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  • 2/5 Irene K. 2 years ago on Google
    Poor value for the money in that area. Certainly a beautiful property and active community to tap into if you are traveling singly or staying for awhile--could be worth it if you are staying there for the hippie/backpacker vibe or wanting to party. But wouldn't stay for the accommodations: the rooms were poorly appointed, simple, and without basic amenities (soap/towels etc.). A portion of the roof in our room was a tarp--would recommend camping on the property to get appropriate value for the cost.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is wonderful. The staff are all great. Everyone was very friendly, and the property is amazing. It's on my short list of best hostels in the world. If I didn't have to return my rental car I'd still be there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Willem H V. 1 year ago on Google
    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!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan Davies (Megan in the W. 1 year ago on Google
    My home away from home, my heart feels so full when I think of all the time I've spent here over the years. I'm forever grateful to the amazing people I've met here and to the land for providing me with such a safe space when I deeply needed it. Camping is the best way to experience Wild Spirit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Justin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Upon arrival the check in staff weren't really anywhere to be found. There was someone manning the desk (well actually sitting on his phone) while myself and partner stood for a good 5 minutes waiting to hopefully be helped. We were then checked in and shown around, by a rather forward and curt volunteer who made us very uncomfortable with strange questions and statements, and rudely insisted we join for dinner even though we had already made plans. Even though the narrative is about sustainability and being eco-friendly, the camping kitchen was very dirty with no hot water, as well as leaking taps (a bit counter productive to the whole water wise agenda being punted, especially considering that shower times are explicitly enforced with running commentary from staff whilst you shower from right outside the door). The communal kettle went missing after the first night of our stay, so maybe an energy efficient hydro boil kettle would be more fitting and a better sustainable option. As for the grounds, the forest and chill areas were beautiful and lush, which is highly disappointing when contrasted by other areas of the grounds which can only really be described as under maintained and for a lack of a better description, "hounder hok". Overall, we did enjoy our stay but there is still a lot to be desired, considering what is advertised and for the price.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sagi f. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a lovely place! Wonderfull venue, lovely hospitality, chill atmosphere. A place to stay for a few days and relax, in a location that fits a star trip, including hikes, sightseeing and attractions, and the kitchen - excellent!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iñigo I. 2 years ago on Google
    Great ambient, for solo travelers recommended. They offer dinner and breakfast and there are vegan options when I was there. Chill place surrounded by nature
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sune van H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot, room views were great. Shower was huge and bed super comfortable, we stayed in a family room. Service was a bit passive aggressive however, eventually evened out.

  • 5/5 Anja 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 COH3N 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 4/5 Preacher T. 1 year ago on Google
    We took a turn to Wild Spirit back packers for one night, on our way to the National arts festival in Makanda, I really enjoyed our stay, Had a nicely cooked ostrich meat, also got to do the magic forest and the waterfall in the morning before our departure. you looking for tranquility? Wild Spirit is the place be.

  • 5/5 Chandre Van V. 1 year ago on Google
    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!

  • 5/5 Kevin L. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at. A homey feel in the middle of the woods with wonderful staff. I wish I could stay forever. If you’re considering staying here, do it…even if it means adjusting your itinerary. You won’t regret it.

  • 5/5 Brian E. 10 months ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Marit van W. 11 months ago on Google
    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!

  • 5/5 Owain R. 1 year ago on Google
    A rustic out of the way place full of young and old off grid types. Dinner was very good and room rates are very reasonable. Worth a stay if you want to get off the beaten track

  • 5/5 Calley Beamish African O. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved this place! It has a relaxed hippy feel. The perfect place for nature lovers. It is surrounded by forest and there are a few nice trails to walk. They have an old yellowwood tree which is a short distance away and I loved the forest trail. The chef is fabulous and you can pay for delicious buffet dinner and breakfast. There was daily yoga every morning and they had live music each night. This is a convenient location to explore natures valley, tsitsikamma and beyond. I stayed in basic ensuite double room but there are family rooms, dorms, safari tents and camping grounds. There is also a little arty shop and basic bar on site. There is always a camp fire going and someone playing the guitar.

  • 5/5 Jojo M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very special place, we extended our stay. Beautiful spot in the forest, interesting people, delicious home cooked food, great workshops. A great experience!

  • 2/5 Jasmin B. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Ashton G. 1 year ago on Google
    An incredibly special place surrounded by beautiful forests and views. Experience peace while travelling through or staying for a while. Comfy rooms and communal space. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area.

  • 3/5 Lennart S. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Glen E. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Maree M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is pure magic in every way ✨ Dinners are exceptionally tasty and good value for money, usually some epic vegan options. Staff are amazing, lovely yoga studio and women's circles on the weekends. Beautiful walks and lots of spots to meditate or do yoga. Evenings by the fire are the beat place to connect with interesting adventures and if you're lucky enough to get some sunny days, the pool is straight out of an Instagram post! Oh and don't forget the shop, full of treasures and jewels and nice smelling things too.

  • 5/5 Jason O. 2 years ago on Google
    This backerpackers/ camping is one of the best ive stayed at and camped.. awesome vibes and great variety of individuals you meet. The staff are awesome people. The forest walks and out side showers and lovely. Overall they are awesome would highly recommend people to visit and stay here.

  • 5/5 Leah W. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Wild Spirit is an amazingly beautiful place. With great food at a fair price. The volunteers/staff are so friendly and create the most wonderful welcoming vibe. The dorms have a beautiful view, with no bunk beds and the safari tents are a great way to get the “camping experience” with a bit more comfort. Definitely recommend for anyone travelling solo because the volunteers go out of their way to make you part of the crew as well as for travelling with friends or family.

  • 4/5 Michelle J. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    My first time visiting the place and I love it. It's the kind of place where you can go and relax after a hard day's work. The kind of place that gives you piece of mind. You have these amazing views and it's just really nice and quiet.

  • 5/5 Yvette E. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    We recently stayed at Wild Spirit on two separate occasions and it was a wonderful experience. The rooms were clean, very comfortable and the setting was beautiful! The atmosphere at Wild Spirit is incredible. Friendly staff, wonderful animals and the forest is magical. I would highly recommend a visit!!

  • 5/5 Brittany E. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Loved the setting and the vibe. Camped under the trees so can't comment on the rooms. Beautiful hikes and walks nearby. Gorgeous.


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