South Africa Hotel Tips by geanster

Fairy Knowe Backpackers

We stayed in Wilderness at a backpacker's called Fairy Knowe. It is a beautiful place with an old house built in the 1800's where we stayed. They also have a pig Clarissa that is a landmark of the place.
They have internet access and a great bonfire spot where everyone gathers in the evenings to have some drinks. It was a very clean place, plenty of showers and toilets, communal kitchen. We all wished we could stay longer.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Other

Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay: Hole in the Wall Backpackers

Hole in the Wall was my first taste of the Backpackers lifestyle. As we drove down this long dirt road towards the backpackers, we stopped to look at an absolutely amazing view and all of these kids came running towards us. 2 of my friends speak Afrikaans so it was great to be able to communicate with them. We watched the sunset from a hill overlooking the ocean right by the backpackers. There was a rainbow as well, that decided not to show up in photos for some unknown reason, and we could see loads of whales out in the water.

The girl running the place at the time, Anita, was incredibly nice and there was a small bar and pool table we enjoyed later the night we arrived. There was also an activity schedule we could have taken her up on if we'd had the time.

Unique Qualities: They want you to arrive during daylight hours.

From Durban: Pass Umtata and 13kms south of Shell Ultra City turn left at Vidgesville (Swalala bottle store) on the Coffee Bay Road.
Carry on all the way in to Coffee Bay untill you get on the dirt track road. (*Remember 20kms before Coffee Bay there is a sign turning right to Hole in the Wall, drive straight past, as this road is very bad.) Once on the dirt track head along the coast road keeping left for about 7-8kms and you will arrive in Hole in the Wall.

From East London: 70 kms north of Iduwtwa and 20kms past Nelson Mandela's house turn right at Vidgesville (Swalala bottle store) on the Coffee Bay Road. Carry on all the way in to Coffee Bay untill you get on the dirt track road. (*Remember 20kms before Coffee Bay there is a sign turning right to Hole in the Wall, drive straight past, as this road is very bad.) Once on the dirt track head along the coast road keeping left for about 7-8kms and you will arrive in Hole in the Wall.

By Airport: Daily flights to Umtata from Johannesburg. Contact Hole in the Wall Backpackers for possible pick up. (047 5750055)
Or Umtata airport has Car Hire with Avis or Imperial.

Address: South of Coffee Bay, Signposted +- 30 kms before Coffee Bay ( P.O. Box 13135, Vincent, 5217)

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Hole in the Wall, Transkei ( P.O.Box 13135, Vincent,5217)

Cell 0833178786

Other Contact: holeitwh@iafrica.com

Phone: 047 5750009

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Hostel

Website: http://home.intekom.com/holeinthewall/index.htm