CAPE AGULHAS BACKPACKERS
Struisbaai - Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip in Africa and where the two oceans really meet, is where you will find the beautiful Cape Agulhas Backpackers, well located in the main street and few metres from the longest uninterrupted beach in the southern hemisphere.
Cape Agulhas Backpackers was established by local residents, Malan and Erin Conradie in March 2006.
After getting married, Erin and her husband Malan decided to start
their honeymoon from home to see where the adventure took them. They backpacked
from Cape Agulhas to Transkei. They enjoyed the adventure so much that they
decided to start their own backpackers when they returned to Struisbaai, Cape
Agulhas. They felt that there was a need for a backpacker in the area, they knew
that their home was beautiful, very well located, they love people and they
live in the best kept secret area in the Southern Hemisphere, southernmost
point in Africa! Over ten years later they still welcome local and
international travellers into their beautiful Hawaiian themed home.
THE AREA
Cape Agulhas Backpackers is in the centre of most if not all tourist
attractions and is well-located on the main street, corner of Hoofweg (R319) and
Duiker Street. It’s few metres away from the longest uninterrupted beach in the
southern hemisphere, caravan park, the harbour where you will see the
Struisbaai stingray harbour mascot called Parrie, kayaking, beach horse riding, quad
biking, diving, paddle boarding, kite surfing, fishing and about 5km from the
second oldest operating Lighthouse in South Africa, Cape Agulhas museum, southernmost
point in Africa monument where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet and the
popular Meisho Maru no 38 shipwreck, a
Japanese fishing trawler that succumbed to the mighty two ocean meeting point
on the 16th of November 1982.
Even though some developments have taken place in this town, the area is still relatively untouched by the rigours of over-development. Many fishermen still reside in this settlement and you can still spot their beautifully built and unique lime-washed and thatched roof cottages along the road when you enter Struisbaai.
THE
ESTABLISHMENT
Cape Agulhas Backpackers can accommodate 70 people but that is not
what caught my attention about this lovely place, the bedroom names did. Rooms
are named after the little fisherman's boats in the nearby harbour:
Potberg, Melodie,
Stella, Weltevrede, Seabreeze, Albatros, Renata, Marco, Bella, Dagbreek, Tygerberg,
Snowgoose and Seriola.
They have dormitory,
double, single, family and camping site set-ups between their three properties.
On my day of
arrival I was greeted and warmly welcomed by friendly Stef, one lady with such a
positive vibe. After a quick check-in process, she showed me my room and
facilities around the backpackers before giving me directions to all the must-see tourist attractions around the area.
Facilities include:
·
Pool table and other selection of board games
·
Fully equipped kitchen for those who would
like to cook up a storm
·
Fire place - They informed me that they make a
fire 365 days of the year
·
Sparkling swimming pool with deck chairs
·
They have a braai on selected evenings - Luckily my second evening was one of the selected braai evenings
·
Satelite TV and a stack of DVD’s consisting of
some great classic movies
·
Hanging chairs and hammocks in their well
manicured garden
·
Fully licensed bar and a wall where you can write
names or messages
Not many people are aware of this hidden gem area and its rich
history. Most travellers who visit Western Cape still think Cape Point is the
southernmost point in Africa. I agree Cape Point has the best scenic views but
Cape Agulhas takes the title for southernmost point in Africa, real meeting of
Indian and Atlantic oceans and rich history.
Later that evening we sat together around the fire while enjoying Poitjiekos
(hot chicken pot) with rice and homemade bread baked on an open fire and
sipping drinks from the backpackers’ fully licensed bar.
NEARBY
ACTIVITIES
When you stay at Cape Agulhas Backpackers you are literally closer
to the action!
Nearby activities include a visit to the second-oldest working Lighthouse
in South Africa, Meisho Maru
shipwreck that got wrecked in 1982 (the sunset is awesome from there), feeding
the local stingray mascot, a walk on a longest uninterrupted sandy beach in the southern hemisphere, a dip
in Indian or Atlantic ocean, see where the 2 oceans really meet, whale watching
(from June to December), hiking, adrenaline boat rides, sea tubing, kayaking,
surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, horse riding, hiking, paintball, quad biking,
diving and kite surfing.
MEET THE
TEAM
The team at Cape Agulhas Backpackers will definitely make you feel
like part of the family. You will leave with happy memories and thinking you
are a local too.
Here is the entire team…
OWNERS
Malan
& Erin
Erin is part of the local committee #capeagulhascleanup
that has made it their responsibility to clean up the local harbour to try and
save the planet and ocean marine in the Cape Agulhas Municipality. The group was appointed by the Mayor to beautify and
cleanup their area. Erin and her team are inviting the locals and visitors to
join them on their regular weekend clean-ups.
The Skip Bins at the harbour during these
clean-ups are donated by another local, Charl
Olivier. Please support his business by hiring his Skip Bins, he can be contacted on +27 61 012 8604. They hope to see more of their Youth helping them cleanup their
beautiful beach and preserving its history and marine life.
"Please share to inspire all who love our ocean to help and remember that
there is no Planet B!"
BACKPACKERS
DOGS
Peanut - The escort,
he escorted me every time I went to my room.
Chocolate - Very
adorable and only plays with you when invited.
Lava - The funny
one and the pool table player too.
Milo - The oldest
and always in front of the backpackers welcoming guests.
STAFF
MEMBERS
Sam, Stef, Garth, Erin and Eric
BENEFITS OF
BACKPACKING TRAVEL
Sometimes we end up spending lots of money on accommodation and travelling costs but less on tour activities when we finally reach our destinations!
Here are some few backpacking benefits that I’ve compiled for you…
1. REAL INTERACTION
Backpacking will allow you to interact with other travel lovers, locals and their cultures. Asking directions from the locals and going to places you are not familiar with is a plus. Not only you were able to reach the place, but you were able to communicate with strangers. This will greatly boost your confidence for future use. Asking random people for direction will help you develop your charisma.
2. FREEDOM
Unlike most scheduled trips, as a backpacker you are the captain of your own ship and you’re free to explore the world the way you want. You will forget about responsibilities, obligations and all the negativity that we face in the modern world. Backpacking will detach your connection with real life, and help you reflect.
3. FINANCIAL AWARENESS
Backpacking is much cheaper! It allows you to manage your own budget. You are most aware on where you spend your money, how much money you have, and how much you need. You will always have enough money to enjoy more outdoor activities.
4. MENTAL EXERCISE
Traveling without a guide, but yourself is a good mental exercise. This will increase your curiosity, self-awareness, become more knowledgeable and have a photographic memory. It also helps relax your mind and relieves stress.
5. FAMILIARISATION
Traveling without a service vehicle will help you familiarise the places you visit. You will know every corner, stopovers, fun spots and become more aware of the surroundings. You will actually experience the people and the place. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself walking confidently on the same road you once got lost.
6. THE FOOD
Backpacking means not living in the modernised world, so most of the time you will have to buy your food from side vendors and farmers’ markets. But guess what, side vendors cook better when it comes to local delicacies. So you’ll be able to taste the best food the place can offer.
Cape Agulhas Backpackers contact details:
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