My 5 favorite Garden Route backpackers

Hey there! I just wanted to share with you my top 5 favorite backpackers on the Garden Route. These places are absolutely amazing, and I had such a great time staying at each of them. So, if you ever find yourself on that side of the world and you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, definitely check them out!

Fairy Knowe Backpackers, Wilderness

I stayed at Fairy Knowe Backpackers in Wilderness and it was such a relaxing place. We had a great time there. We rented three rooms: one with a private bathroom for R380, one with twin beds for R250, and one four-sleeper room with a double bed and a bunk bed for R300. The only problem we had was with mosquitoes because the place is close to the lake, but they provided us with insect repellent plugs, so it wasn’t too bad.

There’s a really cool area called the lapa where you can hang out. They have a bar there where you can get drinks and they also have Xbox games, board games, and a big TV with comfy couches to watch. If you get hungry, you can order a toasted sandwich for R15 or grab a muffin for only R5. I highly recommend the muffins, they were delicious!

If you’re into playing pool, they have a pool table, and there’s also a nice lounging area. You can even have a braai next to the lapa if you want. Overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely go back.

Hey there! Let me tell you about this amazing place I found. They have free internet in their lounge area, so you can stay connected while you relax. And guess what? They even have an adventure booking desk where you can plan all sorts of exciting trips. How cool is that?

This place is so spacious and it gives off a resort vibe. There are these cute little rondawels spread out along the walkways and nestled among the trees. It’s like a hidden gem.

And here’s the best part – you can have breakfast if you want, just let them know in advance. And don’t worry about your caffeine fix, because tea and coffee are on the house. Amazing, right?

If you want to find out more or make a booking, give them a call at 044-877-1285 or visit their website at Fairy Knowe Backpackers. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Welcome to Wild Spirit Lodge in Nature’s Valley!
I just have to tell you, this place is absolutely amazing. The first thing that blew me away was the location. It’s like a hidden gem tucked away in the breathtaking Tsitsikamma Mountains. Trust me, the views here are unbeatable. From the bar and eating area, you can see the mountains in all their glory. It’s almost like dining in a cozy treetop paradise, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

And that’s not all – let me tell you about the amenities. Not only do they have free wi-fi (which is always a plus), but they also provide complimentary tea and coffee. So you can relax and sip your favorite hot beverage while taking in the stunning scenery. But wait, there’s more! They even offer free sunset drives for sundowners at Bobbejaans Kloof. It’s a perfect way to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

This place truly has it all – a picturesque setting, cozy vibes, and fantastic perks. Whether you’re a nature lover, a relaxation enthusiast, or a photo fanatic, Wild Spirit Lodge has something for everyone. So why wait? Come and experience the magic firsthand. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

One of the reasons I love this place so much is because of the variety of walks available on the farm. You can explore a walk that leads to a beautiful waterfall and rock pool, where you can spend hours relaxing. There’s also a magical forest walk that I highly recommend taking your time to enjoy. And, of course, there’s the Big Tree walk that takes you to a breathtaking 1000-year-old tree. If you’re up for it, you can also embark on a two-hour walk up Bobbejaans Kloof and experience some incredible views.

The accommodations here are a bit unique, as they don’t have bunk beds in the dorms. This means you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with the top or bottom bunk. While we didn’t have the chance to stay here on our latest trip (they were fully booked), it would have been my top choice if we were visiting this area. The dorms are R110 per person, double rooms are R350 per night, and camping is R60 per person per night. You can make inquiries by calling Tel 044-534-8888 or visiting The Wild Spirit Lodge.

Now, let me tell you about Ubuntu Backpackers in Jeffreys Bay.

This triple-storey house offers a clean, comfortable, and carefree environment. The rooms, all doubles with shared bathrooms, can be booked for R300 per night (R150 per person). On top of that, they even throw in a light breakfast, although it’s really light. You can choose from cereal options like corn flakes, bran flakes, and rice pops. Just a heads up, if you’re afraid of dogs, this might not be the place for you. They have four friendly and free-roaming dogs on the premises. Don’t worry, though, they won’t bite. But, it’s good to be aware that they’re around.

I personally enjoy the lounge area at Ubuntu Backpackers. Every night at 8pm, they offer movie screenings on a projector, which is a cool feature, even if we didn’t end up watching anything. The top floor of the house has a bar and pool table room, with a small balcony that overlooks the main road and the ocean. The garden is lovely, with a cozy lapa area furnished with comfortable cushions. The lawns are well-maintained and offer camping options. They advertise being close to the beach, and it’s true, but just keep in mind that if you’re heading to The Point, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk. The balcony on the second floor is a fun spot with a swing for relaxation, and the stairs leading to the top floor are adorned with funky artworks.

For reservations or more information, you can reach them at Tel 042-296-0376 or visit Ubuntu Backpackers.

Welcome to Island Vibe Backpackers in Knysna

When you first arrive at Island Vibe, it may not seem like much from the outside. You see a door and a small parking area for a few cars. But as soon as you step inside and walk past the fancy en suite rooms and the communal kitchen, you’ll be amazed by what awaits you. A beautiful wooden deck that overlooks a refreshing pool and a braai area. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the island vibes. I stayed in one of the six-sleeper dorms with three other friends, and it only cost us R120 per person per night. The rooms were clean and comfortable, nothing too fancy but certainly decent. We didn’t spend much time in the TV room as it wasn’t very cozy, but it was a good place to hang out between activities. Our room was conveniently located right next to the plunge pool, and just a few steps away from the bar, pool table, and the Moroccan-styled chill room. Being close to the lively part of the hostel was a lot of fun, even though it could get a bit noisy at times when we wanted to go to bed early. And one of the best things about Island Vibe Backpackers is its location. It’s within walking distance of most shops and attractions in the area, which made exploring Knysna so much easier.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and lively place to stay in Knysna, Island Vibe Backpackers is the perfect choice. Call 044-382-1728 to book your stay now!

Park House Lodge, Mossel Bay

When I stand outside Park House Lodge, it doesn’t make much of an impression. But once I step inside, I’m greeted by a charming courtyard adorned with a mini pond and lush creepers crawling up the walls. We had the pleasure of staying in two lovely double en suite rooms, each costing R350 per person per night. Additionally, there was a spacious four-sleeper room available at R220 per person. The outdoor area offered cozy hammocks, a convenient braai area, and a vast lawn with tables and chairs. I especially appreciated the refreshment station, where I could make my own tea or coffee. The bar and coffee station operated on an honesty system, allowing me to help myself and keep track of what I consumed, all to be settled during checkout. The kitchen was a tad small given the number of guests, but it was fully equipped and met all our needs. The overall ambiance of Park House was so inviting that it made me wish I could extend my stay. I’m already excited about the prospect of returning.

Instead of staying in the dorms and main communal areas, we had the opportunity to stay in a separate building known as the guesthouse. Unlike typical backpacker accommodations, the rooms had a luxurious feel, reminiscent of a holiday resort. Our four-sleeper room boasted a double bed and a bunk bed that exceeded all expectations. The top bunk was high enough to sit upright comfortably without the risk of a bump on the head. Moreover, the size of the beds surpassed the standard single mattresses typically found elsewhere. If you’re interested in making a reservation, call 044-691-1937 or visit the Park House Lodge website.