Is There Hole in the Wall?
In Coffee Bay miles of white beaches are backed by cliffs and the setting is just idyllic. Coffee Shack hostel right on the beach is the perfect base to explore all that amazing areas which Coffee Bay has to offer.
I like to start my day with a coffee and the guys in Coffee Shack really know what good coffee is. Starting days with delicious coffee in Coffee Bay is just great. No one is actually sure of how it got its name, but there is a theory that a ship wrecked here in 1863 deposited its cargo off coffee beans on the beach.
“While you are in Coffee Bay the coastal walk to the Hole in the wall is something you MUST do” I was told. It’s also one of the activities that energetic team at Coffee Shack offers. Every day there is daily program written on their board and whatever you will do or everywhere you will go with them, I guarantee you will experience unforgettable adventure.
So we packed our small rucksack and got ready for 3 hours walk, which I will never forget. I like hiking. It’s part of my life, and walking along the coast is something I really enjoy. To sit up on the hill with a panoramic view over beautiful Indian Ocean was like having nice dreams. The highlight of my day was the moment when we spotted whales and dolphins cruise the bay. I love these animals. It was my big wish to see whales in their natural habitat and when I saw them, my happiness made me to shout.
I’m lucky to be in South Africa in this part of a year as the best time to see them is between June and November when they come to calve. The scenery with or without whales was simply dramatic, with cliffs behind and a kilometre long beach in front.
The amazing path brought us to the Hole in the wall, which is a remarkable piece of rock that’s had a huge hole eroded trough it after millennia of pounding waves. Thanks to Jack (our guide) we reached our goal safe and in very good mood. Even bigger smiles appeared on our faces when we saw our lunch was ready. Not just ready but it was waiting for us on incredible beach with view over the Hole in the wall. Full of tasty food I couldn’t resist laying down and enjoy this amazing spot. Back home winter is knocking on the door, and I was there on the beach in my bikinis. What a great feeling.
I had such a nice day, but evening at Coffee Shack made it even nicer. This place is great to meet people as the whole atmosphere is very easy going and relaxed, especially in the evenings when camp fire takes a place. I just love to sit by the fire, share life stories, listen to guitar and let my and others thoughts speak.
![The End of 21 Taking On 30 Days Of South Africa
Well South Africa, it’s been a blast! We have met so many amazing friends and seen so many beautiful places along the way, it’s hard to believe we really have to leave now.
Drunken nights, relaxed nights, crazy days, exhausting days, surreal days, AMAZING DAYS! I was sitting at work one day searching up opportunities and cheap ways to travel South Africa. This has been a dream destination for me since I was younger and thanks to Hostelling International South Africa, I can now say my dream has officially come true!
After an essay and a Skype interview, I was in the running to becoming the next Hostelling International South Africa blogger. Courtesy of the interest that each hostel showed in hosting Alicia and I at their destinations, we have been able to take part in the trip of a life time!
If there is one thing we can say about this beautiful country it is that this place is so diverse! No matter where you end up it is a complete change from the last spot you visited. Never a dull moment in South Africa, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, there is always something new to experience, new to see, new to taste, new languages and new people to meet!
I wouldn’t have recommended any other transportation, Baz Bus hands down = THE BEST! By travelling South Africa with an organization like Hostelling International, you are guaranteed to have an amazing stay. Chances are after a month of backpacking you will land a couple bad hostel experiences. With Hostelling International, they select only the best hostels to be a part of their organization and because of that we loved EVERY moment at every hostel!
A BIG & WARM THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HOSTED ALICIA & I ALONG THE WAY!
(Take a look at our bracelets from right to left - our souvenirs from each stop)
Soweto: Lebo & Maria - It was a pleasure to have stayed in Soweto at Lebo’s Backpackers, the culture shock is an amazing experience and the bike tour is an absolutely amazing way to get a feel for the African Soweto experience! We will never forget the amazing camp fires and friendly staff!
Drakensberg: Edmund - We will never forget your amazing homemade breakfasts and dinners, the soup and bread will be something we will NEED to come back for! Your hospitality was nurturing and we felt very at home with you and your 3 pups at Inkosana Lodge. The most beautiful landscape!
Durban: Michelle & Mickey - Happy Hippo was the start of our (hopefully) long lasting friendships with Yoni, Sapir, Paul, Till and Samir so (a little bias but) Durban was a place we will never forget. You two are an absolutely amazing duo and we had an amazing day on the beach, at the stadium and the crazy temples (haha). So much energy out of you Michelle! You are so amazing with such a great sense of humour!
