BIG Backpackers - Backpackers in Green Point, Cape Town

Two-Day Surf Camp

A two-day-and-one-night escape, only 40 minutes from Cape Town City centre. Learn surfing basics like paddling, standing up, how to read the waves, and surfing etiquette. This unique camp offers two different locations depending on the season, ensuring the best surf conditions at the time of your stay. During Autumn/Winter, camps are on the Southern Peninsula, with Summer/Spring camps on the West Coast.

Whale Watching

Experience an up close and personal encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean. An experience to be remembered for life. Boat-based Hermanus whale watching tours from the New Harbour in Hermanus provide safe, expert encounters with these massive, amazing ocean mammals.

Sky Diving

Climb 9500ft in a six-seater light aircraft, then leap out and pull your chute! Watch Table Mountain, the Franschoek Mountains or the Cape Town City centre unfold before your eyes while reaching terminal velocity en route to the ground! If jumping thousands of feet from the sky doesn’t get your pulse racing, then you may actually not be alive. Videos available.

Canopy Ziplines

A zipline canopy tour in the company of eagles! Soar over breathtaking Cape fynbos panoramas and mountainscapes! Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, we highly recommend this excursion!

Moonlight Mass

Once a month, when the moon is full, Cape Town’s cycling community (including riders of all levels of dedication and ability) take to the streets in their hundreds for a leisurely night-ride through Cape Town. Local law-enforcement close off roads and manage intersections to ensure a safe, thoroughly enjoyable, family-friendly experience.

Shark Cage Diving

The Adrenalin junky’s greatest test! Stare death in the face, with only a few metal bars between you and the mouth of the apex predator! A truly majestic and deeply misunderstood deep-water beast. We support safe chumming practices and the protection of these majestic fish.

Peninsula Tour

Either half-day or full-day. Enjoy the most beautiful scenic drive along the coast towards Cape Point. Once there, you’ll be given bikes to cycle to Cape of Good Hope. See the beautiful, unspoilt natural beauty of the place where the two oceans meet. You’ll also hang with some penguins at Boulders beach in Simons Town. Delicious picnic lunch included!

Surf Lessons

South Africa is a surfing mecca! From the (very) big, icy waves of the Cape peninsula to the beginner’s waves of warm-watered Muizenberg, there’s a little surfing action for everyone! From half-day lessons or weekends away in top surfing locations, Cape Town’s got you covered! We’ve sourced out the best companies around to ensure that your surf experience is nothing less than awesome!

Abseiling Table Mountain

At over 1000 metres above sea level, indulge in the world’s highest commercial abseil. Step off and rappel yourself 112 metres down magnificent Table Mountain, with amazing views of the ocean, the beaches and beautiful Cape Town City, all below your feet!

First Thursdays

On the first Thursday of each month, Cape Town’s shops, boutiques and restaurants stay open later than usual to accommodate flocks of nighttime shoppers and vibe-seekers who take to the streets to socialise, browse, shop and sample the goodies on offer (not to mention the complimentary wine, served at many of the participating establishments).

Winelands Tour

A breathtaking journey through the Cape’s world-famous Winelands. Visit the world-renowned South African wine estates of Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch, nestled on the slopes of the majestic Hottentot’s Holland mountain range, with its rich history, architecture and tradition.

City Cycle Tour

Learn about Cape Town’s rich heritage whilst cycling from the vibrant Waterfront to the bustling inner city, getting up close and personal with the city and its inhabitants. Ride from the historic City Centre into the colourful Bo-Kaap and onto Green Point, before heading back along the seafront.

Hike up Table Mountain

Guided hikes, walks and rock climbing on Table Mountain. Tackle our massive, world-famous landmark on foot and experience the real beauty that this incredible natural wonder has to offer.

Free Walking Tour

Walk the slopes of the world-famous District Six, see the colourful houses, smell the spices of the East, hear the mosques calling for prayer, sample the Cape Malay cuisine and get an intimate feel for the “vibe” of Cape Town. A fun way to gain a great deal of personal insight into what it means to be Capetonian.

Township Tour at Mzoli’s

What makes a perfect Sunday afternoon? A few beers, a braai, a group of friends, house music, and a gorgeous crowd, beneath a blanket of sunshine. Everyone – at least once in their life – should make a pilgrimage to Mzoli’s; Gugulethu’s “Church of Meat”.

Paragliding

An unforgettable flight experience, with breathtaking views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and our beaches. No experience is needed for tandem paragliding. What better way to experience the beautiful Cape Peninsula, than from high up above?

One Day Safari

A four-star establishment in the Southern Karoo. The reserve is a 10,000 hectare conservancy, home to Africa’s famous “Big Five”: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Aquila Game Reserve has two large swimming pools, overlooking the reserve, large dining areas, and cosy cigar bars and lounges.

Paragliding off Signal Hill

Three hours from pick-up to drop-off. You’ll fly off either Lions head or Signal Hill while enjoying the spectacular views and the rush of soaring high above one of the most beautiful places on Earth. From R1200 per person (excluding transport).

