On their website, Buccaneers Backpackers states:
A gem on the Wild Coast of South Africa, Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers has something for everyone – budget and luxury accommodation, adventure and relaxation. Come, stay, leave your heart in Africa.
I didn’t know that those words would ring so true. When I planned a trip to scuba dive the famed sardine run on South Africa’s Wild Coast, the last thing I expected was to find a place I felt so connected to, it’s difficult to put into words. While the sardine run was adrenaline-filled, heart-pounding, and unforgettable, Buccaneers was the surprise gem of the trip. It left me with a wistful sense of nostalgia, and an almost indescribable connection to the natural land and that roaming vagabond life.
Where is Buccaneers Backpackers?
Situated a 45-minute drive north of East London, Buccaneers — or Buccs, as locals call it — rests firmly on South Africa’s Wild Coast right next to the beautiful Cintsa River. I can’t emphasize enough how stunning the location is. The lodge is perched on a hill, with views stretching from the river all the way down to Cintsa Beach and the wild ocean beyond. Imagine waking up to bright orange sunrises, and closing out the day with pastel, watercolored skies for sunset.
What kind of accommodations are there at Buccaneers Backpackers?
What started off as a backpackers spot has grown into a full-fledged lodge of sorts, with a range of accommodation options to suit all travel styles. These include:
- Family-style cottages
- Ocean-view suites
- Budget cabins
- Dorm rooms
- Safari tents
- Camp sites
Solo-travelers, couples, families, and everyone in between will find the right kind of accommodation they’re looking for — all with gorgeous vistas of Cintsa. I guarantee it’s tough to find a hostel dorm room with a better view than the one at Buccs!
I stayed in a cottage at first, then moved into an en-suite room that was part of the brand new “Nest” — a recently constructed area built with group trips in mind. It was perfect for our gang of divers. See below for why!
What kind of food is offered at Buccaneers?
Right before dawn each day, Sal (managing extraordinaire of Buccs) would cook up a feast for breakfast, and we would rise to the sizzle and smell of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. We’d lumber downstairs in our pajamas, scarf down some food, before getting ready to launch the boat at dawn for the sardine run.
For other meals, self-catering is an option, but most end up signing up for the amazing food provided. Toasted sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and more are offered for lunch, and dinners serve an array of international cuisine on a rotating basis. I should also probably mention that the dining room offers the best view at Buccs — with a balcony and view overlooking the bay, river and ocean.
My family ended up actually helping out on Thai night and providing some authentic recipes, so Sal repaid the favor by inviting us over to her house for a braai — South Africa’s version of a barbecue, except better! Think extra rare meats, potatoes, and lots of wine.
And drinks?
Some of my fondest memories at Buccaneers have to be at the Skebenga Bar! Wines, local beers, hard liquor, and more…this is the perfect place to play pool, watch a sports game (I was actually there during the World Cup), and meet other travelers. There’s also an outdoor patio area, where we ended up jamming on broken 5-string guitars with other backpackers under the stars. The best part? It’s open from 5pm until…whenever the last person leaves 🙂
What activities are there to do?
There is so much to do. Seriously. While all divers should definitely experience the sardine run, Buccaneers itself offers an array of activities for non-divers, including:
- Surfing
- Horseback riding (on the beach!)
- Kayaking (on the beautiful Cintsa River)
- Safari (at Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, only minutes away)
- Cultural tours
- Brewery tours
- Ziplining
- Quadbiking
- Volunteering at the local school / soup kitchen
- Yoga
- Massage
- And so much more!
Every day there’s an afternoon activity (from sunset booze cruises to bush walks) that’s also a wonderful way to meet travelers and see the sights. My recommendations? Kayaking on the Cintsa River at sunset (imagine mirrored waters and the chance to spot hunting kingfishers + numerous species of birds), and generally exploring the beach and surrounding areas on foot. Cintsa Beach is one of South Africa’s top 10, with minimal crowds, wondrous geological formations and stunning lighting at sunrise/sunset. I was there for a little over a week, and still didn’t scratch the surface of all there was to do.
What makes Buccaneers so special?
It was probably while kayaking on the Cintsa River that it truly hit me — this place echoed something I believe Romantic poets called the Sublime — wild, mysterious, and a connection to awe-inspiring nature. Buccs started off as a family-run lodge, and remains the same to this day. I’ve stayed with host families and home stays abroad, but never felt more welcome than at Buccs with Sal and her family. Something about the gorgeous location, the vagabond vibe, and the folks there make this a truly special place unlike any other.
I wouldn’t be surprised if people went for the sardine run, but stayed for Buccaneers. I know I almost did.
