Backpacking in South Africa
Discover the pot of gold that is the Rainbow Nation on a backpacking adventure through South Africa (SA). There are so many places to see and exciting things to do in SA that you will be hard pressed to fit it all in.
South Africa is a melting pot of culture and historic sites. There are alsowild landscapes, delicious food, and wine and adventure activities for all ages. Literally hang out over Cape Town abseiling 112 metres down Table Mountain, the world’s highest commercial abseil. Visit the Robben Island Museum, formerly a prison where many leaders of the struggle against apartheid were imprisoned including Nelson Mandela.
Take a tour of one of SA’s townships. They are a vibrant hive of activity with mechanics, hairdressers, butchers and fruit sellers offering their goods and services on the side of the road. Do not attempt to explore the townships on your own; rather go with a reputable guide or an accredited tour group.
Throw yourself off the Bloukrans Bridge outside Plettenberg Bay, the world’s highest commercial bungy jump (216 metres) and free fall over the Bloukrans River. Dive with Great White Sharks in their natural environment at Gansbaai. Visit the Cango Caves just outside Oudtshoorn where dripstone caverns in vast halls feature towering limestone formations.
The Soweto and Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg chronicles SA’s forty year struggle to break free from the shackles of apartheid. Go on a safari in the Kruger National Park for amazing once-in-a-lifetime encounters with the Big 5 set in over 2 million hectares of national park land. Hike the Wild coast along a stretch of stunning coastline with waterfalls, isolated beaches, untouched forests and cool, clear rivers.
The local food is ‘lekker’ (nice) and your eating experience is limited only by your courage. Try kudu, ostrich, zebra or crocodile meat, sheep’s head or pig’s trotters. Snack on some biltong (dried meat), mealie-bread (a sweet, baked bread made with sweet corn), or vetkoek (a deep-fried dough ball stuffed with jam or fish).
Getting around SA is relatively easy. Intercity buses are comfortable and reliable. The local Baz Bus service picks up and delivers to hostels throughout the country and provides an opportunity to travel with other backpackers in comfortable mini-buses. Like most countries today, hitch hiking is not recommended.
The local currency is Rands and cents and SA offers a very favourable exchange rate for those travelling with Euros or Pounds. Accommodation is reasonably cheap and there are over 150 backpacker lodges to choose from. Backpacker lodges are a fantastic place to connect with other travellers and swap tips about everything from the best places to eat and party to the best overland safaris and places to see.
Although SA has over 11 official languages, (and loads more unofficial ones) you can get by with English. Embrace the local lingo and impress the locals with 'Howzit?' (How is it/ are you?), ‘Hey, my bra, that's lekka' (Hey, my brother, that's wonderful), and 'Sharp!' (cool).
The same safety rules apply for SA as for anywhere else in the world so be careful. To ensure you have a hassle-free holiday, take out backpacker insurance before you leave. There are a range of travel insurance options that can be tailored to suit your budget and level of cover. Contact us for a free travel insurance quote today.