Saturday at The Old Biscuit Mill

A famously hip neighborhood market, home to artisanal food and crafts, with an atmosphere of creativity and the celebration of all things hand-crafted.

The Winelands by bicycle

Eco-friendly mountain-bike tours of the Cape Winelands, combining cycling with exclusive wine-tastings and cellar tours.

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Doubles

- White linen and towels.
- Reading lights.
- Wardrobe.
- Ensuite bathroom.

Queen-sized bed.
Includes free Breakfast.
Includes free WiFi.
Serviced daily.
Beautiful design, inspired by Cape Town and its mix of vibrant cultures and people.

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Family

White linen and towels.
Reading lights.
Wardrobe.
Ensuite bathroom.
King-size bed (or two single beds) plus custom-made bunk.
Includes free Breakfast.
Includes free WiFi.
Serviced daily.
Beautiful design, inspired by Cape Town and its mix of vibrant cultures and people.

BOOK NOW

Triples

White linen and towels.
Wardrobe.
Ensuite bathroom.
Three single beds.
Includes free Breakfast.
Includes free WiFi.
Serviced daily.
Beautiful design, inspired by Cape Town and its mix of vibrant cultures and people.

BOOK NOW

Mixed Dorms

White linen and towels.
Wardrobe.
Reading lights.
Ensuite bathroom
Two custom made bunk beds (designed by adults for adults).
Includes free Breakfast.
Includes free WiFi.
Serviced daily.
Beautiful design, inspired by Cape Town and its mix of vibrant cultures and people.

BOOK NOW

Female Dorms

White linen and towels.
Wardrobe.
Ensuite bathroom.
Two custom made bunk beds (designed by adults for adults)
Includes free Breakfast.
Includes free WiFi.
Serviced daily.
Beautiful design, inspired by Cape Town and its mix of vibrant cultures and people.

About…

The Backpackers in Green Point (or “B.I.G” for short) is perfectly situated between Cape Town’s iconic mountains and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, in one of the city’s most stylish, vibrant and beautiful suburbs.

The B.I.G is walking distance from Cape Town’s City centre and only a few kilometers from the pristine beaches of Camps Bay & Clifton Beach. The B.I.G boasts modern, newly renovated, comfortable accommodation, in the relaxed atmosphere that makes Cape Town’s hospitality world famous.

A selection of single, double, triple, dormitory and family rooms.
Daily room-cleaning and laundry services available.
Free delicious continental breakfast served every morning.
Three fully equipped kitchens available for your cooking convenience.
FREE WiFi and computer facilities.
Travel desk offering the best tours, adventures and activities in Cape Town.

A swimming pool to keep cool in Cape Town’s summer sunshine.
Braai (BBQ) facilities for eating the traditional South African way (an absolute must!)
Comfortable library and book-swapping area.
Two games rooms with big-screen TV.
Beautiful garden to relax in.
Parking for guests.
Airport transfers.

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District Six

A suburb that was once famous for its art, jazz and cultural diversity has now become an iconic reminder of South Africa’s difficult political history. In the 1970s, some 60 000 of the town’s inhabitants were forcibly removed from their homes in order for the land to be repurposed for whites-only settlement. Today, the area – with its museums and heritage sites – serves as a reminder of a time when Cape Town and its people were divided by legislature.

Bo Kaap

A tiny suburb wedged in-between Cape Town City and Greenpoint, Bo Kaap (“High Cape”) is a cultural and architectural diamond in the rough. Brightly coloured homes high up on Cape Town’s mountain-slope terrain are cheerful landmarks, home to a wonderfully vibrant, unique urban culture unlike any other in the Cape, or indeed the world.

Woodstock

Just a few minutes outside of Cape Town’s City Centre, the suburb of Woodstock is a unique melting pot of local culture, suburban energy and a sense of entrepreneurial optimism. Famous for its many beautiful, brightly coloured houses, the area also boasts vibrant Cape-Malay cuisine, and a nightlife culture often preferred by the locals to the more tourist-friendly destinations elsewhere.

Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak Drive

Hout Bay is an astonishingly beautiful beach, harbour and seaside community, often lovingly referred to as “The Republic of Hout Bay” by its “citizens”. Several roads provide access in and out of the area, with with astonishing ocean and mountain views. Chapman’s Peak, however, is probably the most famous road in Cape Town, and with good reason. When not closed for maintenance or due to weather, its sheer cliffs are wondrously beautiful (and a little bit scary).

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Cape Town’s “fynbos” (literally translates to “fine bush”) eco-system is the most biodiverse in the world. The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a vast conservatory of thousands of species of plant, insect and animal life not found anywhere else on the planet. Some species are so finely adapted to particular mountain slopes and wind channels that their entire habitats are confined to areas of just a square kilometer or two. Note: watch out for baboons… the little ones may be cute, but their dads can mean serious trouble.

Boulders Beach and Simons Town

Aside from its impossibly massive boulders, white sand and bright blue water, Boulders Beach in Simons Town is home to a large colony of Cape Jack-ass Penguins. Wooden boardwalks are ideal for penguin viewing, while a small swimming beach let’s you take a dip with the cheeky water birds. Simons Town is also home to South Africa’s naval harbour, a delightfully quaint waterfront and, during season, some of the best whale-watching in the country.

