Top 3 coastal backpackers within 6km from the beach
While accommodation can be a large part of your holiday expenses, it doesn’t have to be. For many students, young travellers and even young families, backpackers across the country offer a budget-friendly solution to accommodation. Additionally, staying at a backpackers opens you up to the magic of unplanned friendships. This could be due to communal dining offerings with friendly strangers, morning yoga experiences in a private jungle and many other opportunities to meet new people. We’ve compiled a list of three of our favourite coastal backpackers. While these three backpackers offer very different experiences, they have two things in common. They’re all within six kilometres from the beach and their accommodation options start below R500 per night.
Top coastal backpackers in Cape Town
Never@home, Gardens
Situated on Cape Town’s iconic Kloof Street, Never@Home is within walking distance of virtually everything. A wide variety of restaurants, fashion boutiques, grocery stores and trendy bars are located on every side of the venue. Plus, with Table Mountain literally up the road, all rooms offer spectacular views of this natural wonder. Never@Home gives you a range of accommodation options – from shared rooms with multiple beds, to rooms for two with king sized beds. The vibey space boasts its own restaurant downstairs and a trendy bar with daily DJs upstairs. The reception is open 24/7 and it’s here where you can also book adventures like skydiving, wine tasting, surfing and more. The backpackers is also the perfect working space with free, high-speed Wi-Fi. While it’s based in the city, it is still less than six kilometres from Camp’s Bay Beach.
Contact: +27 87 057 2638
Bookings: Book here from R390 per night for a shared room.
Location: 73 Kloof Street
Dune Lodge Backpackers, Hout Bay
Catering to a diverse range of guests – from solo travellers and students, to families – Dune Lodge Backpackers is a boutique, upmarket hostel in Hout Bay. Located about 20km from Cape Town’s CBD, it is the only backpacker lodge in Hout Bay and Cape Town that is located directly on the beach. Just imagine the views from your bedroom! Offering four private family rooms and four dormitories, it never gets too busy. Shared spaces like the living room, dining room, deck and upper-level rooms all have the most stunning views of the ocean and Chapman’s Peak. In addition, there are various shops within walking distance for those who choose to make use of the self-catering facilities.
Contact: + 27 [0]21 790 0427
Book: Book here from R350 per night for a shared room.
Location: Corner of Harbour and North Shore Drive, Hout Bay.
Top coastal backpackers in Kwa-Zulu Natal
Mantis & Moon, Port Shepstone
Located in a private jungle not even five minutes from the Blue Flag beach in Umzumbe, Mantis & Moon has built up a reputation as one of the best backpackers in South Africa since 1999. A popular destination among locals and internationals alike, the Mantis & Moon community is a big part of its charm. From shared dorm rooms, private tents and teepees to family tree houses, there is a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. In addition to their jungle bar and games area, their stunning yoga studio is one of our favourites in the country and offers daily classes. They recently even shipped in a piano and host live performances from time to time. Mantis & Moon’s on-site facilities include laundry, a café, a snack shop and Wi-Fi, making it rather easy to extend your stay.
Contact: 039 684 6256
Book: Book here from R300 per night for a shared dorm room.
Location: 178 Station Road, Umzumbe
