Hi,
I have around 3 weeks to travel the coast of South Africa, starting and ending in Cape Town. I'd probably like to make around 4 stops, giving me 4-5 days in each place. I'd like to stop in a couple of places along the Garden Route and also a couple of places in the Transkie region. I will be staying at backpackers along the way. My main question is whether or not a Baz Bus 21 day pass is a better option than just using conventional bus and shuttle companies? The Baz Bus pass will cost me R4200, which is very expensive in my opinion.
I want to be able to travel flexibly and decide where my next stop is as little as one day in advance. I am travelling alone as a young female and would also like to know whether or not the conventional buses are a safe option?
I'd also like some advice on which places I should visit. I'd like to go to places that have a mix of good swimming beaches, good hiking trails/nature to explore, and nice towns to hang out in.
Thank you!!
Hi!
I used the Baz Bus when I was traveling pretty much this exact route, from home in Cape Town to volunteer in the Transkei and back (I was 17 and am a female). I know the Baz Bus is a lot more expensive; personally I felt that it was worth it, as they are very reliable, and allow for a lot more flexibility. The big buses are definitely not the worst in the world, and are a much cheaper option. I don’t think they are very unsafe but also don’t know anyone who has used one recently so don’t feel comfortable making any strong statements. I do know that the roads in the Kei area aren’t great at all. Baz Bus is also a fun way to meet other travellers if you’re travelling solo :)
Another option, which I know is very unlikely but just to put it out there in case you have the budget… perhaps check out car hire options. It would make a big difference in Cape Town, as our public transport is not great and there are amazing places to explore with a car… and then you would have all the flexibility you need on your road trip. I know it’s unlikely and its definitely not necessary to have a car to explore and enjoy SA - but perhaps see if it could work :)
This route is one of my favourites, so I’m very very excited for you! A few ideas/points:
Natures Valley is beautiful. Wild Spirit backpackers is lovely, and the place that I have stayed the most, but there are other options in the area too.
Don’t go to Jeffery’s Bay unless you love to surf - not much else there. If you do go, definitely stay at Island Vibe Backpackers though!
Along the Wild Coast/Transkei region: We stayed at Amapondo Backpackers in Port St Johns… it’s very party and fun, but not the most beautiful part of the Kei by far. The beach also has a very big shark issue so swimming is not really advised. Wild Lubanzi is a remote but absolutely beautiful place; Bucanneers Backpackers in Cintsa is awesome, a lot of my friends and I have gone and I’ve never heard a bad thing about it. Coffee Bay is beautiful but a bit more touristy. I haven’t been to Mdumbi myself but have heard really really good things about it. You should also check out hikes/coastal walks in the area… there are some awesome ones that employ local people as guides and do great sustainable work, and generally involve walking along both beach and in amongst the hills and small villages. This has to be one of my favourite ways to explore the area, especially if you don’t have a car yourself.
Hogsback is a bit off the beaten path but, again, is really beautiful. Check out Away With The Fairies.
The coastal route towns, like George or Knysna, are pretty in themselves… but the real magic of the Garden Route lies in finding whatever small, slightly less known spots you can. The towns aren’t anything too special.
Hope this helps in some way! Let me know if you have any questions about the above, or about the Mother City :)
excellent advice given above.
both the baz bus and the " normal" buses (intercape and greyhound) have their advantages and maybe disadvantages (it depends on how you look at it). in your shoes, i would select the option that you feel more attracted to, even if it should be the more expensive baz bus option (4200 rand for a "unlimited" 21 day bus pass is actually quite good value for money in my opinion).
advantages of the baz bus:
- they stop where travellers normally want to go to. for example hermanus is a stop on the baz bus, but its not on greyhound and intercape
- they dont stop at a petrol station outside of town (which might be the case with normal buses) but in a hostel
- you meet other travellers
- the driver gives you info on activities
advantages of normal buses:
- you can use different companies for each trip (which gives you a bigger choice and flexibility)
- there is a bus per day (baz bus has a bus 5x weekly from cape town to port elizabeth, and 4x weekly from pe to durban)
- its probably cheaper than the baz bus (but it also depends on how many bus journeys you take)
as for where to go: too much choice, too little time :-).
my favourite city in south africa (and one of my favourite city in the whole world) is cape town. there is so much there to do and see, great restaurants, a mix of cultures, mountains, oceans, history etc. its just an amazing place in my opinion and you should have at least 4 days there.
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