South Africa

South Africa

Dramatic landscapes, world-class waves and rich culture, South Africa really does have it all. 

Over the years some of the original Ticket to Ride team members have settled permanently in South Africa, convinced that it's the best place in the world to live. Today we have a year-round team of Trip Leaders and operational staff whose expertise and local knowledge are key to giving you an unbelievable experience of South Africa.

Each of our locations have been carefully chosen as they all offer totally unique surfing experiences. South Africa is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and we're looking forward to showing you the reasons why. 

Check out our South Africa Trip Blog to see exactly what goes down on Ticket to Ride courses in South Africa.

Trip Stops & Accommodation

Throughout your South African journey, you'll stay in carefully selected backpackers, with kitchen facilities, computer, Wi-Fi, TV area, lounge and pool tables etc.

Cape Town

Cool, cosmopolitan and framed by Table Mountain, this good-looking metropolis will have your heart upon touchdown. In between surfs, expect to climb Table Mountain, swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach and go on a wine tasting tour of Klein Constantia's estate. You'll also leave with a deeper understanding of life in South Africa by getting involved with amazing community projects.

Where we stay On the beachfront in Muizenberg! This place was built with surfers in mind as it's just a stone’s throw away from perfect waves.

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is a small holiday town with a big personality and a popular stop for travellers on the famous Garden Route. With an endless array of uncrowded beaches to discover, as well as plenty of activities for adrenaline junkies, you can expect an all-out action-packed stop.

Where we stay You'll stay at a great backpackers which is both close to all of the excitement of the town and solitude of the beach. T

Jeffreys Bay

Magical Jeffreys Bay or J-Bay perfectly encapsulates all that is Ticket to Ride. With the world’s best waves on your doorstep, it’s all about surfing until your arms drop off. Helping out in the local community at some inspiring environmental projects will give those arms the rest they need to head out for yet, another great surf. 

Where we stay Situated up on a dune overlooking two quality surf spots is one of South Africa’s most renowned backpacker lodge. The fun bar provides a great platform to meet other travellers or to hang out with your new best friends - your Ticket to Ride group.

Cintsa

Cintsa Bay is just outside East London and marks a real change of scenery as we head deep into the Eastern Cape bush. With empty, world-class surf lying in wait for the lucky travelling surfer, it’s easy to see why so many of South Africa’s surfing elite were born and bred on its waves. 

Where we stay The surf camp is set amongst the dunes overlooking the stunning Cintsa Bay. 

Coffee Bay

Coffee Bay is nestled in the Transkei, and allows a step back in time to rural Africa. The surf is empty and offers the rare chance to surf perfect waves with only your friends for company.

Where we stay With its idyllic location right in a little bay, friendly staff, relaxing hammocks, great food and vibing bar, you won't want to leave this backpackers for sure.

Ansteys and Durban

Expect to enjoy the best of both worlds with great waves on your doorstep and the bright lights of Durban just a short drive away. You'll also take your surf instructor and life saving exams here.

Where we stay The backpackers is just a few minutes walk away from a world-class beach break - the famous Cave Rock. Run by one of South Africa’s best-known surfing families, your sandy feet will fit right in. 

Ballito

Just forty minutes north of Durban you'll hit the Pearl of the Dolphin Coast, Ballito. Flanked by golden beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the rippling fields of sugar of cane, it's easy to see why it's a popular holiday destination for South African tourists. With great waves and a consistent swell, you'll be out surfing at every opportunity or making the most of your remaining days in Africa by experiencing the thrills of a safari.

Where we stay The perfect place to end your surfing adventure with us, unless you're continuing your Ticket to Ride journey by heading to Mozambique as well.

Waves

South Africa really does have it all when it comes to surfing. From the perfect point breaks, like Jeffreys Bay, to friendly beach breaks and heavy barrelling reefs, there is something for everyone, and always just around the corner.

South Africa has been on the international map since Bruce Brown’s movie Endless Summer 1 in 1966. Ever since then there have been endless discoveries of new and perfect waves, including Cape Town's internationally renowned big wave spots like Dungeons.

The South African coastline is easily one of the most wave-rich coastlines in the world, and with the right local knowledge and advice, you'll be surfing world-class and skill-appropriate waves in no time.

Other Activities

Although surfing will always be a trip's focus, there will always be ample time to discover South Africa's other top attractions, including climbing up Table Mountain, swimming with the penguins at Boulders Beach, wine tasting tours of award-winning estates, and much, much more.

Community Work

We believe that community work must be a sustainable endeavour. As such we're very careful about the programmes we get involved with, in order to maximise our positive impact on South Africa. 

In Cape Town, former Ticket to Ride Trip Leader Tim Conibear, has set up several incredible projects, including Waves for Change, which we are proud to align ourselves with. 

Similarly, we have long-standing partnerships with projects in Plettenberg Bay and J-Bay including Tharros Community Centre.