Muizenburg Beach and Kalk Bay

A half an hour’s drive away, Cape Town’s “other bay” presents a glorious blend of sleepy, small-town coastal living, and warm, swimmable waters. Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay boast fantastic restaurants amidst some of South Africa’s most beloved warm-water beaches… just watch out for the thriving great white shark population, who feed on the bay’s numerous seals!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Some of the most beautiful and meticulously maintained botanical gardens in the world. Host to regular outdoor concerts and home to many species of protea and Cape Town’s unique (and ultra-biodiverse) fynbos fauna. For those wanting to venture deeper into this natural wonderland, take a hike up Skeleton Gorge. Just watch out for bright-green boomslangs (“tree snakes”) – they’re highly venomous!

Table Mountain

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Making a trip up South Africa’s “impossible mountain” is a no brainer – an absolute must to be able to say that you’ve really seen Cape Town. Whether you take the cable car, or decide to move those muscles and hike it, you’re in for a treat! In summer they offer a sunset special – half price for both up and down.

The Company’s Garden

Originally established in the 1600s as a place for sailors to rest, rejuvenate and – critically – eat fresh fruit and vegetables, the Gardens have been meticulously maintained as a public park for centuries. Home to several museums, some amazing Cape Dutch architecture and, famously, a thriving population of peanut-loving squirrels.

Long Street

If it’s a party you want, it’s a party you’ll get! Long Street is pumping with trendy bars, funky restaurants and banging clubs, seven days (and nights) a week! There’s so much to do and see that “one drink” quickly becomes five and, before you know it, you’re pulling back into The B.I.G at 5am. Good thing we’re only 10 minutes away.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill overlooks the whole of Sea Point, Green Point and the harbour area, making it one of the most amazing sightseeing vantage-points in Cape Town. Lovers get lost in each other’s eyes, friends clink glasses over laughter and smiles, and lone travellers reconnect with themselves – all against the backdrop of brilliance that is our neighborhood.

Lions Head Hiking Trail

Not as intense as the Table Mountain hike, but just as beautiful. The 45-minute walk reveals some of the most spectacular views in the world. The hike takes you up in a spiral through some of the most biodiverse nature on the planet! Most alluring at sunset and sunrise, but really just magnificent all the time.

Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches

Soft white sand and almost florescent, blue waters – welcome to Cape Town’s most famous beaches! Clifton is made up of four beaches, each one separated by beautiful boulders and rocks. Camps Bay Beach is right across the road from some amazing cocktail bars and restaurants. The sunbathing destinations of choice for some of the sexiest, most beautiful people in the world!

The V&A Waterfront

The most visited attraction in the Southern Hemisphere is on our doorstep! Authentic African craft stores and markets, world-class restaurants, movie theatres and, of course, some of the world’s biggest retail brands.

Cape Town Aquarium

The Two Oceans aquarium, located in the V&A Waterfront, showcases the incredible diversity of marine life found in Cape Town’s two adjoining oceans. Home to more than 3000 living sea creatures, with around 88 different species of fish, including a world-famous shark tank.

Robben Island

A profound part of South Africa’s sometimes dark history, nestled in an astonishing natural setting. Tragically, it was home to Nelson Mandela for 27 years of the prime of his life. Meticulously preserved, the prison island stands as a poignant reminder to the now-democratic South Africa of the price paid for freedom. The ferry takes off from the V&A Waterfront everyday at scheduled times.

Cape Town Stadium

Previously known as Green Point Stadium, this impressive structure was built for the Soccer World Cup in 2010 and currently hosts Cape Town’s major concerts and sporting events. The stadium’s current seating capacity is 55000!

Public Transport Lines

Cape Town’s efficient and safe MyCiti Bus service has several stops less than 5 minutes away from us, ready to whisk you off to any beach or part of town. We also have a direct line to a reliable metered taxi service that will be here within 10 minutes to pick you up. Cape Town also boasts an established Uber network.

Fitness Centre

There is a fully equipped Virgin Active gym nearby, complete with swimming pool, tennis courts, classes and a wide range of world-class gym equipment. Staying in shape while staying at The B.I.G is a piece of sugar-free, low carb cake (which, on a side-note, is widely available at local coffee shops and bistros!)

Restaurants, Bars and Cafés

A short walk down the road for an artisanal burger and craft beer at Hudson’s restaurant, or perhaps a little spice in your life with some Mexican food at El Burro. Not hungry? The Jade Bar would love to have you over for a drink. Bottom line, The B.I.G is surrounded by dozens of delectable delis, cosy coffee shops, restaurants of all kinds, and a wide selection of bars.

Sea Point Promenade

There’s nothing like a breath of fresh sea air to lift the spirit! The famous Sea Point Promenade is less than 5 minutes away and is buzzing with runners, walkers, dogs (on leashes), cyclists and people picnicking or working out on the outdoor gym. Look out for paragliders swooping down for landings, and soccer balls being kicked around. It’s a strip of happiness, where the ocean meets the Earth.