The little gems that have provided much comfort to us along the way have been gracious backpacker’s hostels. And in Plettenberg Bay, we had the opportunity to stay at 3 different ones! Between the awesome owners, we got to stay for four nights in the area, and ended up taking 2 days off to relax (and stay out of the rain). Please check these places out; each one of them has a unique flavor and atmosphere.
- After walking all day by the beautiful Garden of Eden, we pulled down a dirt road and into the Wild Spirit Lodge. We were too tired to take in the great sundowner trip, but I think that would be something to experience if we got to go back! Since it ended up pouring rain, we didn’t get to explore much, but this was a great place if you want to stay ouf the city, and even in the rain was awesome to hang out with the staff, shoot some pool, and stay warm by the fire. Also, if you like to hike, this is the place to find out the scoop on all the best treks around.
- Dave from Amakaya was a great guy, and this place had a great vibe. Our favorite part about it was the awesome rooftop bar and deck, where you can see the ocean! It rained most of the day so we didn’t end up walking, but it was great to relax and Aaron made us a homemade pizza that we enjoyed on the roof after the day cleared up. The grocery store and downtown was right around the corner, so it was super convenient to get anywhere we needed to go.
- We left Amakaya and had a full walking day, but didn’t miss the opportunity to drive back and stay for 2 nights at Nothando, and took our regularly scheduled day off in between, thanks to our gracious hosts. The staff here was one of our favorite things, they were great! They went above and beyond for us and it was great to have fresh towels, a shower, tea and coffee in our room. ALSO, one of our favorite parts was that they had a movie room where we could watch a DVD from their collection, much more extensive than most other places we have stayed. Made for a perfect day off! Super clean, really comfy, great people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the great hospitality, Plettenberg Bay. Check out these sites to learn more about the awesome stuff to do in Plett.
- March 30
- , 2012
“It’s a travelers life bru, get one” – one of the comments made by our friend Angelica at a backpackers hostel we stayed at recently. (“Bru” means “bro” essentially)
I know if you have seen the movie “Hostel” you might have flashbacks of kidnapping and cutting of limbs. I want to reassure you that this is NOT what happens. At least so far…dun dun dun.
It’s really nothing like that. They’re quite nice really!
A community kitchen, dorm-type room, shared bathrooms and showers, clean, friendly, filled with interesting people from across the country and the world. People change day by day, and so every day there is a different “atmosphere” about. Then you also have the “regulars” or “permanents” – adventurous locals that don’t like to be tied down, who rent out beds or rooms by the month. That’s the “norm” at least, of what you should expect at a backpackers, although each one is unique and different!
The picture shown here is from one of our favorites, 
Afrovibe Adventure Lodge, in Sedgefield. Leigh and Lyle let us stay for free, we met loads of great people, and had a great time! Bonfires every night, jacuzzi’s on the roof, beautiful scenery right next to the beach! Aaron and I caught mussels for dinner, in the ocean, he might have gotten stung by a few jellyfish, but it was amazing!
- March 25
- , 2012
