Port St. John's

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It is a partial gravel road but also parts with good asphalt. It is late morning when we drive (me and a Dutch couple I met in Drakensbergen) through the small coastal town of Port St. John's and there is a good atmosphere. They are only a few streets and we see a large circus tent and some nice shops. The couple rented a car for a month to drive through South-Africa and asked me to joint hem which I did.

We decide to go to Amapondo backpackers which I like best - you can camp there and otherwise I would never have been able to get here (without a car) - it is 4 km outside the city. We come across a sign that you have to watch out for the two house-donkey’s, but we do not see them when we drive up the steep driveway. After we arrived we check in and I put my tent on a plateau with a view of the beach and the Indian Ocean.

There are also a few abandoned and partly broken houses on the other side of the river I see from there. Because it is still early we decide to eat something in town and then tonight (afternoon) to take it easy - to read and drink a beer.

There are three dogs in the hostel and two cats where the big dog is called Ceasar a bit crazy and dangerous. Papers hang everywhere to watch out for him a bit – especially when you drunk because then he bites. Stay away from his ears and head because he doesn’t like that. The music is good in the bar of the hostel and we order another beer (75 CL) and the big braai (barbecue) goes on.

We decide to buy a plate of meat from the reception (bar) that we can put on the barbecue ourselves. The alcohol flows and at a certain moment a big doll is put on fire in the garden. People start to dance and then the big boxes are opened and wigs, masks and other clothing are handed out.

The atmosphere is getting better and everyone is already pretty tipsy. We meet two nice Flamish girls and suddenly everybody is friends. The party continues until very late and I go to bed when it becomes light.

There is a "taxi tank" in the middle of the village.

There is (next to the bar of the hostel - see "overnight" in the village a bit of a commercial Western restaurant that is called Steve. In addition, you can eat diagonally opposite in a food-shack. Between the locals you can get a delicious meal for 30R - chicken and rice.

• Name: Amapondo backpackers

Address: Second Beach Road

Price: 70R (camping)

Phone nr. : 047 564 1344

Website: www.amapondo.co.za

Content:

Approximately 4 km from the town of Port St. John's is this beautiful hostel located on a hill. They have a secured parking space, a good camping pitch (overlooking the hostel and the sea behind it), dormitories and cheap rooms. It is all very professional but also relaxed and hippie-like. There is a large kitchen with all the trimmings, showers and toilets (all clean with toilet paper, soap and a towel) but also a cozy bar where you can order food and drinks.

It is about a 10 minute walk to the beach where you have to look out for sharks but a bit further away you seem to be able to swim safely. You can do a variety of activities here and everything is arranged well and neatly. WIFI is available at the bar and is free. If you really want to go crazy, stay in the cottage on top of the mountain (600R) - you have here a kitchen, two terraces, views of the Indian Ocean and even a bathtub inside.In the village you can do your shopping.