The Hostelz.com Review
Isinkwe Backpackers Bushcamp is well run, has a pleasant atmosphere, and is well known in the area, especially in view of its tours to wildlife reserves.
The Location
The hostel is located in a large fenced compound within an indigenous coastal forest about fourteen kilometers south of Hluhluwe village. Drivers take the well-signposted Bushlands turn-off from Highway N2, drive two kilometers east along a gravel road until they come to a hostel sign on the left. There is then a long, tortuous, single-track sand road, which offers possibilities here and there to pull off and allow the passage of vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
On reaching the locked gate to the compound, drivers obtain admission by ringing a bell and explaining to the receptionist via the intercom that they wish to stay at the hostel or are already checked in and whether they have a reservation. Even outside reception opening hours there is always a watchman available to admit and check in guests. There is ample secure parking on the hostel’s large parking lot and for campers on their campground. The Baz backpackers bus stops at the hostel.
The nearest attractions, such as St Lucia Wetlands Park and Hlhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, are at some driving distance from the hostel, but the hostel organizes popular day trips and overnight excursions of various durations. Self-caterers are advised to stock up in a supermarket in Hluhluwe village or any city which they pass by on their way to the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a wide range of sleeping accommodation available including multi-bed, mixed-sex dorms; doubles, some of which have private bathrooms; a self-catering chalet; and camping. The dorms are not usually locked, nor do they have lockers, but reception can arrange for secure storage of valuables. There are ample shared mixed-sex toilets and showers. There is space to change in the shower area, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
There is a basic, fairly small self-catering kitchen that is reasonably equipped with utensils, a microwave oven, and a couple of gas rings. It could become congested at peak periods. The closest dining area is a short walk away by the swimming pool. Also next to the pool is a well-stocked bar, a restaurant, and a great deal of seating and tables, some of these areas being sheltered from the elements. As so many of the common spaces are not totally enclosed, they are not subject to a smoking ban and smoking could sometimes be a problem for nonsmokers.
The hostel enjoys a pleasant woodland location with wild birds and small animals known as bushbabies, which are related to monkeys and can often be observed in the area next to the swimming pool. The installations are generally of pleasant appearance, and cleanliness is of a high standard. The hostel is generally fairly quiet and seems anything but a party hostel. The customers are largely middle-aged, perhaps due to the higher than average room rates. Book exchange, a pay-as-you-go internet computer, and items for sale are available at reception during opening hours.
Summary
Despite higher than average accommodation rates for the facilities available, this hostel is a perhaps the most economical choice for visitors to the many local attractions, while providing a good standard of physical security. Management and employees are friendly and informative.
The Location
The hostel is located in a large fenced compound within an indigenous coastal forest about fourteen kilometers south of Hluhluwe village. Drivers take the well-signposted Bushlands turn-off from Highway N2, drive two kilometers east along a gravel road until they come to a hostel sign on the left. There is then a long, tortuous, single-track sand road, which offers possibilities here and there to pull off and allow the passage of vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
On reaching the locked gate to the compound, drivers obtain admission by ringing a bell and explaining to the receptionist via the intercom that they wish to stay at the hostel or are already checked in and whether they have a reservation. Even outside reception opening hours there is always a watchman available to admit and check in guests. There is ample secure parking on the hostel’s large parking lot and for campers on their campground. The Baz backpackers bus stops at the hostel.
The nearest attractions, such as St Lucia Wetlands Park and Hlhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, are at some driving distance from the hostel, but the hostel organizes popular day trips and overnight excursions of various durations. Self-caterers are advised to stock up in a supermarket in Hluhluwe village or any city which they pass by on their way to the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a wide range of sleeping accommodation available including multi-bed, mixed-sex dorms; doubles, some of which have private bathrooms; a self-catering chalet; and camping. The dorms are not usually locked, nor do they have lockers, but reception can arrange for secure storage of valuables. There are ample shared mixed-sex toilets and showers. There is space to change in the shower area, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
There is a basic, fairly small self-catering kitchen that is reasonably equipped with utensils, a microwave oven, and a couple of gas rings. It could become congested at peak periods. The closest dining area is a short walk away by the swimming pool. Also next to the pool is a well-stocked bar, a restaurant, and a great deal of seating and tables, some of these areas being sheltered from the elements. As so many of the common spaces are not totally enclosed, they are not subject to a smoking ban and smoking could sometimes be a problem for nonsmokers.
The hostel enjoys a pleasant woodland location with wild birds and small animals known as bushbabies, which are related to monkeys and can often be observed in the area next to the swimming pool. The installations are generally of pleasant appearance, and cleanliness is of a high standard. The hostel is generally fairly quiet and seems anything but a party hostel. The customers are largely middle-aged, perhaps due to the higher than average room rates. Book exchange, a pay-as-you-go internet computer, and items for sale are available at reception during opening hours.
Summary
Despite higher than average accommodation rates for the facilities available, this hostel is a perhaps the most economical choice for visitors to the many local attractions, while providing a good standard of physical security. Management and employees are friendly and informative.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2010
Their Description
Isinkwe Backpackers Bushcamp Details
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