Hopefully, these links will help you in locating with reasonable ease, information from some of the sites, I have found during my travels.
If you find their services useful to you DO tell them, where you found the link details. Also Tell me of GOOD ones I may not know about, it helps you and others.
Please remember, that many of these services can be booked in advance by either a travel agent or a local hostel, utilise their services, there is nobody who KNOWS their area & contacts better than them, and it's very often in your own interest.
Phone / Fax numbers are normally quoted as (+27-21) ******* for a Cape Town number, this is the full international code. For usage within South Africa, you drop the +27 and add back a zero, ie Cape Town is 021.
Cellular phones can be reached fron outside SA by dropping the first ) of the number ie +27-83*********, but inside SA their numbers are 083*******
Travel Magazine - Independent travel on the Internet - A really Excellent site
Backpackers - A new service at present under construction, that is aimed at providing the information and service required by travelers. NB They too, are developing a new browser based Email system, which can be used for FREE.- SITE CLOSED RECENTLY DUE TO SPAMMER ABUSE
Yahoo Travel - An excellent site for travel information. Yahoo working with Lonely Planet to give you the information you need.
Getaway Magazine's Site Available fron the ist of April. The website for one of the best loacl travel Magazines.
Out There Hyperactive The Out There magazine has been around a while with its excellent site. HAVE a look at their African Adventurers Guide WELL worth looking at for ideas and details of their contacts. ALSO available in print
HOSTEL guides and Backpacker Guides in print, these are available FREE at most hostels etc:
Coast To Coast - A tongue in cheek guide to your travels in SA, growing into quite THE pocket guide these days. AVAILABLE at most hostels in South Africa - NB Really advertorial but by default now SA's only backpacker publication. NB NOT all hostels nor even some of the BEST ones are listed for various reasons, so dont treat it as gospel
Jungle - Possibly THE backpackers guide in SA, including details of adventures, hostels and most things you are likely to need. - NOW CLOSED - gone to ground
BootsandALL The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveller ! An exciting new and growing site, with plenty of news and feedback from all over the world Email Sean
The Backpacker "Finally a true, down and dirty, gritty, unsanitary, blood pouring, sweat falling, peak bagging internet page" - For Good detail on "Backpacking proper", reviews etc - American Based Site.
Backpackers Hostels Canada A loose network of over 260 hostels and budget facilities in Canada and 400 in the USA. Lists of private hostels of Mexico and Belize have also been added to the website.Added to the website in addition to the complete list of independent-type hostels are references to guidebooks, publications, and essays, some of which are useful to hostel owners
Backpackafrica The Site of BackPack Africa Internet - A fast growing and excellent local site. (This is a non framed link direct to their site)
Budget Travel For Travelers who don't want to pay 5 star prices. Email Frank. See the new Paris / France and Germany pages just released. An Excellent site.
Big World - Bigworlds site is for those who want to travel on the cheap and is down to earth. They also have an excellent magazine as well, of which I was lucky to get a complimentary copy ! -Email Jim
Chet Fromm's Backpacker Guide An excellent site for backpackers (True foot sloggers) with good articles and a fantastic array of links as well, including ones into Africa
Eurotrip an excellent site edited by Andrew for people travelling in Europe, has specialist informaition etc on Eurorail etc
Hostels.com One of the biggest hostels databases, With the recent updates, changes, booking service etc it has greatly improved recently. HELP by sending updates or corrections by Emailing them - added 05/01/2001- sub Darren Overby
Izons Backpackers Journal (LA Times) A really useful homepage site written by Lucy Izon - "The Youth / Student / Budget travel gateway to the internet".
Travellers Point - ask Travel Helpers for assistance planning your trip, maintain a secure online diary while on the road, reunite with a lost travel friend and build a log of places you've been on vacation.
Most of these operators, provide services in the central and southern African region. Many start from or end in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Nairobi or London . You should contact each, to see what routes they use, and to get a brochure or application form.
Adventure Travel Africa Run by Word of Mouth backpackers in Pretoria +27-12-3437499 or Email This excellent site will give you plenty of travel options and information.
