Jaunted

The hop-on hop-off shuttle offers door-to-door service to more than 180 hostels in 40 towns and villages along the Garden Route. Several ticket options mean there's something for almost everyone. Long-term travelers can purchase a ticket to their final destination and hop on and off the Baz Bus an unlimited number of times, with no expiration date. Those in a crunch can buy a 7- or 14-day pass and visit as many towns as time allows. (Most towns offer daily Baz Bus service, but it's important to check schedules since trips to Mozambique and Swaziland happen just a couple of times each week.)

Traveling on the 20-seat mini bus is a great way to meet like-minded travelers, find out about hostels and activities in various towns first-hand and see the famous Garden Route without having to worry about getting lost. The drivers are charismatic, and while the seats are less than comfortable, a trailer leaves plenty of room for backpacks, surfboards, guitars and souvenirs so you don't have to stash them under your feet.

Ticket holders still need to book each leg of their journey to reserve a seat on the Baz Bus. Most hostels offer this service free of charge and snagging a seat is rarely a problem in the off-season. But one hostel owner warned us that by early December, when surfers pour in along the coast, getting a ride can be a challenge. While this won't cause a problem for those who book straight tickets to a final destination, 7- and 14-day pass holders would be wise to book the majority of their journey before actually getting started.

Related Stories:
· Baz Bus [Official Site]
· South Africa Field Trip [Jaunted]
· South Africa Travel coverage [Jaunted]