Wild Spirit Lodge & Backpackers

Wild Spirit Lodge & Backpackers is popular among those who like open-air pursuits in a country setting. There are several short hiking trails which start at the hostel, and management is very helpful in issuing maps and advice on longer trails. Other reasons to stay at Wild Spirit include the presence of a large number of local attractions such as private wildlife sanctuaries, some of which offer reduced admission to hostel guests, and bungee jumping. It is a social hostel that attracts lots of younger guests but also appeals to all age-groups and families.

The Location

Wild Spirit Lodge occupies a hilltop site with wide-ranging views surrounded by indigenous forest and is located in an old farmhouse known as Heidehof and adjacent buildings. This is a rural location several kilometers south of Highway N2 and is most readily reached by private car including some driving on a gravel road. The hostel is easy to find, especially as there are readily available tourist brochures on the area, known as The Crags, including easy-to-follow map including this and other accommodation, restaurants, attractions. There is ample parking on the property. The nearest city is Plettenberg Bay, which is served by long-distance buses, shared minibus taxis. The backpackers’ Baz bus stops at the hostel. Guests without their own transportation and not using the Baz bus should contact the hostel beforehand to arrange a shuttle pickup from Plettenberg Bay or take a taxi.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are three bright and cheerful, multi-bed, mixed-sex dorms with non-bunk beds and one shared bathroom per dorm located in the old farmhouse and in separate buildings. In addition there are private double rooms with shared bathrooms and tent camping sites. The dorms are not usually locked, and there are not lockers, but management will on request store residents’ valuables in the safe and luggage in a lockable store room.

The shared toilets and showers can sometimes be congested at peak periods, but there is ample is space to change in the shower area. There are hooks for clothes and soap dishes.

Common Spaces

There is a huge, well equipped kitchen and dining area in the old farmhouse, which also has a room with a pool table. The reception area, bar, and restaurant area occupies a wooden building with a deck containing tables and chairs and a scenic view. You can reserve meals in advance here and also get a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It includes a braai (barbecue) area, a free internet computer located in a rather dark corner that could benefit from improved lighting, and a library/book exchange area. There is free tea available at the bar and also -- exceptionally for South Africa -- brewed rather than instant coffee. There is usually music playing in the bar area, and there is scope for parties, but due to the distance from the sleeping accommodation this is never likely to disturb anyone.

Overall, the property has an atmosphere of peace and calm. The entire accommodation is clean, well-maintained, and cheerful-looking. There is no smoking in enclosed spaces, and it is usually possible for nonsmokers to stay clear of smoke on the deck and other places where smoking is permitted. There is a swimming pool, but this is sometimes not used due to water restrictions during periods of drought.

Summary

Wild Spirit Lodge provides comfortable, reasonably priced, relaxing accommodation from which to explore an attractive area of South Africa. Free internet is a major plus point.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2010