Africa Centre based in Johannesburg at the Africa Centre Backpacker Lodge, either call them on +27-11-8944857 or Email them to find out what they can offer.
African Routes - phone them in Durban (+27-31) 5635080 or fax 5635541 or Email them - Contact is Jackie
BokBus Garden Route Adventure - Cape Town - A 5 day adventure filled trip exploring the Garden Route. Call Ryan on 0823201979 or fax (+27-21) 7905817 or Email him.
Campwild Tours and Safaris The only people to do the FALLS TO CAPE TOWN route - ie +_ 20days heading south, with the tour going to Chobe , the Okovango Delta, Etosha ,Twyfelfontein, Swakopmund, Namib National Park ,Sossusvlei , Fish river canyon, Hobas , Ais - Ais , Orange river and the west coast of SA into Cape Town. Contact them in Cape Town at Tel: (+27 21) 6837826 Fax : (+27 21) 6740248 and Cellular 0823333284 or in Harare (+2634) 499059 and Cellular +26-3-02378299 Or you could email them at campwild@safarisouth.co.za
Gibela Safaris Tours of the country from JHb to Kruger & Mpumalanga, into Swaziland then Kwazulu Natal and finally Lesotho, the Drakensburg. Or "just" do the extensive Drakensburg or Zululand tours. Contact Elmar on Durban(+27-31) 2097005 or his cellular: +27 (0)83 261 5276. or email him at info@gibela.co.za (27/09/99)
Intercape Travel & Tours - Cape Town (+27-21) 4198888 or fax 4190837
Sunway Safaris Various tours of the region including Mozambique Contact Shaun Jones & Bruce Taylor at Tel/fax: + 27 11 888 6856 or email them at sunway@icon.co.za
These sites and references relate to backpacking sites and sources that deal with South African backpacking trails etc.
Border Outdoor Adventure Association - This club publishes its own newsletter, covers trails worldwide and offers information on trails within South Africa as well - ERRORS - JULY 2005 - Forbidden ??
Boksburg Hiking Club - BHC has been going for 9 years and have over 400 members. They do day hikes, weekend hikes, base camp trails, overnight trails, horse trails and 4x4 trails with an average of 6 trail per month.
On the web site, you will find information on more than 680 South African trails that is searchable by area, length, type, difficulty, number of days etc. Also available on-line are a large number of articles written by hikers that have done various trails, a growing photo gallery, a 4x4 section, a "survive on the trail" section and a lot of other useful information.
The Johannesburg Hiking Club - The biggest and the most active in the country, they have all sorts of activities for all levels of fitness. Its worth becoming a member and I certainy enjoyed many years as on before coming to Cape Town. ALSO se Youthful Hiking Club below - for the active members of this group
The Mountain Club of South Africa - This site gives details of thetheir activities and information on climbing, hiking and mountaineering in South Africa.
Sites developed by people I know have actually experienced the rigours of Africa and have written about their experiences.
Paul's Travel & Vancouver Info Page Homepage - Paul and Megan have travelled Africa, experiencing overlanding in some of the best floods in ages, if they can enjoy themselves, you certainly can. Read about their trips
Mirium's Dispatches from the road- Well she decided to take some time out and travel for a few years, read her experiences, being updated on a reasonably regular basis.
Per's Travel Pages- Jan-Feb 1998 He travelled for 7 weeks in East Africa, from Entebbe in Uganda, through northern Tanzania to Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, have a read.
Marcel & A VW Beetle- His various travels make interesting reading, especially going where most go with a 4X4 this is a diary of a unique trip through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in a 1974 VW Beetle.
These people can either help you plan your travels or get you around, SA and neighbouring countries during your stay.
