Backpack your way through Cape Town
Backpacking in Cape Town is not for the faint-hearted.
If you’re an easy-going, adventurous soul who loves to explore, the Mother City will certainly provide you with a unique backpacking experience.
Forget the dodgy, dirty rooms you see in movies.
Cape Town’s boutique backpacking spots are clean and affordable for tourists and locals who are looking to get away but do not want to stay in a five-star hotel.
With some of the most delicious food and friendliest faces that Cape Town has to offer, these fun, quirky establishments will treat you to an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the most popular spots:
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The African Soul Surfer in Muizenberg
The name says it all. For professional and amateur surfers, this is the closest backpackers to the beach. If you fancy falling asleep to the soothing sound of the ocean and waking up to some of the best waves in Cape Town, then this spot is for you. Your morning will consist of picturesque sea views, surfing, good coffee and pure relaxation. Eat, sleep, breathe and surf is truly what you’ll experience. This laid-back environment is the ideal surfer’s den, with Instagram-prints on the walls, skulls on cushions, funky wall art and, of course, plenty of cool surfing photographs. Grab a beer at the ‘boardroom’ and enjoy the view.
The double or family rooms both have sea-views, and some of the dorms do too. The single or twin bedrooms also have private balconies. Other perks include Wi-Fi, a daily free cappuccino, free pool and ping-pong, and free use of beach toys like boogie boards, soccer balls, beach bats and volleyball. Could it get more beachy? From healthy, tasty food to the friendly service, this place is a must-visit.
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Saltycrax in Table View
As you can see, the distance from the first backpackers to the second is quite a drive. If you, like many other tourists, are spending a couple of months, or even years, in Cape Town, try applying for your own vehicle as public transport can become expensive and timely. (Plus, there is nothing better than going for a scenic drive along the coast or the Cape Winelands.) Approach one of the asset finance companies in South Africa to give you a good deal on a vehicle. Not only will this be a worthwhile investment for long-distance travelling, but even within towns, places are too far apart for walking.
For people who want to be close to the sea but cannot afford the price tag that comes along with it, Saltycrax is the next best thing. This backpackers is especially different to many others because it feels and looks like a family home. Complete with a large garden, a Koi pond and four dogs, each room is fully equipped with the essentials and its own bar fridge. Travellers can unwind under the thatch-roofed bar, where they will find out everything about Saltycrax’s dinner offerings and local city tours. You can expect home cooked, South African meals and you are welcome to cook your own food in the kitchen provided.
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91 Loop Street in Cape Town CBD
Calling all students to experience one of the quirkiest places for young travellers. The 91 Loop Street boutique backpackers is more of a hostel setting, which is great for friendly interactions with your friends and other guests. This modern establishment has an in-house bar, The Honey Badger, which serves reasonably priced drinks and snacks. They also host in-house activities like movie nights, ping-pong or beer-pong, organised pub crawls and a sundowner braai. And, if you want to explore the city by day or night, the backpackers is within walking distance from everything in the Cape Town CBD.
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Once in Kloof Street, Cape Town
Locals who adore Yours Truly will have the best of both worlds as they dine in a fairy-lit, chic eatery and fall asleep right next door in the modern ‘Once’ backpackers. This backpackers is for people who are looking for a buzzing environment in the heart of the Mother City. With a variety of different bedroom options, guests can stay in one of the four-man dorms which each have their own bathroom. The rooms also have a fully-equipped kitchen where you’ll be able to cook your own food if need be. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about Cape Town, so chat to them before commencing on an adventure.
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Mojo Hotel in Sea Point
The Mojo backpackers is a new addition to the affordable accommodation market and has quickly become a firm favourite. Located in Sea Point, overlooking the promenade, this boutique hotel is close to some of Cape Town’s biggest attractions. You can hop on a MyCiti bus or grab a quick Uber to the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay beach and surrounds. Nothing is too far away. The Mojo backpackers is right next to a new lifestyle market which serves artisanal food, drinks and products from local businesses. With live music and large areas to sit down and enjoy your treats, this location is convenient and always buzzing with new faces. The rooms range from dorms to single rooms and other full-kitted self-catering units. Most rooms have private balconies with either sea and mountain views or views of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
Final words
At the end of the day, backpacking is about the experience. It’s about the food you eat and the people you meet. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet people from different walks of life, and to explore the Cape. These five spots are among some of the most popular accommodation places in Cape Town, so take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, budget for a once-in-a-lifetime experience… and enjoy!