Coffee Bay: David - It’s tough to remember half our time spent at Coffee Shack (haha) this place is party central. There’s not much needed to be said about Coffee Shack, EVERY SINGLE backpacker we have met along the way knows exactly what Coffee Shack is and has already heard many famous stories from other travellers. To us, we couldn’t of had a better time partying anywhere else in South Africa! The hostel was packed with backpackers and the village dinner was probably the best celebration and dancing we have ever experienced in our lives! Thanks for a remarkable experience!
Chinsta: Sal & Sean - I don’t even know where to start. Sal, you are like a second mother to us and we only knew you for 5 days. I WILL be coming back to Buccaneers in Chinsta at some point in the next couple of years. I fell in love with the kids at East Chinsta Pre-Primary and the incredible staff you have. I haven’t stopped thinking about how badly I want to come back to visit you, Sean and the rest of the Buccaneers gang! See you soon! :) I already miss you!
Hogsback: Away With The Fairies - A truly whimsical place! We are so grateful we were able to come visit Away With The Fairies in Hogsback. Not only do you have the cutest puppies in the entire world, but your pizzas are out of this world, the views are spectacular and the bath tub is NOT to be missed by any backpackers! We sent a lot of backpackers your way as we passed through other towns, thanks for such an incredible couple days!
Port Elizabeth & Jeffrey’s Bay: Taise - Port Elizabeth was short but sweet, the Seaview Predator Park was a blast! Tigers, lions, black leopards…. We had been waiting for an opportunity to play with these fierce felines and had the most amazing day here! We were very happy to be at Island Vibe for more than one night, party all night, beach and shopping all day! The BEST rooms in South Africa with the most beautiful sunrise to wake up to. We have told everyone on route they NEED to go to Island Vibe!
Storms River: Michelle - Being in Storms River was like a sanctuary - so peaceful, so calm and so much to enjoy! You have sold us on wanting to buy our own Segways! We had an amazing stay at Tsitsikamma Backpackers! Short but so enjoyable! The most beautiful room! But my favourite part - the indigenous trees! Thank you so much for a great Tsitsikamma experience!
Plettenburg Bay: Maryna - You, Maryna are a mother away from home for us! The biggest sweetheart in the entire world spends all her time in Nothando Backpackers in Plettenburg Bay. We cannot wait to come back just to see you again! Monkeyland was the best day of my life and it was so nice to be able to spend the entire day with you and Oliver!
Oudtshoorn: Marius & Riaan - A bunch of studs and so incredibly accommodating! We didn’t even need to ask one question everything was already done well ahead of time! Incredible staff and everyone was so welcoming! Since day one, we had been looking forward to Oudtshoorn the most, the Cango Caves and Ostrich rides were a moment we will never forget! Backpackers Paradise was the best!
Cape Town: Lee & Tony - Where we nested for just over a week. We LOVE it here! Your staff at The Backpack (though sarcastic - cough, cough Lucas) are truly one of a kind. I don’t think you could hire any better workers than the ones you have now! Prudence, gessssh! Girl - you have the best energy, the best smiles and all of you are SO humorous! You take your guests out to party and really open up to making new friends! Not one second of boredom here, Cape Town kept us busy as bees and I can not imagine ending the trip anywhere else but here! No wonder you have been rated #1 so many times, you truly run THE MOST AMAZING hostel!
It’s been great South Africa! Until next time, Jenna Davis & Alicia Reis [If you have any further questions following our last official blog post please refer to any of the following and we would love to answer any questions you may have!] -
http://www.hisouthafrica.tumblr.com - Facebook: Hostelling International South Africa -
E-mail: jennadavis_32@hotmail.com - For all the friends we met along the way, add us to Facebook: Jenna Davis (Toronto, ON - the photos of me holding the round card), Alicia Reis](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbkamkPdQL1r7li6bo1_400.jpg)
The End of 21 Taking On 30 Days Of South Africa
Well South Africa, it’s been a blast! We have met so many amazing friends and seen so many beautiful places along the way, it’s hard to believe we really have to leave now.