Access Car Rentals - A Cape Town based car rental company with exceptional prices and service. Contact Genene on (+27-21) 7157618 or Cell 0829257511 and Fax 619940-or you could send her to -Email
Airports Company - South Africa They run the airports effectively and so you can check the timetables, for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, both local and domestic flights
Aroundaboutcars - SA Car Hire - A Country wide car hire service for Backpackers. Contact Monika and her team on (+27-21)4224022 and Fax 4224083 or the National number 08604224022 or after hours All hours 084 4224022. You could send her an Email
The Bazbus - The "FIRST hop on / hop off" bus service, that runs up (and back) from Cape Town to Durban along the coast and then to Johannesburg, stopping at the various hostels, to this they have added both Swaziland. Their homepage shows their timetable, stops and hostels and is well worth a visit. You can contact them (Barry, Simon or Renee )by Email at -BazBus or phone them in Cape Town (+27-21) 4392323 or fax 4392343 (NB ALL Hostels can also help you book in advance)
Backpacker Bus - CAPE TOWN - Airport shuttle and more run by Andre and crew in Cape Town you can visit their site or Email them to find out details of their airport shuttles and other services. Cell +27-(0)828099185 or Tel +27-(0)21-4474991 - New 20/10/2003 NB B.T.S.A MEMBER All hostels will gladly book for you if required.
Beetle & Golf Hire (Kaefer Hire ) - Hire a budget beetle or Golf, ideal for budget students or tourists Email them to find out details of their vehicles and rates. Cell +27-(0)824266727, Tel +27-(0)21-9452738.
Cape Scenic Travel - This Stellenbosch based service company, specialises in the following, wine route tours, peninsular tours, hiking adventures including the Cedarberg, eco tours and the will arrange any personalised tour, you may be interested in. Phone/fax Dan Wijsbroek (+27-21) 8801841 or by Cellular 0825706659.
CA Schuttle & Tours - This Cape Town service company specialises in airport transfers to and from the city, tours of the peninsular, it also arranges winelands tours and will even provide a chauffeur service. For the fit, hire a bicycle from them. Phone or fax Alfrieda (+27-21) 526028 or contact her on her Cell 0832828238. "Ring for the ultimate shuttle & tours service" You can also enquire via Email - Alfrieda on email
Drive AfricaRent / purchase or lease back a vehicle of your choice, with guarenteed buyback arrangement, to do your own exploring, then return the vehicle. Contact Alex Jochheim 370 Main Rd, Observatory, 7925 , Tel 021-4471144, fax 021-4471130, Cell 0834481230, Alt website
Drive South Africa- Vehicle Buyback, 4x4 Hire, Car Hire & Self Drive in Africa - Vehicle Buyback & Car Hire for extended stays in South Africa. Unlimited mileage, full insurance, border-crossing freedom and pick-up / drop-off anywhere in Southern Africa. Choose from our buyback guaranteed vehicles or short & long-term rentals. From 4x4's to budget vehicles. Buyback prices guaranteed. Special long-term rental rates. Contact Andre +27-(0)21-7152860
Felix Unite Car Hire - Part of the Felix Unite Group. Contact then for the Best car hire prices, let them shop around for you. Tel (+27-21) 6701300, Fax 6836485 or email Pixie The Felix Unite Tourism Group operates safari tours, river adventures and overland trips in South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania.
The Grass - Hopper Bus - Travels from Durban via the North Coast(Zululand) to Swaziland and Johannesburg and return to Durban on the same route. Linked to many hostels, Phone (+27-31) 3066585 Fax 3059897 or email or visit their website to get more details(NB Most hostels will arrange booking for you easily)NOW CLOSED
Greyhound One of the luxury bus companies servicing SA and some neighbouring countries including Zimbabwe. See also their pass rates and purchasing facilities overseas.
The Hopper Bus - Travels between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, Contact Vernon Waite in Port Elizabeth (+27-41) 512581 or fax 558402(NB Hostels can also book for you) NOW CLOSED
The Nawa Travel shuttle - Travels between Windhoek and Cape Town, Contact Russel Michaels in Cape Town on cellular (+27) 0824615558
Olympic Car Hire - This Cape Town company has a "Backpackers" rate (R95 / day) (+27-21) 5117400 or fax 5118079 & Cell 0832505312 / 0837276961. So why not spend some time, having a good look around "The Mother City" and surrounds. (Winelands!!!)
