Backpacking Resources

Free Interactive Backpacking Map For Your Website

Navigate the country with ease using our comprehensive interactive map. We have mapped out hostels nationwide, including direct contact details and curated reviews to help you find the right vibe for your stay. If you manage a travel site or a local blog, you can use the embed code below to share this resource with your own community.

To embed this map on your website, paste the following code into your page:

<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1YlCywz3bXNDCOhw6bLz-F3iPhC9XD4A&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1" width="640" height="480"></iframe>

Get Our Free Offline App!

For the most seamless experience, add this site to your home screen as a Progressive Web App. One tap saves the entire resource to your device — creating a dedicated icon on your phone and allowing you to browse the full database of hostels and guides while completely offline. A perfect companion for long bus rides or remote stays.

Download Full App

(Progressive Web App — 60mb)

Almost done! To add the app icon to your home screen:
Look for the install icon (a phone with a download arrow) in Chrome's address bar and tap it — then tap "Install" to confirm.
If you don't see it, tap the ⋮ three-dot menu → "Add to Home screen". Almost done! To add the icon to your home screen:
1. Tap the Share button at the bottom of Safari (the box with an arrow pointing up)
2. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
3. Tap "Add" to confirm

The Lightweight PDF Hostel Guide

Data connectivity can be unpredictable when you're moving between cities or exploring remote areas. Our PDF guide is designed for quick downloads and minimal storage impact. It contains asn interactive map and essential hostel listings and contact information — a dependable digital backup that you can access anytime, regardless of signal strength.

DOWNLOAD PDF (opens in a new tab)

(Interactive PDF — 800kb)

Backpacking Industry Research & Insights

For those interested in the logistics and development of youth travel, we have compiled a selection of official research documents. Published by the South African government, these papers offer a deeper look into the growth, economics, and future of the local backpacking industry — valuable context for researchers and tourism professionals alike.

Recommended Travel Blogs

Beyond the data, the best travel tips often come from those who have lived the experience. We've curated a list of leading travel bloggers who specialise in budget exploration and backpacking — excellent resources for stories, photography, and niche advice to inspire your next destination.

• Where Goes Rose

  A well-respected travel blog run by Rose Munday, a professional solo traveller and photographer. A standout resource for backpackers and budget travellers, particularly for deep-dive culinary guides, street art tours, and practical solo-female travel advice — with meticulous detail including specific walking routes, local prices, and "hidden gem" locations that go beyond standard tourist checklists.

• Gabriela Here And There

  An insightful blog focused on cultural experiences and practical advice for independent explorers, with a focus on slow travel and authentic local interactions. Particularly useful for balancing popular landmarks with off-the-beaten-path discoveries, and for sustainable travel practices and budget-friendly tips.

• Indie Traveller

  Run by seasoned globetrotter Marek Bron, one of the internet's premier resources for independent, low-budget, and long-term travel. Focuses heavily on the raw logistics of backpacking — realistic budgeting guides, packing itineraries, and destination profiles that favour adventure over luxury.

• Nomadic Matt

  Founded by New York Times bestselling author Matt Kepnes — widely considered the ultimate blueprint for budget travel. Built on the philosophy that you don't need to be rich to travel, with exhaustive breakdowns on how to stretch funds using smart money-saving tactics, hostel hacks, and reward points.

• The Broke Backpacker

  Founded by Will Hatton — a high-energy resource dedicated to extreme budget travel and adventure backpacking. Specialises in raw, unfiltered guides to off-the-beaten-path destinations, long-term hitchhiking, and minimalist camping, alongside deeply honest reviews of backpacking gear.

• The Budget Traveller

  Created by National Geographic Traveller Blogger of the Year Kash Bhattacharya — redefines budget travel by championing "flashpacking" and style-led exploration. Deeply curated guides to high-end design hostels, affordable boutique stays, and cheap eats that don't skimp on quality.

• Bunch Of Backpackers

  Founded by Dutch travel writer and medical doctor Manouk — a highly trusted independent blog balancing a professional career with a love for the road. Specialises in off-the-beaten-track destinations, multi-day treks, and responsible tourism, with honest hostel reviews and realistic budget breakdowns.

• Goats On The Road

  Founded by Canadian couple Nick Wharton and Dariece Swift — a leading resource for long-term budget travellers and digital nomads. Focuses heavily on the practicalities of remote work, with comprehensive guides on teaching English abroad, house-sitting, and travel blogging alongside destination tips.

• The Partying Traveler

  Run by seasoned budget explorer Eli Solidum — captures the social and nightlife-driven side of youth travel. Highly authentic guides to the world's best party hostels, festival destinations, and nightlife scenes, while keeping cost and safety firmly in mind alongside practical travel logistics.

• The Pink Backpack

  Run by Canadian solo traveller Stephanie Huff — candid and highly entertaining, embracing the raw and often chaotic realities of the road. Having explored over 50 countries including an extensive 4,000-mile overland journey through Africa, she delivers excellent resources for solo-female travellers and budget-conscious explorers.

• Kami & The Rest Of The World

  Created by Polish travel writer Kamila Napora — an exceptional resource for independent travellers exploring Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and lesser-known alternative destinations. Specialises in solo-female travel, culture-rich itineraries, and deeply practical train and bus logistics.

• Waves 'n Backpack

  Founded by Ani and Julian from Cologne — a beautifully visual travel and surf blog for independent explorers who love the ocean. Seamlessly merges the backpacking lifestyle with surf culture, offering practical surf guides, destination itineraries, and gear packing lists for coastal hotspots across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central America.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are often the best way to get real-time, "on-the-ground" information that static websites can't always capture. Whether you're looking for a last-minute rideshare along the Garden Route, checking the current safety conditions for a specific hike, or trying to find a travel buddy for a safari, these communities are invaluable.

