I started my Cape Town to Cairo trip by traveling overland from Cape Town to Johannesburg with Baz Bus. If you’re backpacking in South Africa or traveling without a car, Baz Bus is the ultimate solution. It’s a hop-on hop-off bus service designed for backpackers, connecting hostels and towns along the most popular routes.
Table of Contents
- 1) Cape Town
- 2) Stellenbosch
- 3) Mossel Bay
- 4) Wilderness
- 5) Knysna
- 6) Plettenberg Bay
- 7) Bloukrans Bridge
- 8) The Grags or Stormsriver
- 9) Jeffrey’s Bay
- 10) Port Elizabeth
- 11) East London or Chintsa
- 12) Hogsback
- 12) Coffee Bay
- 13) Southern Drakensberg
- 14) Lesotho
- 15) Umtentweni/Umzumbe/Warner Beach
- 16) Durban
- 17) Northern Drakensberg
- 18) Johannesburg
In this travel guide, I’ll share my experience with Baz Bus and give a full review of Baz Bus, including tips for choosing the right ticket, must-visit stops—including the best places to visit in South Africa and along the Garden Route—and hostels along the way.
I chose a hop-on hop-off ticket with unlimited stops from Cape Town to Johannesburg, stopping almost everywhere along the route. Check out the map below to see all the stops.
Some stops, like Port Elizabeth and Durban, are compulsory overnight stops, but otherwise, you can decide where you want to stay. Here’s a summary of my journey and tips for each place I visited. Also, check out my post the best hostels in South Africa covering hostels along the Baz Bus route!
Cape Town
Cape Town is a perfect place to start your adventure in South Africa. This city has so much to offer that I spent two months there (and it wasn’t even my first time). I loved the mix of vibrant city life, stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures. From hiking up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head to watching the sunset at Signal Hill, there’s always a new view to discover.
The beaches are amazing too—Muizenberg is perfect for learning to surf, Camps Bay offers golden sands, and Sunset Beach gives the best view of Table Mountain. I also enjoyed wandering through colorful neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap, exploring local markets, and trying vegan restaurants around the city. Don’t miss The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for incredible flora, the lively V&A Waterfront for shopping and food, and Robben Island for a deep dive into South Africa’s history.
For day trips, Cape Point, the Cape Winelands, and penguins at Boulders Beach are must-dos. Staying in hostels made it easy to meet fellow travelers, and hopping between the city’s neighborhoods gave me a real feel for life in Cape Town beyond the tourist spots.
Take a cable car or hike up to the Table Mountain.
Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town.
Hike up to Lion’s Head to see the sunset.
Make a day trip to Cape Point.
Learn to surf in Muizenberg.
Walk along the St. James coastal walk and take a dip in these marine pools.
Get the most beautiful Table Mountain view in Sunset Beach.
Do a responsible township tour.
Eat delicious vegan food.
Visit the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap.
These are just some examples of the things you can do in Cape Town. The possibilities are endless!
Where to Stay:
Read More:
Uthando – A Different Way to Experience Townships
The Most Spectacular View in Cape Town
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Stellenbosch
This picturesque wine region might be one of the most beautiful in the world! While not on the main Baz Bus route, you can get there via a shuttle or day trip from Cape Town. A wine tour is a must and if you are a vegan like me, there are also options for vegan wine tours.
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Mossel Bay
If you want to try shark cage diving, I recommend stopping at Mossel Bay. I had already dived with great white sharks in Gansbaai, so I skipped Mossel Bay this time. You can also do a day trip from Cape Town to Gansbaai, but if the season isn’t ideal for sharks there, Mossel Bay is a great alternative.
Read More:
Wilderness
Unspoiled beaches in Wilderness.
Kingfisher Trail is a nice and easy hike to a waterfall and if you want you can also go swimming there.
Map of Africa viewpoint
Wilderness is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone who loves pristine beaches. The area is part of the famous Garden Route and is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and unspoiled coastline. I loved spending time here because it felt peaceful, yet there were plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.