Route 49 - The Cape Town or Johannessburg to Zimbabwe connection. - 24 hours direct in luxury air conditioned buses, Cape Town to Bulawayo via Botswana. Stop there, then on to the Falls the next day, if you so wish. There is also a connection now to Johannesburg. This regular service is a real boon to those wanting to fast track these sections. They could even book you on the Falls train from Bulawayo should you wish. How about starting or ending your exploration of South Africa from Cape Town, with this option it now makes perfect sense, even if you want to see Zimbabwe. Contact Stuart or Grant at (+27-21) 4265593 or fax (+27-21)4230411 or via Email or visit their website- NOT OPERATIONAL to get more details( NB Most hostels will arrange booking for you easily) CLOSED DOWN MID 1999
Spoornet - The South African Railways service which has an excellent site, and has proved to be very helpful when queried.
South African Airways or their alternative at SAA - This site gives plenty of details on their services and timetables etc as well as much needed information.
SA Express Airlines An affiliate of SAA, which services many of the smaller regional flights.
Swans Rent A Car A National Car hire company with plenty of experience, call 0861101265 on Sharecall, or (+27-21) 9750799, Fax 9750803.
Share a Lift - Run by Angelica in Cape Town (+27-21) 7851893 or you can Email her to find out about possible lifts.
Translux They have a special Translux Pass, which will allow you to travel and hop off when you want. They service Kusaka, Bulawayo and Harare, as well as having extensive coverage in SA As they have no Email, either use one of their many offices or contact Delia Mc Bride at Translux in Cape Town, phone her at (+27-21) 405-2490 or on her Cellular 0832844575, otherwise fax her on +27-21 4056198, she will help you with the details. This service was previously only marketed overseas apparently via Campus Travel.
WEE PEE TOURS ( CAPE TOWN ) - Well Sakkie is definately not the biggest, but is by far the most personalised, at your disposal is him and his minibus. He is quite happy to collect you at the airport, then run you around anywhere, even small groups. He is a dab hand at those personalised tours, contact him on Phone / Fax (+27-21) 929395 or Cellular 0829550449 Hopefully he is not already taken.
Zimbabwe Express Airlines- The alternative to Air Zimbabwe. - Email
Zimbabwe Travel - An air conditioned luxury mini/midi - coach service between Johannesburg(Sandton) and Pretoria to Bulawayo and then an escorted connection to an overnight first class train ride to the Falls. (Clean comfortable bedding supplied and there's pub and grub on board!) Well established and in operation for many years, they leave every Monday and Friday JHB -> BYO and return every Wed and Sunday BYO -> JHB. Phone +27-12-5431236/7 or Fax +27-12- 5674264 or E:Mail zimtravl@iafrica.com and contact Clive or visit their site at GO Zimbabwe for details of their services and other specials they can offer.
Cape Mountain Meanders cc - The suppliers of "THE CAPE TOWN MOUNTAIN MEANDERS" recreational opportunities map. The best map I have seen to date of the Cape Town Peninsular and surrounds, with clear details of routes and things to see. Their site is also available, with good information about the "Mother City", along with other details as well. You can even order copies of the map directly from them, should you wish. Email Fiona
Travel on Iafrica One of the bset sources of travel information available on a local ISP as part of it's services.
Info Africa - "SA's Largest travel database" - collect a copy of their publication at the airports or info services. This is without doubt one of the largest info sites in Africa.
Tourmed Unique comprehensive medical insurance specifically designed for Southern Africa, ensuring that visitors receive the finest emergency treatment whilst visiting this region.
Toursaa.com’s website enables travellers, groups and organises of conferences and incentives to arrange cultural, adventure, wildlife and wilderness experiences in southern Africa. Included are safe and informative, tailor-made self-drive tours, conference organisation and safari packages..
Youth Discovery Programmes A site dealing with Information and contacts for South Africans who are wanting to possibly work overseas during their travels.
Why limit yourself to staying in a hostel, there are plenty of other accomodation possibilities, many at very reasonable prices, herewith a small sample.