Drunken nights, relaxed nights, crazy days, exhausting days, surreal days, AMAZING DAYS! I was sitting at work one day searching up opportunities and cheap ways to travel South Africa. This has been a dream destination for me since I was younger and thanks to Hostelling International South Africa, I can now say my dream has officially come true!
After an essay and a Skype interview, I was in the running to becoming the next Hostelling International South Africa blogger. Courtesy of the interest that each hostel showed in hosting Alicia and I at their destinations, we have been able to take part in the trip of a life time!
If there is one thing we can say about this beautiful country it is that this place is so diverse! No matter where you end up it is a complete change from the last spot you visited. Never a dull moment in South Africa, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, there is always something new to experience, new to see, new to taste, new languages and new people to meet!
I wouldn’t have recommended any other transportation, Baz Bus hands down = THE BEST! By travelling South Africa with an organization like Hostelling International, you are guaranteed to have an amazing stay. Chances are after a month of backpacking you will land a couple bad hostel experiences. With Hostelling International, they select only the best hostels to be a part of their organization and because of that we loved EVERY moment at every hostel!
A BIG & WARM THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HOSTED ALICIA & I ALONG THE WAY!
(Take a look at our bracelets from right to left - our souvenirs from each stop)
Soweto: Lebo & Maria - It was a pleasure to have stayed in Soweto at Lebo’s Backpackers, the culture shock is an amazing experience and the bike tour is an absolutely amazing way to get a feel for the African Soweto experience! We will never forget the amazing camp fires and friendly staff!
Drakensberg: Edmund - We will never forget your amazing homemade breakfasts and dinners, the soup and bread will be something we will NEED to come back for! Your hospitality was nurturing and we felt very at home with you and your 3 pups at Inkosana Lodge. The most beautiful landscape!
Durban: Michelle & Mickey - Happy Hippo was the start of our (hopefully) long lasting friendships with Yoni, Sapir, Paul, Till and Samir so (a little bias but) Durban was a place we will never forget. You two are an absolutely amazing duo and we had an amazing day on the beach, at the stadium and the crazy temples (haha). So much energy out of you Michelle! You are so amazing with such a great sense of humour!
Coffee Bay: David - It’s tough to remember half our time spent at Coffee Shack (haha) this place is party central. There’s not much needed to be said about Coffee Shack, EVERY SINGLE backpacker we have met along the way knows exactly what Coffee Shack is and has already heard many famous stories from other travellers. To us, we couldn’t of had a better time partying anywhere else in South Africa! The hostel was packed with backpackers and the village dinner was probably the best celebration and dancing we have ever experienced in our lives! Thanks for a remarkable experience!
Chinsta: Sal & Sean - I don’t even know where to start. Sal, you are like a second mother to us and we only knew you for 5 days. I WILL be coming back to Buccaneers in Chinsta at some point in the next couple of years. I fell in love with the kids at East Chinsta Pre-Primary and the incredible staff you have. I haven’t stopped thinking about how badly I want to come back to visit you, Sean and the rest of the Buccaneers gang! See you soon! :) I already miss you!
Hogsback: Away With The Fairies - A truly whimsical place! We are so grateful we were able to come visit Away With The Fairies in Hogsback. Not only do you have the cutest puppies in the entire world, but your pizzas are out of this world, the views are spectacular and the bath tub is NOT to be missed by any backpackers! We sent a lot of backpackers your way as we passed through other towns, thanks for such an incredible couple days!
Port Elizabeth & Jeffrey’s Bay: Taise - Port Elizabeth was short but sweet, the Seaview Predator Park was a blast! Tigers, lions, black leopards…. We had been waiting for an opportunity to play with these fierce felines and had the most amazing day here! We were very happy to be at Island Vibe for more than one night, party all night, beach and shopping all day! The BEST rooms in South Africa with the most beautiful sunrise to wake up to. We have told everyone on route they NEED to go to Island Vibe!
Storms River: Michelle - Being in Storms River was like a sanctuary - so peaceful, so calm and so much to enjoy! You have sold us on wanting to buy our own Segways! We had an amazing stay at Tsitsikamma Backpackers! Short but so enjoyable! The most beautiful room! But my favourite part - the indigenous trees! Thank you so much for a great Tsitsikamma experience!
Plettenburg Bay: Maryna - You, Maryna are a mother away from home for us! The biggest sweetheart in the entire world spends all her time in Nothando Backpackers in Plettenburg Bay. We cannot wait to come back just to see you again! Monkeyland was the best day of my life and it was so nice to be able to spend the entire day with you and Oliver!