The Kingfisher Trail is an easy and scenic hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim—perfect for a break from the road. For incredible views and a unique photo opportunity, head to the Map of Africa viewpoint, which offers a panoramic look at the surrounding coastline shaped like the African continent.
Knysna
The Knysna Heads
The Knysna Heads Lookout
The Leisure Island
The Waterfront
The highlight of visiting Knysna is seeing The Heads, a striking pair of sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean. There are two viewpoints—Upper Heads and Lower Heads—both offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon, cliffs, and ocean.
I stayed at Jembjo’s Backpackers, which has a laid-back vibe and makes it easy to explore the area. Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around, and you can easily make a day trip to both The Heads and Leisure Island, where you can swim in the calm lagoon waters.
Knysna is also known for its local craft beer scene. If you’re thirsty, don’t miss Mitchell’s Knysna Brewery, where you can sample a variety of locally brewed beers and enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere. Additionally, the town has charming markets, boutique shops, and plenty of hiking trails nearby, making it a perfect stop along the Garden Route.
Where to Stay:
Jembjo’s Knysna Lodge & Backpackers
Plettenberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve
This place turned out to be my favorite stop along the Garden Route. Plettenberg Bay has it all: a charming town with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, some of the best beaches along the Garden Route, plenty of sunshine, and easy access to nature.
I loved walking along the wide sandy beaches, watching the waves crash, and spending an afternoon exploring the Robberg Nature Reserve. The reserve has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, all offering breathtaking coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and even whales in season.
Read More:
Plettenberg Bay – A Great Spot on the Garden Route
Where to Stay:
Albergo Backpackers
Bloukrans Bridge
This is where you can take the plunge from the world’s highest bridge bungee jump—216 meters of pure adrenaline. I’ve done three bungee jumps before, but I couldn’t resist trying this one. While this spot is a Baz Bus stop, I wouldn’t recommend staying here overnight. Instead, stay in Plettenberg Bay or The Grags/Stormsriver and arrange transportation to the bungee site.
Aside from the bridge and the bungee jump, there isn’t much else to do here, so without a car, it’s not the most convenient place to stay. However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s definitely worth a day trip for the thrill and the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and river below.
The Grags or Stormsriver
Tsitsikamma National Park
Both The Grags and Stormsriver offer easy access to Tsitsikamma National Park, a must-visit destination on the Garden Route. The Grags has a cool hostel with a laid-back, hippy vibe and a strong connection to nature, perfect for travelers who enjoy meeting fellow backpackers and chilling in a relaxed atmosphere. Stormsriver, on the other hand, is a small town with more amenities, restaurants, and accommodation options, but it can feel a bit soulless and geared primarily toward tourists.
Whichever stop you choose, Tsitsikamma National Park is just a short ride away and offers a variety of outdoor adventures. You can hike scenic trails like the famous Storms River Mouth Trail, walk along the suspension bridge over the river, or try kayaking and zip-lining for a more adrenaline-filled experience. The park is also home to pristine beaches, indigenous forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Jeffrey’s Bay
Jeffrey’s Bay is the surfing capital of South Africa and one of the best places in the world to catch waves. It’s also famous for its surf brand factory shops, including Billabong, Quiksilver, and Rip Curl, which makes it a fun stop even if you’re not surfing. The town has a vibrant backpacker scene, and if you enjoy partying, Island Vibe Hostel is the place to be.
However, if you’re like me and prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, I would skip Island Vibe and choose another hostel. Jeffrey’s Bay has plenty of other great options that are closer to the beach, offer chill vibes, and make it easy to enjoy surfing, exploring local cafés, or just soaking up the laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Port Elizabeth
I wasn’t too excited to visit Port Elizabeth, but since it’s a compulsory overnight stop on the Baz Bus route, I stayed for two nights. The city itself has some charm—you can stroll along the beach, admire the old colonial architecture in the city center, or enjoy a relaxed coffee at a local café.
