COFFEE SHACK
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Date of Stay: March 2016 Room Types:
* All prices quoted were correct during our stay and may be subject to change |
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Absolute beachfront.
These are not usually the first words that come to mind when you think of backpacker hostels, but having said that Coffee Shack isn't just any ordinary hostel!
Situated in the serene beachside town of Coffee Bay surrounded by rolling green hills and with direct beach access, the Coffee Shack is hours from the nearest city and it feels like it! This little oasis is the perfect place to get away from it all while surfing or chilling your days away then dancing long into the night to the beat of bongo drums. This is one hostel where the heart and soul of Africa is palpable every minute of every day.
Now when I use the word “beachfront”, I mean it. The accommodation at Coffee Shack is spread across two neighboring properties separated only by a small stretch of sand and the natural inlet of cool, refreshing ocean water. Both properties have uninterrupted ocean views, beach access and an assortment of accommodation options to suit a myriad of travellers.
These are not usually the first words that come to mind when you think of backpacker hostels, but having said that Coffee Shack isn't just any ordinary hostel!
Situated in the serene beachside town of Coffee Bay surrounded by rolling green hills and with direct beach access, the Coffee Shack is hours from the nearest city and it feels like it! This little oasis is the perfect place to get away from it all while surfing or chilling your days away then dancing long into the night to the beat of bongo drums. This is one hostel where the heart and soul of Africa is palpable every minute of every day.
Now when I use the word “beachfront”, I mean it. The accommodation at Coffee Shack is spread across two neighboring properties separated only by a small stretch of sand and the natural inlet of cool, refreshing ocean water. Both properties have uninterrupted ocean views, beach access and an assortment of accommodation options to suit a myriad of travellers.
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For those on a budget, there are dormitories on both sides of the property, each with six to eight beds including a female-only dormitory. All beds have a personal night lamp and any valuables can be stored in the locker at reception. For couples or friends who are after a bit more privacy, Coffee Shack offers rondavels with both shared and private bathroom facilities depending on your budget. All private rondavels also have ocean views and a communal braai area separate to the main hostel.
Finally there is The King Lodge. This grand eight-person lodge commands one of the best views in all of Coffee Bay. Complete with kitchen, living area, private bathroom and four separate bedrooms this self-contained accommodation is perched on a hill behind the rondavels, with incredible views of the ocean and the rolling green headland. |
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Back at the main hostel, the bar pumps funky tunes all day long. With backpacker-priced drinks, you'll find yourself enjoying a cold beer in any one of the many sitting areas inside and out or even just lazing in a hammock or enjoying a free game of pool with new friends. Just make sure you only drink out of your left hand or you’ll find yourself downing your drink as a penalty!
Good quality, fresh, cheap meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily but best of all is if you're there on a Sunday night for the FREE... Yes FREE, Poijke dinner. With both meat and vegetarian options available this one is always going to be a crowd pleaser! And don’t even get me started on the FREE mussels and oysters fresh out of the ocean when the fishermen have a good day! For those wanting to self-cater there is also a commercial style kitchen with a huge fridge available to all guests of the hostel. |
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Tours and activities are run everyday (depending on numbers) and some of the cheapest surf lessons on the planet are available by appointment at the calmer beach 4 minutes walk from Coffee Shack.
The friendly staff are always around to assist with Baz Bus bookings, laundry service or just for a chat and the cleaning staff keep the hostel immaculately clean even at the busiest of times! Coffee shack works closely with the local community through their partner organization Sustainable Coffee Bay. Sustainable Coffee Bay has projects such as school sponsorship programs, tertiary education support and assistance for ex-mine workers in the Coffee Bay area. Members of the local community also visit Coffee Shack to sing and dance for the guests at least once a week, and their harmonious sound and deep drumming will have you up and dancing in no time! |
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Coffee Bay is a secluded paradise where you can forget the real world for a few days and chill. The communal areas encourage conversation and the friendly atmosphere turns conversation into friendships. The way in which this small town seamlessly blends into the surrounding villages provides an atmosphere that so many areas in South Africa are lacking. The local Xhosa people are friendly, inviting and work hard to sustain their lifestyle and community in this beautiful part of the country.
This is one destination in South Africa you shouldn't miss!
This is one destination in South Africa you shouldn't miss!
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