The Backpack

Voted the best backpack in Africa and it's easy to see how they've earned their reputation. It's just called, "The Backpack" and it's centrally located within "the bowl" close to Long Street in Cape Town. I always stayed at the Backpack when I was in Cape Town for several reasons. First, the friendly staff really extend themselves and go out of their way to make sure you're taken care of and they really enjoy partaking on some of your adventures around the city with you as well.

At one point during my stay, a Swede who rode his motorcycle down to South Africa contracted malaria. I'll never forget the kindness and the attention the staff gave in making sure he received proper medical assistance and constantly following up to make sure he was recovering well. It's just one of the many examples I've seen the staff, few who became good friends, going beyond the call of their duties!

There are several options in accomodations: shared bunks...up to eight per room (about $9 per night), single, double, four person shared bath, and the ambiance to the backpack is such that it's very conducive to meeting other travelers. They have a swimming pool with a fantastic view of Table Mountain, a wonderful bar/restaurant area, and plenty of places to either socialize in the open air or find a peaceful retreat. They also offer African drum night each week and a fantastic barbecue (braai) at a bargain price!

The Backpack also has a well established tour booking facility (I rented my car and scheduled many events through them and they're very good at keeping the outfitters/tour companys honest). Table Mountain and Lion's head is an easy five minutes by car or you can walk to both places if you like. I hiked up Lion's head several times from the Backpack by foot. Clifton beach is about 15 min. by taxi as is the waterfront. You can walk to the waterfront in about 30 min. and for nightlife, Long street is a short skip and couple hops. Camps bay is a perfect place to wind down at one of their wonderful restaurants with sunset views, but get there early as everyone jockeys into position to have the best view of the sunset with their dinner. Leave the driving to the taxi driver as it's tough finding parking especially on weekends.

As for security, the Backpack has a coded entry into the premis and there's always a 24 hour security looking after the establishment including your rental vehicle.

I'll definitely be returning to Cape Town, easily the most scenic city I've seen during my travels, and will stay at the Backpack again.