Oudtshoorn: Marius & Riaan - A bunch of studs and so incredibly accommodating! We didn’t even need to ask one question everything was already done well ahead of time! Incredible staff and everyone was so welcoming! Since day one, we had been looking forward to Oudtshoorn the most, the Cango Caves and Ostrich rides were a moment we will never forget! Backpackers Paradise was the best!
Cape Town: Lee & Tony - Where we nested for just over a week. We LOVE it here! Your staff at The Backpack (though sarcastic - cough, cough Lucas) are truly one of a kind. I don’t think you could hire any better workers than the ones you have now! Prudence, gessssh! Girl - you have the best energy, the best smiles and all of you are SO humorous! You take your guests out to party and really open up to making new friends! Not one second of boredom here, Cape Town kept us busy as bees and I can not imagine ending the trip anywhere else but here! No wonder you have been rated #1 so many times, you truly run THE MOST AMAZING hostel!
It’s been great South Africa! Until next time, Jenna Davis & Alicia Reis [If you have any further questions following our last official blog post please refer to any of the following and we would love to answer any questions you may have!] -
http://www.hisouthafrica.tumblr.com - Facebook: Hostelling International South Africa -
E-mail: jennadavis_32@hotmail.com - For all the friends we met along the way, add us to Facebook: Jenna Davis (Toronto, ON - the photos of me holding the round card), Alicia Reis
21 Taking on 30 Days of South Africa
Day 13: Buccaneers Backpackers Lodge / Baz Bus September 17th, 2012
Guess what we’re going to say for the fourth and hopefully final blog (for at least a few days, haha)? This morning was a ROUGH START!
After a little too much birthday champagne, bob marley shots and Nik Naks (like Cheetos in Canada), we went to bed. Packed our bags, said our final good-byes.
The more friends we make and the longer we stay in one place, the harder it gets to say good-bye!
We spent the day on the Baz Bus catching up on some well needed sleep! When we arrived at Buccaneers Backpackers Lodge in Chinsta tonight we hung out in our own room, bathroom and kitchen over looking the ocean. ABSOLUTE OASIS!
A nice needed quiet dinner and some blogging to finish up the night! On behalf of myself (Jenna), I just wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes today :)
I am now 21! Yes, I know… I’m still a baby :)
On a side note: we’ve had our first blog request sent in by Andrea Latendresse!
“I would like to see a pic of all your gear and a list of what you take in such a small pack for a whole month. for example what clothes did you pack and what toiletries did you take for a month. As you know we go to Europe and travel a lot and i am always looking for ways to get my packing down to a bare minimum….so what can you show us and tell us about packing for a month long trip.”
Once all of our stuff is settled here in Chinsta we will make sure to follow up with this request :)!
21 Taking on 30 Days of South Africa
Day 12: Coffee Shack September 16th, 2012
Coffee Shack has definitely been a home away from home.
We have been kept pretty busy this trip so far so we are taking the day to catch up on some blogs and post some photos. Slept in until lunch - another rough start haha. Round 4 tonight! Birthday celebrations and champagne!
We had these things called ‘toasties’ similar to grilled cheese with onions and tomato and hot chocolate to drink today for brunch. I’ve had 3 so far, and I am keeping them coming haha.
We spent the remainder of the day hanging out with some locals in Coffee Bay. The girls are so sweet here and everyone is so friendly and inviting. Momma Davis packed me some Canadian tattoos and stickers and Alicia brought some beads and hemp string - we had hours of fun with the girls (check our FB photos - ages 9, 10, 11). Ended the night with another sunset walk and beers.
It is amazing how accommodating Coffee Shack has been. Every day we go on excursions and/or hikes with a guide, every evening we went on a sunset walk with a guide and every night we’d play a pool competition with all the travelers and workers.
We met more friends in these passed few days than ever before haha. It is safe to say that we will DEFINITELY be coming back to Coffee Shack some time soon!
The guides, workers, friends, omlettes and bob marley shots will definitely be missed! Until next time Coffee Bay, it has been a blast! :)
21 Taking On 30 Days of South Africa Day 12: too many Bob Marley shots!@ Coffee Shack
21 Taking on 30 Days of South Africa
Day 11: Coffee Shack September 15th, 2012
Our favorite German boys showed up last night in Coffee Bay! Till, Paul and Samir :)!
