BACKPACKERS HOSTEL
PORT ST JOHNS, WILD COAST, SOUTH AFRICA


JUNGLE MONKEY BACKPACKERS,
A GREAT PLACE TO BE! One of South Africa's most exciting youth hostels in the country's most exotic location - Port St Johns on the Wild Coast.
Surrounded by thousands of hectares of indigenous jungle and miles of pristine beaches, this lush little town nestles amongst the cliffs at the mouth of the fourth-largest river in South Africa, the mighty Umzimvubu.
PSJ, as it's known locally, is the unofficial capital of the Wild Coast and is an important trading centre for the surrounding rural areas. It's often called "The Emerald Gem of the Wild Coast" and consists of two villages, First Beach and Second Beach, 5km apart along a winding jungle- and village-lined road, both of which have their own very definite characters.
First Beach is a vibrant place with African and gospel music always in the air, minibus-taxis constantly coming and going, witchdoctors (amongst others) doing their monthly shopping and goggle-eyed backpackers wandering amongst the street-market stalls.
Second Beach is more laid-back and slowed up, with a beautiful little lagoon fringed with banana trees, and a definite survivor-island feeling to it.
The scenery of this part of the Eastern Cape Province is so typically African and jungley that the town is popular as a movie location, and it seems that there's always a production being filmed here.
Jungle Monkey Backpackers is on First Beach, a few steps from the river mouth. We're waiting for you to arrive so we can show you a good time. So get a life, get to Jungle Monkey!
"Cheers guys, had an AWESOME time. You've an absolutely fantastic bunch and all really friendly + helpful. The trip to Magwa Falls was mindblowing and the traditional food, 'lekker man' (except it's Xhosa). Thanks for a great time, will def. recommend Jungle Monkey to the gang." - TIM (AUST.)
- Upmarket backpackers accommodation in private rooms or luxury safari tents, plus dorms and camping
- Encounter traditional Xhosa culture with walks and adventure-hikes through rural African villages and tribal lands
- A very wide range of spectacular natural African scenery: jungle, beach, river, seaside cliff, many waterfalls (including mighty Magwa Falls - 140m) and mountains
- Dolphin and whale-watching from our viewing deck, and close-up ocean safaris
- Great PARTIES!
- Adventure activities: Kite-boarding, Horse riding, mountain biking, wave-bashing
- Visit Silaka Nature Reserve for African fauna and flora
- Jungle, mountain and seaside walks and FREE TOURS starting from the hostels front gate
- Lots of pristine, uncrowded beaches to choose from
- Live music events with open stage, PA system, electric & acoustic guitars, bass, drums, piano, keyboard, deejay equipment - musicians & dj's are always welcome!
- River cruises on our large barge
- Big-screen Satellite TV
- Learn to surf @ Second Beach
- Free mountain-top sundowners
- 2 Swimming pools
- Free volunteering opportunities and gap year programs
- In-house restaurant and rocking bar
- Local restaurants and bars, including the world-famous clifftop Millenium Bar
- Self-catering facilities
- Broadband Internet
- Very conveniently situated - supermarkets, shops, street-market and ATM's within easy walking distance
- Local Arts and Crafts and Museum
- Amazing African atmosphere and friendly villagers!
"Thank you for such a great stay! Beautiful setting, friendliest staff around and the best pizza I've ever had. Don't damage yourself anymore with flaming sambuca tricks, Mike! Thank u Pappa G for the sundowners - stunning - Rhona for ferrying us around. Love this place!" - Cat
4x4 Trips up the coast to Poenskop cave, inland trips to the incredible Magwa Falls (140m high!)
Horse riding - beach, village & jungle
Long Beach - Kiteboarding,
chilling on the beach
Sunset cruises on our barge, 8km up the Umzimvubu ("Hippo") River - SA's 4th largest river. Also canoeing.
Mountain-top sundowners (alt. 350m). Free transport by 4x4.
Free ferry
Port St Johns town centre - shops, market, ATMs, Jesters Coffee Shop, News restaurant
First Beach
Cape Hermes Lighthouse / viewpoint
Jungle Monkey Backpackers Hostel - accommodation, restaurant, bar, swimming pools, whale-watching deck, good times!
Ocean safaris -
Whales, dolphins & sharks, wave-bashing, Sardine Run
Millenium Bar - a Transkei legend
Jungle & cultural walks, mountain biking
Second Beach - learn to surf, chilling on the beach,
Delicious Monster and Wood 'n Spoon restaurants
Lazy Lagoon
Bulolo Waterfall
Third Beach /
Silaka Nature Reserve