If you’re willing to travel a bit further, a visit to Addo Elephant National Park is a must. It’s home to elephants, lions, buffalo, and many other animals, and a guided safari is an unforgettable experience.
Tip: book your hostel well in advance if you don’t want to stay at the worst hostel (like I did) because this is a compulsory stop for everyone, so most of the hostels will be fully booked. Choosing a hostel near the beach or the city center will make your short stay more enjoyable and convenient.
East London or Chintsa
Chintsa
If I had to choose between East London and Chintsa, it would definitely be Chintsa. East London has a great hostel right by the beach, but besides that, the city didn’t impress me much (just my opinion).
Chintsa, on the other hand, is a peaceful, sleepy town with a secluded beach that feels like a hidden gem. The hostel I stayed at is surrounded by lush nature, with walking trails and wildlife nearby, and the sea view from the rooms is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to unwind after traveling long stretches on the Baz Bus. The vibe here is quiet and relaxed, ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of South Africa’s Wild Coast.
Where to Stay:
Buccaneers Backpackers in Chintsa
Read More:
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Hogsback
You’ll need to arrange a shuttle to get there—just ask Away with the Fairies Hostel, and they’ll give you all the details. Trust me, it’s well worth the journey! Hogsback is one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa, surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and endless hiking possibilities. The hostel itself has the best view in Hogsback, and you can even enjoy a bath outside while taking it all in. Whether you’re hiking nearby trails, exploring the local fairy-tale-like scenery, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea on the deck, this place is the perfect spot to recharge and soak up South Africa’s magical landscapes.
Where to Stay:
Read More:
Away with the Fairies in Hogsback
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Coffee Bay
The Hole in the Wall
Traditional rondavels
You’ll also need to take a shuttle to get here, but it’s absolutely worth the effort! Coffee Bay is a small, laid-back coastal town with so much to offer. Hike to the Hole in the Wall, an iconic natural rock formation, or explore the surrounding trails for breathtaking coastal views. Immerse yourself in Xhosa culture by visiting local villages, enjoy the unique experience of staying in a traditional rondavel hut, and soak up the relaxed beach life. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or simply lounging by the ocean, Coffee Bay is full of adventures and unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.
Where to Stay:
For laid back atmosphere: Sugarloaf Backpackers
For more action: Coffee Shack
Read More:
10 Pictures That Will Make You Want to Travel to Coffee Bay
Southern Drakensberg
Again, you’ll need to arrange a shuttle to get to Southern Drakensberg, but this place is absolutely worth it! This is one of the most spectacular landscapes in South Africa, with dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and untouched wilderness.
There are numerous hiking trails that all start right from the hostel’s doorstep, ranging from easy walks to challenging full-day hikes. You can spend your days exploring the trails, spotting wildlife, or simply relaxing and soaking in the incredible views. The hostel itself is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat after a day of adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a quiet escape, this spot is unforgettable.
Lesotho
The Southern Drakensberg is not only stunning in its own right, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and endless hiking opportunities, but it’s also a gateway to Sani Pass and Lesotho. You can choose to make a day trip across the rugged pass, where winding roads lead to breathtaking mountain views and the chance to experience Lesotho’s unique culture, or stay longer to fully explore the area.
Where to Stay:
Read More:
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Umtentweni/Umzumbe/Warner Beach
Umtentweni, Umzumbe and Warner Beach are all charming beach destinations on the outskirts of Durban. I chose to stay at Warner Beach because it was the closest stop to Umkomaas, which is a top spot for diving.
Shark Diving in Umkomaas
Umkomaas is famous for its incredible dives, including the chance to go shark diving without a cage! After my shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai, I had become a little obsessed with sharks, so this was an absolute must for me. If you’re a certified diver, definitely don’t miss it—it was one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. Beyond diving, the area offers peaceful beaches, great surf, and a laid-back coastal vibe that makes it perfect for relaxing between dives.