Bichana Kachana Farm or Email CynThia Tel: 0836547234
Fax: (+27-21) 721-450. Situated in Seaview (30 km SW of Port Elizabeth), with two cottages each sleeping up to 7 (2 dbl beds, 3 singles) , with fully equipped kitchen, continental b'fast, porch and braii, dogs and horses welcome too. Much more upmarket than a hostel for backpakers but something for anybody to consider.They can arrange microlighting, riding, fishing, hiking, biking in the adjacent nature reserve.
Cape Holiday Homepage Offer various accommodation types to suit all pockets, as well as other useful services.
Hout Bay Guest House - 3 comfortable self catering garden flats available in Hout Bay +- 25 minutes from Cape Town. All have their own garden, incl braai / BBQ and supurb mountain views. Either Phone / Fax (+27-21) 790-2611 for details and Katinka or Ivan Hall will gladly help you. Physical & "Snail Mail" Address: Bavianskloof Road, Hout Bay, 7800, Cape Town.
Jakkalsfontein Farm and Wilderness Area - SWELLENDAM - Take R62 between Swellendam and Oudtshoorn. Find "Ronnies Sex Shop" between Barrydale and Ladismith (you can't miss this landmark). Go into Ronnies and have 5 Windhoek Lagers and 2 Tequilas each. Fall into your car and turn up dirt road signposted "Warmwaterberg". Drive for 21Km to "Jakkalsfontein" sign and turn into very bad farm road. Go to the end and rest in very peaceful and wild surroundings. Wake up to birdsongs and coffee, then go see Bushman Paintings. Nature available - leopards, snakes, antelope, aardvark etc. 120 species of birds. Bushman Paintings. Mainly selfcatering but some farm produce may be available (lamb, venison, milk, eggs, fresh bread, possibly vegetables). Olive picking when in season. Guests may feel free to do anything - walk in veld, mountain bike, rock climb at own risk. Barbeque at night under incredible stars. Winters can be icy (but sunny and clear) but summers are extremely hot. Either Phone (+27-28)5721825 for details or fax (+27-21)7942361 and Evan & Liz will gladly help you or email them at evan@sdm.dorea.co.za
Stay4free Sick of hostels ? never really meet the locals, know nobody. Well there are people all over the world that are meeting new people every day, and "staying 4 free" . An excellent idea, makes travel so much nicer and afforable, as you can effectively "swop" time when you come back ? See the backpackers section for contacts.
The Potting Shed - Hermanus or Email Richard Blyth who runs The Potting Shed. Although they really concentrate on running a bed & breakfast, they have a 4 bunk (2 doubles) chalet, with it's own exclusive bathroom round the corner. This is a good alternative to hostelling, and as they are within walking distanec of town. it's ideal. They are situated at 28 Albertyn Street, telephone (+27-283) 21712, (NB Number to change soon to 27-28 3121717).
Venture Inn Hotel 1 Commercial Drive, Umtentweni. Phone Kerry-Lee at Tel/Fax (+27-39) 6950110. Backpackers always welcome. Site no longer working as http:pshs.iafrica.com/~venture
Villa GrandeVilla Grande is a luxury guest house and bed and breakfast establishment offering Stellenbosch accommodation.
Suburbia The oldest Australian Public Access Service
Provider in Sydney, who opened me an account years ago in Australia.
Iafrica My Service Provider in Cape Town and also services Southern Africa, have a
wander around and you will find many other links, on their services
pages...PLENTY of Information;-)
Mweb A National ISP and the power behind the virtual serving of this site, having taken over the valiant but small Gem. Mweb becoming a force to respect, but many miss the smaller personal ISP's
Download & read from your POP3 server
To get your mail off YOUR POP3 server while surfing and then be able to read etc try this service provided by Usog, which you can customise to pull your mail down into the browser for you to read. Also very useful to sort out the wheat from the chaff
WEB based Email accounts - available Internationally
These service providers run browser based Email accounts, that are FREE and available to anybody with a browser. You will then be able to collect your post wherever in the world you are by using an Internet Café, or anyone's link.
Just remember they are a little bit slower than a normal account, as you have to let the advertisers pay for the service, for you.
If you want the lightening speed, you will have to arrange your own Email at home and then use a local Icafe to download you Email from your foreign account.
