The Spot Backpackers

The Spot Backpackers hostel has its own private access to the beach and offers free surf boards and boats for the river a five minute walk along the beach. There is not much in Umtentweni, but the sea and river activities, closeness to Oribi Gorge and being right on the beach make this a great Spot!

This hostel is directly off the beach and is reached by a quiet back road. It is a Baz Bus stop and has off road parking behind a padlocked gate, but the nearest bus and train station is a few miles away in Port Shepstone. There is a restaurant / bar at the bottom of the road, approximately a five minute walk away, but little else. A walk to the Spar will take around half an hour in each direction. However, its isolation makes it a good beach hideaway, with its back garden overlooking the sea and with a gate giving direct access to the beach.

There is a dorm in the main building next to the kitchen which can be noisy as it is used as access and has a window opening to the bar and there is an en-suite off this room. This is where the book exchange is. Outside in a separate block are two more newer dorms, each with three bunks, and the room leads off its own shower area - a small room with a sink and with a toilet and shower cubicle. The bedroom is basic but large and functional, and is generally clean apart from the sand which may come in with the guest.

Outside is a covered bar and pool table area attached to the main building. Inside is a small lounge with TV and video selection and a computer with internet access. Off here is a good sized kitchen with equipment and some storage space. The hostel can get busy at weekends with a good party feel going, and is more quiet in the week. The garden is large and is where tents can be put up. There is a bonfire area and a large table with benches. There is also another picnic table at the bottom of the garden, some hammocks, and a bench overlooking the sea.

This hostel is a good beach getaway, but is not as luxurious as some beach hostels are. It is more geared for surfers or as a base for visiting the Gorge, although own transport is required as the hostel does not offer a travel centre. Without transport, it could get boring for those who are not into doing only beach activities.

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