Baz Bus

[Wildsea]

Just wondered if anyone has used Baz bus in S. Africa. I am thinking of going for about 1 month doing the Capetown Durban return route. I am not looking for a party bus, just an easy way to get around and meet new people.

[Puggit]

Mrs Puggit used it, probably a decade ago, while travelling alone - and ZA has changed a lot since then!. She had nothing but good things to say about it.

I've stayed in a few of the back-packers hostels on the Garden Route - all fantastic and great value for money. You have to take the spur in to Oudtshoorn (near George). It's Ostrich farming country, amazing caves too.

Edited by Puggit on Monday 28th December 18:11

[soprano]

I used the Baz Bus in late 2001, had a fantastic time and it was a really good service. Hopefully its not changed. Back then my hop on hop off ticket from Cape Town all the way to Swaziland and on to Jo'burg was about £150 but its probably a fair bit more expensive than that now.

There is a free book called Coast to Coast that you can pick up at any of the hostels out there which compliments the Baz Bus, listing hostels etc on the route which is really useful. It's a great route. If you want any more tips on where to stay/see things feel free to ask.

[Wildsea]

soprano said:

I used the Baz Bus in late 2001, had a fantastic time and it was a really good service. Hopefully its not changed. Back then my hop on hop off ticket from Cape Town all the way to Swaziland and on to Jo'burg was about £150 but its probably a fair bit more expensive than that now.

There is a free book called Coast to Coast that you can pick up at any of the hostels out there which compliments the Baz Bus, listing hostels etc on the route which is really useful. It's a great route. If you want any more tips on where to stay/see things feel free to ask.

Thanks, the cost of 21 days is 3100 Rand, so about £260. Not bad at all really. Any information would be great. I am looking to cram in as many experiences as possible, looking to do the usual stuff like climbing table mountain, trying a spot of surfing and seeing the penguins would be cool. But any other ideas would be fantastic. I'm sure I will meet people along the way who will suggest stuff, and I have ordered a lonely planet guide which will be good for ideas as well.

[JurekB]

Cage diving with Great Whites is an absolute must do. I did this in October and it was absolutely fantastic. If you google for Hermanus Backpackers and speak to them they can sort it all out for you including transfer from Cape Town. You can then stay in Hermanus which in season is also incredible for land based whale watching. Hermanus Backpackers is also an agent for Bazbus so they will be able to sort out your entire trip starting from there.

[Puggit]

We did our cage diving based out of Hermanus Backpackers too. Took a boat from Gaansbai (pronounced Hhans-buy) out to 'shark island', where Attenborough filmed!.

Excellent must-do trip thing...

[Wildsea]

Fantastic, thanks for that. I was looking for companies, and far and away that is the most reasonable cost. I'm realy trying to do things on a budget. Fab pics, I take it they sell underwater cameras at the hostel? How does the cage dive work. I have never been snorkelling or diving, Is there a bit of the cage above the water line?

[Puggit]

It varies depending on boat - but pretty much the only bit above water is the floatation aid for the cage. The cages are too small for the sharks to get in though

[Wildsea]

Puggit said:

The cages are too small for the sharks to get in though

Well that is nice to know!!! Any other ideas or suggestions on what to do?

[JurekB]

Wildsea said:

I take it they sell underwater cameras at the hostel?

I just bought a cheap disposable water proof camera from Boots and that seemed to do the trick.

Wildsea said:

How does the cage dive work. I have never been snorkelling or diving, Is there a bit of the cage above the water line?

The dive is really simple you basically keep your head above the water and when a shark is spotted a shout goes up and everyone takes a breath and ducks under. There is no need to muck about with a snorkel or regulator.

[soprano]

Wildsea said:

soprano said:

I used the Baz Bus in late 2001, had a fantastic time and it was a really good service. Hopefully its not changed. Back then my hop on hop off ticket from Cape Town all the way to Swaziland and on to Jo'burg was about £150 but its probably a fair bit more expensive than that now.

There is a free book called Coast to Coast that you can pick up at any of the hostels out there which compliments the Baz Bus, listing hostels etc on the route which is really useful. It's a great route. If you want any more tips on where to stay/see things feel free to ask.

Thanks, the cost of 21 days is 3100 Rand, so about £260. Not bad at all really. Any information would be great. I am looking to cram in as many experiences as possible, looking to do the usual stuff like climbing table mountain, trying a spot of surfing and seeing the penguins would be cool. But any other ideas would be fantastic. I'm sure I will meet people along the way who will suggest stuff, and I have ordered a lonely planet guide which will be good for ideas as well.

Ok well here is a whistlestop guide to my favourite places! Moving up the coast from CT.

Cape Town and surrounds - Go to Cape of Good Hope, climb table mountain, Simons Town (penguins.) Slightly north of CT are Stellenbosch and Paarl for wine tasting, very good fun! You can either do a serious wine tour or just get battered, whichever you fancy.

Hermanus - Like others have said great for whale watching and shark diving

George/Wilderness/Knysna - Beautiful scenery, can take the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train (oldest steam train in Africa I believe but thats probably not difficult!) between them, I know the tracks were damaged by landslides in 2006 and not sure if they have reopened yet. These places are pretty relaxed but after hectic CT might be what you are looking for.

Oudtshoorn - If racing Ostriches is your thing.

Jeffrey's Bay - The place to surf in SA.

Cintsa/Coffee Bay - Nice places to stop off along the coast if you fancy a quiet couple of days.

Durban - Beaches and good food, also you might appreciate a bit of civilisation if you've been on the road a while.

Drakensberg Mountains - North of Durban, great for hiking/outdoors pursuits.

St Lucia - not been myself but meant to be a good place to relax, nice beaches etc.

Swaziland - I spent a bit of time in Swaziland, and loved it. Can't really explain why, just very basic and beautiful, people v friendly and it was super super cheap when I was there which was always welcome! (£2.00 for a nights accomodation including amazing food)

Nelspruit - gateway to Kruger if you like animals/game driving. I didn't like Kruger that much but if you have never done that kind of thing it is definitely worthwhile.

Sorry this is a bit brief but might prompt you to look up some things on the internet that might take your fancy. Do ask if you have any specific queries.