Search KwaZulu-Natal South Coast Backpacker Hostels
Filter backpackers hostels by digital nomad suitability, solo female traveller friendliness, safety, surfing, camping, value for money, party atmosphere, african culture experiences, adventure activities and nature experiences.
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Welcome to our backpacking guide of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast!
Discover moreSouth Coast Backpackers Hostels
Hostels listed on Booking.com and Hostelworld
All Hostels
Full contact details are included in case you want to book direct, plus useful info such as Safety Ratings and Value For Money, Solo Female Friendliness, and Digital Nomad scorecards.
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PUMULA / UMZUMBE
MARGATE
ALIWAL DIVE CENTRE
AREA: Northern South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 2 Moodie Street, Umkomaas, KZN, 4170
PHONE: +27 39 973 2233
WHATSAPP: +27 82 893 2852 / +27 82 842 9606
EMAIL: dive@aliwalshoal.co.za
WEBSITE: aliwalshoal.co.za
SOCIAL: Facebook
ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Dorm beds, en-suite double rooms, self-catering chalets. Dive-integrated operation — accommodation is primarily designed to support multi-day dive packages.
PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Dorm beds from approximately R200–R280; doubles from R600–R900. Dive packages that include accommodation are significantly better value than booking separately.
THE SPOT BACKPACKERS
AREA: Southern South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 53 Ambleside Road, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, 4235
PHONE: +27 39 695 1318
WHATSAPP: +27 65 246 8347
EMAIL: info@thespotbackpackers.co.za
WEBSITE: spotbackpackers.com
SOCIAL: Facebook
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ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, female-only dorms, double and twin private rooms. En-suite and shared bathroom options. Garden camping available.
PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from approximately R180–R250; private rooms from R500–R750. Camping from R120 per person.
DRIFTWOOD BACKPACKING LODGE
AREA: Southern South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 586 Seaton Avenue, Leisure Bay, 4278, KwaZulu-Natal (Approx. 5km from Port Edward)
PHONE: +27 21 201 8901 / +27 39 311 2333
WHATSAPP: N/A
EMAIL: reservations1@portedward.co.za
WEBSITE: N/A
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ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, double rooms, self-catering units. Sea-facing rooms available. Communal braai and garden areas.
PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from approximately R160–R230; private rooms from R480–R700.
PUMULA SURF CAMP
AREA: Mid South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 75 Park Avenue, Pumula, 4235, KwaZulu-Natal
PHONE: +27 68 740 4903 / +27 39 684 5008
WHATSAPP: +27 78 444 7130
EMAIL: info@pumulasurfcamp.co.za
WEBSITE: pumulasurfcamp.co.za
SOCIAL: Facebook
ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, en-suite double rooms, self-catering chalets. Surf school on-site. All accommodation within 100 metres of the beach.
PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Dorm beds from approximately R220–R320; rooms from R700–R1,200; surf packages (accommodation + lessons) available and represent the best value.
MANTIS AND MOON BACKPACKERS LODGE
AREA: Mid South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 178 Station Rd, Umzumbe, Port Shepstone, 4225
PHONE: +27 39 684 6256 / +27 79 114 6609
WHATSAPP: +27 79 114 6609
EMAIL: info@mantisandmoon.net
WEBSITE: mantisandmoon.net
SOCIAL: Facebook
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ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, female-only dorms, double rooms, self-catering bush chalets. Indigenous garden setting, short walk to the beach.
PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from approximately R190–R260; chalets from R600–R900.
UMZUMBE SURF HOUSE & SURF CAMP
AREA: Mid South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 112 Station Road, Umzumbe, 4225, KwaZulu-Natal
PHONE: +27 71 352 6940
WHATSAPP: +27 71 352 6940
EMAIL: umzumbesurfcamp@gmail.com
WEBSITE: umzumbesurfhouse.co.za
SOCIAL: Facebook
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ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, private rooms. Surf camp operation with daily structured surf sessions. Board hire and wetsuit hire included in surf packages.
PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Dorm beds from approximately R210–R300; surf packages from R500 per day including accommodation, instruction, and equipment.
THE EARTHWORM MARGATE BACKPACKERS
AREA: Southern South Coast
STREET ADDRESS: 39 Wingate Avenue, Margate, 4275, KwaZulu-Natal
PHONE: +27 76 424 4651 / +27 84 812 5161
WHATSAPP: +27 76 424 4651
EMAIL: aloeha.aloes@gmail.com
WEBSITE: N/A
ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dorms, private rooms, self-catering units. Central Margate location within walking distance of the beachfront and town centre amenities.
PRICE RANGE: Budget. Dorm beds from approximately R180–R250; private rooms from R500–R750.
Preparation
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1 Week: The Cape Loop 2 Weeks: The Whistlestop Tour 2 Weeks: The Northeast Triangle 2 Weeks: The Grand Cape Loop 2 Weeks: The Wild North 2 Weeks: The Road Less Travelled 3 Weeks: The Backpacker's Bible 3 Weeks: Coast & Karoo 3 Weeks: Off The Beaten Track 1 Month: The Rainbow Nation 3 Months: The Full MontyTours & Day Trips
Cape Town Winelands West Coast Garden Route Karoo Route 62 The Overberg Sunshine Coast Durban Drakensberg Zululand Kruger Johannesburg Eswatini LesothoPDF Hostel Guide
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