They joined our face painting and dance festivities for the night and it was absolutely incredible. Rough start again today, slept in and got ready for the day around lunch (all excursions don’t start until later here so it works absolutely perfect).
Alicia and I attempted surfing with a guide (free for all Coffee Shack travelers today! Wow). Although we failed royally, it was still a lot of fun!
Alicia isn’t watching me blog today so I’ll tell you her funny stories. We bought a water proof camera for our water activities and smart me decided to bring it our in border line hurricane wind conditions (well for a Canadian girl that’s what it seemed like).
Taking too many MySpace like photos with Alicia, I wasn’t paying attention and got whipped in the head with a surf board, lost my camera and went under. I come back up and Alicia is crying in laughter literally pissing in the water - I’m glad my pain is for her amusement hahah.
Another free excursion was planned for the sunset called ‘Sundowners’ at Coffee Shack. We went to the top of the mountains drank some beers with our new friend Mohammed and watched the gorgeous sunset. Way worth the short walk up the hill, and by that I mean ‘short’ in African terms - about 30 minutes - haha.
A typical night in Coffee Bay, we got rounds of beers, sat candle light by the camp fire for dinner and spent the night meeting new friends and making even more memories with our current friends.
Taking advantage of one of the many hammocks across the lodge, Paul (one of our new German friends) and I (Jenna) got to cozy up and watch the stars! :) What a better way to end the night?!
21 Taking on 30 Days of South Africa
Day 10: Coffee Shack September 14th, 2012
Sleeping in might of been the best feeling ever!
The nights are long and fun and the mornings are filled with DELICIOUS food. More specifically the Coffee Shack mushroom and cheese omlettes!
We cannot get over how delicious and fresh the food has been here in South Africa! Can we bring some home?
The Hole in The Wall - Coffee Shack excursions! Well…. To begin the weather hasn’t been the greatest so far but the atmosphere definitely makes up for it. We tried to take a Coffee Shack shuttle to the sight seeing at the hole in the wall (an absolutely stunning view of the oceans and hills). The only problem was the mud slide trying to get there, so brave and strong Coffee Shack employees get up and out and decide to walk 2 hours there, 3 hours back.
There was about a group of 15 of us and everyone had a blast joking around and hiking to the hole in the wall. I’m more fit than ever now! On our current ‘beer streak’, the minute we all got back we had toasties and Black Label beers.
Drinking started at 3pm today and didn’t end until around 1:30am….. PARTY CENTRAL, all day, all night! The coolest thing about Coffee Bay is the food, dance and traditions.
We were invited to a village dinner in the town where we tasted local beers and many more traditional foods (all so yummy and hearty). My favorite part - the booty shaking dance moves, there are girls at the age of 8 or 9 here that have the most amazing dance moves we have ever seen! It didn’t take me longer than half a second to realize I needed to join in on the fun.
PS. We bought African style pants in Durban and brought them out for the dance tonight, so much fun (again, all the photos will be posted on the Facebook page).
No surprise here, we met some hilarious friends from South Africa who joined us for the day - Darren, Trevor, Brendon and Matt - the biggest goof balls in the world but they definitely know a good time!
We continued the dancing, face painting, shots and beers for the entire night and had an absolute BLAST! Another Coffee Shack friend Rani was turning 23 so we set up the microphone in the bar, sang her some great songs and had drinks all around.
You think we’d be broke by now but 13 rand for one beer is a steal in Canada! The prices are amazing here!
21 Taking on 30 Days of South Africa
Day 9: Coffee Shack/Baz Bus September 13th, 2012 Baz Bus day!
Which consists of meeting many strangers from many different countries!
Unbelievable times and mostly great people! After a 10 hour drive we arrived in COFFEE BAY, yes what you’ve all been waiting for!
We grabbed a delicious dinner - Alicia’s favorite to date so far! We came in once the sun was setting around 5:30 so we didn’t tour around too much today.
Instead - fire pit and drinks!
This place is party central - it was one backpackers birthday (Bill) so we had shots all around and a free bottle of champagne. Coffee Shack really knows how to hook you up on your birthday (cough, cough… Mines in 2 days!)
Gooooooop all around the circle and Black Label all night long! If you are a younger tourist (20-30), Coffee Shack is the place to be!
More to come :), it was a short but sweet one today…. Until tomorrow