It's actually quite strange that after these pioneers, nearly any decent search engine / portal will now let you have a free mail address, often using the facilities offered by these, you can try Yahoo, MSN, Alta Vista, Netscape etc
Apexmail A new free email service that has so much to offer. Speedy and packed with options and services.
Backpackers They have a freemail service as part of their backpacking homepage service. CLOSED DUE TO ABUSE
Freemail - SA *** A South African service, that is rapidly developing and could soon be a world beating service. - contact them Email ??? SERVICE SUSPENDED
Hotmail **** One of the recognised best - a C|Net review recommendation.(Feb 97)
Bigfoot The Bigfoot directory
service, which will also allow you to set up a mirror, to redirect
your mail sent to the address, they allow you to create.
Find Product Search Engine by Websa - allows specific interest searches. NB They also will help launch your site for very reasonable rates.- A BIT SLOW
Africa News - ONLINE News from many African countries, have a look here to see the news of your region.
Zimbabwe Independent - Fantastic cover of news in Zimbabwe ( NOT THE STATE CONTROLLED RUBBISH) and a brilliant "Muckraker" column. NB Down - September 2003 - Possibly due to political intervention
Alpha Dive Centre - Strand- Join us diving, contact Ettienne Raal.If you do not know how to dive and are visiting the country, Contact Ettienne (+27-21) phone 8543151 and get directions to the Strand.
Dive Connection - Let them arrange a dive tour, phone (+27-21) 239402.
Farside Adventures - Simonstown - A dive shop that will arrange your training. almost any adventure your heart may desire, diving, boat charters and othe eco adventure tours. Tel (+27-21) 7862599 Fax 7861681 Email or visit their site http://www.farside.co.za NB LiNK ERROR DEC 2000
Got a head for The Rush of action or heights, Try some of these:
Abseil Africa - Cape Town want to Abseil down Table Mountain or attempt the Kamakazi Canyon experience then contact them at 229 Long St, tel +27-21-4244760 or email them at info@abseilafrica.co.za Updated July 2003
DayTrippers - Cape Town The Origional and still the best day trips out and about Cape Town, you will not be sorry.info@bazbus.com,call Steve, Di or the team on +27-21-5114766
Downhill Adventuresy - Cape Town Axel and his team will lead you astry on anything with a slope ?? sandboarding, surfing, Kiteboarding, mountain biking - YOU name it.downhill@mweb.co.za,call Steve, Di or the team on +27-21-5114766
Easy Ride WINE TOURS From the Famous Stumble Inn in Stellenbosch. You literally will do sampling too much wine & various cheeses. They have great accomodation discounts for you to sleeo it off.,Contact Neil and his team on +27-21-8864651 or fax 8874049.
Face Adrenalin ( old Kiwi Extreme) who also run at the Victoria Falls, have 2 sites in SA, Gouritz river bridge(65 metres) (Tel +27-444 977001)and NOW THE HIGHEST JUMP IN THE WORLD - Bloukrans (216 metres) (tel +27-42 2811458). Just opened, on the Bloukrans river bridge, north of Plettenburg Bay. Congratulations to Devan & Chris extremes@iafrica.com They also have a reservations office in Cape Town at (+27-21) 2811458
Green Turtle Tours & Safaris - Cape Town Want to really MEET the people on your Township tour ?? This is the real thing. Contact Craig & Karin ,call them 0724255983 (Craig) & 0825582963( Karin)
If you have comments, suggestions or find, that some of these links, do not work, please will you, Email me at mgregory@iafrica.com or use the Feedback form provided.
This page created with the help of Netscape Navigator Gold, Microsoft Internet Assistants and Hotmetal. Updated regularly using Notepad and a glass of the Cape's best red.
Contact Details & Copyright
MIKE GREGORY,
P.O. Box 1909, Durbanville, Cape Province, 7551,
South Africa.
27-21-9767658 (Answering machine / Fax ) or Cell (SA) 0837967658
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Failure to comply with this copyright, will lead to legal action and a formal complaint being lodged with your ISP, for investigation by them.
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