Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge

The first time I stayed in this beautiful place was a while back, in 2013. Wild Spirit got recommended to us by friends, so we gave it a try. And it did not disappoint! Over the last decade I have been there many times and it always feels like coming home.Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge is a real get away, a proper retreat, to recharge your batteries. (The many ginger cats there will show you how to do it.)If you want and need you can be on your own and reconnect with yourself while enjoying what this place has to offer: Beautiful walks, bicycles for rent to explore the area, in summer you can jump in their grandios pool, or walk down to their small but great waterfall, or you can drive down to Natures Valley beach to swim, to hike, to explore, to rest... On the other hand, if you want to meet a bunch of interesting people and socialize, do yoga classes, have guided bike tours, chat around the bonfire, listen to live music, dance and have fun - that is the place for it, too.And if you have kids I guarantee you, THIS IS the place to go to! So much space to run around and so much magic to see. (fireflies at night, too!) There are many cats and dogs and even a horse. Plus it just feels so safe there.Wild Spirit Backpackers lodge is located in the Crags, on a quiet farm with amazing views over the Tsitsikamma mountain range. You can book a bed in a dorm, or enjoy a private room with ensuite bathroom, or camp. I did and enjoy it all. The owners really care about the environment, you can see and feel it. As a guest from Europe, I like to get reminded how precious water is. (In summer you are often requested to have short showers.)You can use their communal kitchen to make your own meal or - what I highly recommend - get dinner from Wild Spirit. I was vegan for many years and they always made an effort to accommodate me. (Vegetarian options are available anyway). There is a Farmstall close by, too and other really nice restaurant options if you do not mind a 10-20mins drive.Ah and last but not least, they have a aquaint little shop with jewellery and other little things they sell there, plus a great resident hand poke tattoo artist doing her magic.It really feels like home away from home and I am so grateful to have found this place.

Great place with nature and a view, good vibes as well. Bathrooms unfortunately poorly equipped. Prices on every cup of coffee and offered activity - I experienced less profit based nature hostels and also another pricing in general in SA before.

We originally checked into this place for one night only. But after an hour we knew that one night wouldn't be enough and extended our stay.The vibe at Wild Spirit is one of a kind. Feels like family right away, food is great and it's just a new age Hippie's dream. Would come back - and would probably stay for weeks.

Can I give 6 stars please? I recently had the pleasure of staying at Wild Spirit Hostel, and I must say it is the best hostel I have ever been to. Despite three days of continuous rain, this place provided the perfect haven for me to unwind and find peace.During those three days, I spent quality time with fellow travelers around the campfire. We shared stories, laughter, and created memories. Even though the hostel isn't centrally located, there is plenty to do within the hostel grounds itself.One of the highlights of my stay was sleeping in a tent surrounded by monkeys, dogs, cats, and even a horse. It was an incredibly unique experience, especially when you unexpectedly encounter the horse in the kitchen, as another traveler did.The hostel has a rustic charm that adds to its overall appeal. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist with any needs or questions. The common areas are cozy and inviting, and the atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back.Thank you very much Wild Spirit hostel!

Ufff, that was quite something. We booked a double room which appeared quite nice on the pictures, but was quite dirty and old when we arrived. The toilet flush was broken and the shower was blocked so the water stayed there for hours.The rooms and facilities definitely need more attention and I cannot recommend to book there: you definitely get a better deal for the money.Positive was the food served in the evenings: always yummy and healthy and creative.

Been to this lodge twice and can't wait to go back! The staff and volunteers are very friendly and always willing to assist. This special place is in the middle of a forest with a lot of effort put into making the tiny details perfect. There are also beutiful walks and hikes around. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to be close to nature.

A true gem in the forest. The staff are professional and polite. The supper time meals are definitely recommended so listen for the banging of the pot and the call for SUPPERTIME. The camp fire brings a old school feel to the place like I have not felt in years. The volunteers are a wonderful bunch and the team at the moment make it a point to learn your name and have wisdom beyond their age to share with fellow travelers, a great welcoming team you should be proud of. I had a great time meeting the team and will definitely be back when I need some relaxation. Great bunch of wild spirits.Peace ,love and empathy.

What a wonderful place! We stayed at Wild Spirit BP for one week. Didn’t want to go home. Thank you to each and everyone who made our stay so amazing. Words cant describe what we experienced! The food was absolutely out of this world!

Truely a gem in the woods! The staff are friendly and refreshing. Smiles and happiness all around. My only disappointment is not going sooner in my life! The owners have truely made a safe and fun filled place to stay. A place to make anyone feel relaxed and at ease. A place to find yourself and get lost at the same time. To all the volunteers and owners keep it up! We need more places like this in the world!

Wild Spirit is a hidden gem. My family and I love Wild Spirit so much that we’ve spent a couple months (over the course of a decade) on this land. It is as magical as it is authentic. The family who stewards this land are some of the best people I know. The Land is Sacred. The conversations are deep. The music, art and community is inspiring. And the staff is amazing! All the Earth Angels, past and present. Thank you!! I love it here so much we brought 21 of our American friends to Wild Spirit (over the course two trips) and everybody loved it.Go to Wild Spirit. Bring you family. You’ll be glad you did.