper dorm with communal bathroom facilities. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Well equipped self-catering areas
* Indoor and outdoor braai areas
* Boma area with open fire
* On-site bar
* Foosball table
* Dart board
* Pool table
* Volleyball court
* DStv
* Free WiFi
* Laundry facilities
* Lockers for valuables
* CCTV cameras
* On-site parking

PORT ST JOHNS – Amapondo Backpacker Lodge

What’s the setup? 9-sleeper dorms with communal bathrooms and balcony. Private rooms and units available.
Perks
* Bar and restaurant
* Braai area
* Hosts parties
* Pool table
* Poker table (games Wednesday and Sunday nights)
* Daily tours of the area available. These include a coastal trek to Silaka Nature Reserve to view the blowhole, a jungle trek to a waterfall, and a drive to the airstrip for sundowners.
* Free WiFi
* Pet friendly

MNGCIBE – Freedom O’Clock Backpackers Retreat

What’s the setup? Budget accommodation in private rooms all using communal bathrooms.
Perk
* Communal self-catering kitchen
* Braai area
* All rooms have sliding doors leading out onto the deck with views of the ocean, beach and/or river
* Activities include: exploring clear emerald rock pools, mangrove swamps, fishing and snorkeling in the gullies, estuary and river.
* In-house surf lessons available (includes boards)
* Solar energy and gas cooking (so you can get off Eskom’s grid)
* Secure parking

JEFFREY’S BAY – Island Vibe Jeffrey’s Bay

What’s the setup? 4 – 12-sleeper dorms with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Right on the beach
* On-site restaurant and bar
* Communal self-catering kitchen
* Braai area
* Spacious garden
* Free WiFi
* Secure parking

KwaZulu-Natal

DURBAN – Curiocity Durban

What’s the setup? 4 – 10-sleeper dorms (some mixed and some female only) with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Looks like a hotel
* Central Durban
* Close to the coast
* Communal lounge
* Shared workstations
* Outdoor cinema
* Urban spa including yoga facilities
* On-site bar
* Braai area
* Free WiFi
* Individual charging ports
* Some storage facilities
* Reading lights

WARNER BEACH – Blue Sky Mining Backpackers Lodge

What’s the setup? 4 – 6-sleeper dorm with communal bathrooms. Private rooms available.
Perks
* Ocean view from the decks
* Rock swimming pool
* Entertainment area
* Pool table
* On-site bar
* Braai area
* Communal self-catering kitchen with fridge and storage facilities
* Free WiFi
* Jungle gym
* Inhouse nursery and travel desk
* All accommodation (except camping) gets serviced on a daily basis
* Off-street parking
* Transport service available at low rates

Now you have no excuse. Start packing your bags for your budget backpacking drive along our beautiful coast!