The Spot Backpackers, Port Shepstone, Südafrika

This beautiful little Spot is situated right at the beach. With its cheerful staff and chilled out vibe, it’s a must for a few days or even weeks!

Early risers can enjoy a surf or swim in the warm Indian Ocean or watch the sunrise. The rest can roll out of bed, grab a late breakfast and wonder on to the beach.

Lazy days drift by soaking up the sunshine or relaxing in a hammock with a good book.

If you feel like some action, boost your adrenaline with the highest gorge swing in the world or go shark diving with no cage!

Challenge the staff to a game of pool or table tennis or party the night away at the jovial pub. Or take life slowly and veg out for a while watching a movie or sitting around the bonfire chatting to new found friends.

Delicious home-cooked meals are available or your can spoil yourself at the many excellent restaurants nearby.

It is said that when the Aloes bloom in winter, the annual sardine run along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is close at hand.

Be on standby during May to July and the chances are good that you will experience one of Natures truly incredible phenomenon. Millions of silvery little fish shoal close inshore as they move north, accompanied by dolphin, whales, sharks and game fish. Nothing is small scale, numbers defy belief, and the frenetic activity of thousands of diving Seagulls produces a spectacle that you will want to tell your grandchildren about. Humans caught up in the magic of the moment, defy the odds and rush into the water to catch some of the fishy bonanza.

Located right on the beach where many a shoal has come ashore in the past, THE SPOT is probably the best place to be when the fish arrive. And, after an eventful day, what better than a fish braai (barbeque) South African style, a few cold beers and some story swapping around the fire, with the anticipation of what tomorrow will bring.

ACTIVITIES

Free river kayaks up the Mmtentweni river

Oribi Gorge Wild 5 has the world’s highest gorge swing in the world, abseiling, hiking and white water rafting

Lake Eland Nature Reserve

Shark diving at Protea Banks – Advanced divers only

Deep sea fishing

Whale and dolphin watching

Excellent dive courses

Shark net tours

Surf lessons – best surf conditions in winter

Motor bike tours to Wild Coast and Lesotho

Coming South from Port Shepstone:

Take R102 north from Port Shepstone.

Cross over Umzimkulu Bridge.

Once over bridge, turn right at second set of traffic lights.

Take the second left and the immediate left again into Ambleside Road.

Drive to the end of Ambleside Road and the entrance to the Spot is on the right hand side.

Coming North from Durban:

Take Umtentweni off ramp from N2 Toll road.

Pay R5,50 at tollbooth and turn left.

Follow the road until you get to a set of traffic lights, drive straight through.

Take the second left and the immediate left again into Ambleside Road.

Drive to the end of Ambleside Road and the entrance to the Spot is on the right hand side