• Backpacking in South Africa

  A vital digital hub for budget-conscious travellers navigating the Rainbow Nation. Members exchange real-time advice on everything from the safest walking routes in major cities to the best-value hostels along the Wild Coast — and the best place to organise carpools and find last-minute travel companions.

• Travel My South Africa

  A fantastic resource for uncovering local gems and gaining a deeper understanding of the country's diverse regions. Particularly useful for fine-tuning an itinerary with up-to-the-minute information on road conditions and hidden viewpoints.

• SANParks

  The official booking portal for South Africa's national parks — Kruger, Table Mountain, Addo Elephant, and all other SANParks reserves. The centralised system for checking availability and securing accommodation, from basic campsites to luxury lodges. Kruger rest camps book up months in advance for peak season.

• Southern Africa Tourism

  A comprehensive resource for those looking to expand their itinerary beyond South Africa's borders into the wider region. Particularly useful for gathering practical details on cross-border logistics — visa requirements, road conditions in neighbouring countries, and regional health advisories.

• Cape Town, South Africa Travel Tips

  An indispensable resource for anyone planning an extended stay in the Mother City. Excels at providing hyper-local updates — real-time weather alerts for Table Mountain cableway closures, the latest advice on safety and transport, and crowd-sourced recommendations for budget-friendly eateries and hidden coastal gems.

• Experience Africa

  Run directly by youthtourism.org — a central hub for the continent's youth and adventure travel sector. Emphasises sustainable travel and NGO volunteer projects, with information on navigating South Africa on a true backpacker's budget. Also an excellent resource for finding language schools, festivals, and outdoor thrills.

• Backpacking Africa

  A dedicated community for independent travellers navigating the continent where traditional tourist infrastructure can be limited. Highly valued for crowd-sourcing recommendations on reputable overland tour operators, arranging regional rideshares, and planning epic cross-border itineraries.

• Solo Female Travelers

  An international community of over 400,000 members dedicated to empowering women on the road. A highly active space for crowd-sourcing unfiltered advice, safety tips, and packing hacks. The dedicated "Connections" subgroup provides a secure platform for solo travellers to link up and split the costs of private transport.

Traditional Travel Guides

• Lonely Planet: South Africa Planning Guides

  While we keep our digital guide updated with real-time hostel shifts and raw ground tactics, Lonely Planet remains a solid, traditional benchmark for broad history and cross-continent planning. Their dedicated country guides are useful reference pieces to read before you fly out.

• Rough Guides: Cultural Backgrounds

  An excellent alternative to mainstream guidebooks, offering deep-dive editorial contexts into South Africa's political history, regional literature, and diverse local cultures. Essential reading for independent travelers who want to understand the context of the places they are passing through.

Other Useful Websites

A curated selection of official, industry, and specialist sites that are genuinely useful for backpacking South Africa.

• SouthAfrica.net

  The official South African Tourism website — comprehensive destination guides, curated itineraries, and practical advice on travel requirements and safety. Most useful for its regional event calendars and for verifying whether attractions are currently open.

• SATSA

  The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association — a non-profit that represents the private sector of the inbound tourism industry. Its strict code of conduct and financial bonding scheme means accredited members are vetted for quality, safety, and financial integrity. Use the membership directory to vet tour operators before booking.

• Fairtrade Africa

  An independent pan-African network representing over one million Fairtrade-certified farmers and workers. Headquartered in Nairobi with its Southern Africa network based in Cape Town — a useful resource for travellers wanting to make informed choices about the products they buy on the road.

• Volunteer Southern Africa

  A dedicated platform for travellers seeking to combine their journey with impactful conservation and community projects. Ethical volunteering opportunities ranging from wildlife rehabilitation and marine conservation to educational initiatives and social development — with structured programmes that include logistical support and accommodation.

Tools

Having the right digital toolkit on your phone can completely transform how smoothly you navigate the ground game in South Africa — from tackling unexpected weather shifts along the Cape coast to breaking down communication barriers in remote villages.

• Google Language Packs

  Downloadable data files that allow Google Translate to function entirely offline. For backpackers exploring South Africa, downloading language packs for isiZulu, isiXhosa, or Afrikaans is a game-changer in rural areas where signal is non-existent. The app's Conversation Mode listens to bilingual dialogue in real time and provides instant audio translations — useful for interactions with local guesthouse hosts, taxi drivers, or community guides.

• Weather — Windy.com

  Offers exceptionally detailed weather visualisations that surpass standard forecasting apps. Provides real-time data on wind speed, swell height, and precipitation — particularly vital for navigating the unpredictable coastal conditions of the Western Cape or planning hikes in the Drakensberg. A favourite for surfers, sailors, and mountain trekkers who require accurate, localised information.

• Currency — XE.com

  An essential resource for managing finances and understanding the real-time value of the South African Rand. Provides a highly reliable currency converter using mid-market rates, alongside historical rate charts and travel expense calculators. Particularly useful for budget-conscious visitors planning an extended trip — helps avoid unfavourable exchange rates and informs decisions when handling money abroad.

• Namola (Safety)

  South Africa's leading safety and emergency response app. A single press of the "Request Assistance" button allows the 24/7 control room to pinpoint your exact GPS coordinates and dispatch the nearest emergency services — police, ambulance, or fire. For backpackers exploring unfamiliar urban areas or remote hiking trails, Namola's trip-sharing features allow trusted contacts to monitor your journey in real time. Set it up before you need it.