Durban
The beach in Durban
Earthmother Organics Cafe
Another compulsory overnight stop on the route. Durban is famous for its beaches, warm Indian Ocean, and vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy the beach life at the Golden Mile, stroll along the promenade, or try surfing if you’re up for it. Don’t miss a visit to the Durban Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa, home to a huge variety of indigenous and exotic plants. For a healthy and delicious vegan lunch, head to Earthmother Organic Café.
Stay at Curiocity Hostel and enjoy their fast Wi-Fi. After struggling to find any reliable connection before coming to Durban, this hostel was a pleasant surprise!
Where to Stay:
Read More:
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Northern Drakensberg
The hike to the Tugela Falls
Tugela Falls
The view from Amphitheatre Backpackers
Just like in the Southern Drakensberg, the landscape here is absolutely breathtaking, with plenty of great hiking trails. Unlike in the Southern Drakensberg, though, most trails start quite far from the hostel, so you’ll need to join a tour or find someone with a car. The hostel organizes trips to Lesotho as well as guided hikes to Cathedral Cove and Tugela Falls. I hiked to Tugela Falls, which at 948 meters are the world’s second-highest waterfalls—a truly unforgettable experience!
Where to Stay:
Read More:
The Best Hostels in South Africa
Johannesburg
The Apartheid Museum
Freefood Vegan Restaurant
The final stop is Johannesburg—a city that doesn’t always have the best reputation for safety, but I still really enjoyed my time there. A must-visit is the Apartheid Museum, where you can learn more about South Africa’s dark history. Don’t miss Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, and make sure to grab some delicious vegan food at Freefood restaurant. The easiest and safest way to get around the city is by Uber.
Where to Stay:
Final Thoughts & Baz Bus Review
There were a few stops I missed, but hopefully this gives you some ideas on where to go if you travel with Baz Bus. South Africa has so much to offer, with endless beautiful places to explore.
Baz Bus makes it easy to get from one destination to another, and along the way, you’ll meet plenty of other travelers. For solo travelers especially, Baz Bus is by far the best way to get around South Africa!
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4 comments
Hey Gabriela! Thank you so much for this informative post!
I have some questions left, I am planning on travelling through Southafrica as a solo female traveler. I myself think especially with the BazBus this is super safe but I hear sooooo many concerns from family and friends!! How do you feel about that? Was meeting other people easy?
In additon to that am I vegan myself and was so relieved to find your blog! Generally did you have any problems with being vegan ? I heard southafrica is a very meat-loving country so I had quite some concerns. What do you think?
Kind regards, and keep up the good work!
Sophia
Hi Sophia! I felt like Baz Bus was the safest option and it’s especially great for solo travelers. Meeting people is super easy when you’re using Baz Bus and staying at hostels 🙂 I didn’t have any problems traveling there as a vegan. When you travel to more rural places though where they don’t have any big supermarkets or vegan-friendly restaurants nearby (Chintsa, Coffee Bay, Southern & Northern Drakensberg), buy some food before taking a bus there. Veganism is a growing trend in South Africa, and especially in Cape Town, you can find so many vegan options. Check out the restaurants mentioned in this post.
Cool thanks! 🙂
How did it go in the hostels with being vegan? Did they make you vegan food or did you usually eat out and cooked yourself?
I will definitely check out that post and try as many of those restaurants when I am there!:)
And how long did you stay in SA and how much money did you spent?
kind regards,
Sophia 🙂
Yes, some hostels offered an option to buy dinner, and usually, it wasn’t a problem to get a vegan meal if I just let them know in advance. But I also cooked a lot because all the hostels usually have a kitchen. BazBus is a door-to-door service so it didn’t matter to carry a bag just full of food ? It was my second time in South Africa and I spent there three months. I can’t say how much money I spent, but it’s a lot cheaper than in Europe anyway.