Backpackers Paradise & Joyrides

This is by far the best backpackers we have stayed in (and we have stayed in a lot). Not just in South Africa but in all the countries we have visited. Marius and Petra were the so friendly and the facilities are great. We got plenty of advice and we felt so at home we didn't want to leave. We stayed four nights but would have stayed longer if we could have. Trip A mentioned below from the swartzberg pass is a must do and one of the biggest highlights of our travels. Not for the faint hearted though as it is quite a white knuckle ride. All I can say is you have to stay here.

I stayed here while I explored the Garden Route with two friends, and we absolutely loved it. This was probably the best place we stayed at — this place and Tube N Axe (in Stormsriver) were miles ahead of the others! The staff are friendly, the facilities are fantastic, and with so much to do in O'Town, you just can't get bored. You are offered three different "tours." Trip A is a 54 km bike ride from the top of Swatberg Pass down to the Cango Caves, on to all the ostrich farms and the Cango Wildlife Ranch, and back to the hostel. Trip B begins at the Caves (about 30 km). And Trip C is being driven to all of them. I am incredibly unfit, but met some crazy Irish folk who convinced me to do Trip A. I'm so glad I did — most of it is downhill and freewheeling (though don't get too cocky — there's still heaps and heaps of actual riding to do!). You absolutely must do the big bike ride, it's well worth it! You won't regret staying at Backpacker's Paradise, it's fantastic.

The shuttle from George is 40 rands return and it goes through the mountains and the ostrich farms. Very different from the greenery of the Garden Route. On the spot they propose different kinds of trips with mountain bikes or not. We just can't get bored. I myself visited an ostrich farm and the museum, which is surprisingly interesting. Breakfast with an ostrich egg is fun. I enjoyed dramatic sunsets there.

We were there on a flying visit during winter, so unfortunately we didn't get to try the famous ostrich egg breakfasts. We did enjoy the incredible beds though — with space for two with room to spare, we didn't have any problems with the temperature. It is certainly a place worth going back to.

Wonderful staff and friendly atmosphere. The dinners are amazing. It was a little cold to be camping there when we did, but they provided us with extra blankets, and there's hot-water bottles on every bed--that scores big points with me!!! You must go to Oudtshoorn, and you must stay at Backpackers Paradise. Sitting on the balcony watching the sun go down on our last night there is a memory I will never forget.

I stayed there about 3 years ago and it still brings back some wonderful memories. The place is amazing and cracking an Ostrich egg has its charm. Oh, and they have, with no doubt, the largest, widest beds in South Africa!!