Backpacking in Sout Africa

Hi Jody,
I originally backpacked in SA in 1996 through to 1997, i enjoyed it so much i went back to live. The backpacker hiostels are of a very good standard in general around the country and the staff can inform you if there is anywhere you whould not visit in the local area. As with most cities / towns there are places which tourists should avoid, it is the same the world over. Because crime is such an issue in SA then people in the industry are very clued up. Most tourists do not suffer any problems.
You can use Baz Bus which will pick you up from the door of your hostel, do a safari to Kruger, (travel with an experienced guide will increase you knowledge of the wildlife as well as increasing chances of sightings,). Many hostels run there own day tours and offer good deals on accommodation if you do a tour. There are two free books which you can pick up when you get there (or go online and order) alternative route and coast to coast, which have most of the hostels in
The plus points to visiting far outdo any perceived risk, the wildlife, beaches, diving, cultural experience, fantastic scenery, and the majority of people are incredibly kind.
My advice Chaz book the flight!

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Thank you so much for your advice iv managed to convince him & we have added it to are RTW trip!!thanks againx Reply to this

Hey Jody,

I did a month in South Africa last summer (well, winter down there!) and I highly recommend it. Don't let fear of crime deter you. If you are going on a RTW trip you are going to run that risk in most places (just like you probably do in your hometown). I travelled most of the southern part of the country and went up into Swaziland and Lesotho, and never ran into any problems. I'm not saying it can't happen, I talked to a few people who had things like cameras or wallets stolen, but again... that happens everywhere.

There is tons to do and see there, and you definitely won't regret a trip. If you are looking to hook into the backpackers circuit you can try the Baz Bus (I rode that a lot) and that's a very very easy way to get around. But of course, there are lots of other ways to get around too.

All of the hostels I stayed at were nice, and most were family owned/managed so it was pretty cozy, and just like staying in any hostels, they had lots of local information and activities to do.

I can't emphasize enough, you should try to make the stop, you will not regret it at all.

Andrew Reply to this

Hi Guys,

Backpacking in Cape Town is a great idea!

Our site has plenty of info on backpacking, and other accommodation & activities in Cape Town

Have a look, and let me know if you need any more info

Good luck!

Jim

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http://www.bazbus.com/
There is also accommodation (backpackers) on the website Reply to this