Riverlodge Blog

South Africa's National Women's Day, in rememberance of  August 1956 when women from different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds gathered in unity to protest against "pass laws." These laws required black South Africans to carry internal passports under The Population Registration Act. The march's impact is still felt to this day and is attributed to helping women gain 48.7% representation in government. 

Read more →

Back in the day Robben Island was a place of incarceration for political prisoners. Since then Robben Island has developed a reputation as one's of the world's leading tourist attractions. Riverlodge Backpackers takes a look at the historical and tourism value the Island has to offer and our incredible Post-Covid-19 Robben Island special which will include accommodation and organising of logistics to and from the destination.

Read more →

Three Winter Lock Down Activities

With South Africa now officially on Level 3 Lockdown, 101 days and counting, it means we are slowly on our way back to a state of "normalcy" but much precaution still has to be taken which means you still need to take precautions such as wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing of hands, social distancing and if you have any symptoms, stay at home.

The only thing worse than lockdown, is lockdown during winter, so here at Riverlodge Backpackers we’ve put together a list of three activities that you and your family can enjoy while waiting for the much anticipated Level 1 during the winter season:

1. Partake In A Live Virtual Tour Of Riverlodge Backpackers and Oude Molen Eco Village.

Did you know that staying at home doesn’t prevent you from taking a look at the next accommodation spot you are going to be booking for your trip after lockdown ends? Riverlodge Backpackers located in Cape Town in the suburb of Pinelands, offers a virtual tour of their establishment in real time every Friday at 16:00GMT via Riverlodge's  Facebook page. Take a look at the wonderful facilities we have to offer while you are seated on your couch. The tour is hosted by Simba, our social media and marketing boff. Viewers are encouraged to interact with him in the comments sections and ask questions as they would if they were viewing the premises in real life. Think of it as MTV Cribs...just LIVE.

Image courtesy of Riverlodge Backpackers

2. Book Your Post-Covid-19 Trip

While you are cooped up in your home you probably spend countless hours dreaming about the day you can finally board a plane, bus or even take a long distance trip in the family car. Instead of just day dreaming though, how about making it a reality by booking your trip ahead of time? Riverlodge Backpackers in Cape Town is currently offering a number of Post-Covid-19 packages that includes accommodation at discounted rates and can arrange any number of activities for the duration of your stay from Great White Shark cage diving, a trip to Robben Island or an exclusive wine tour. All you need to do is visit our website, choose your ideal activity and contact our travel desk staff who are well-versed in planning trips from accommodation to the transportation to and from these amazing tourist destinations. They will undertake all the admin and organise everything on your behalf ahead of Level 1.

Check Availability

P.S.In the next few days this blog will be highlighting the various activities and packages that you can choose from, so make sure to check this space every day!

 

Image courtesy of Two Oceans Aquarium

3. Play An Online Puzzle

Did you know that the first jigsaw puzzle was invented in 1760 by John Spilsbury, a British engraver who glued a map on a sheet of wood, cut out each country into pieces and used this to aid him in teaching geography? Since then jigsaw puzzles have become widely popular and still thrive in this day and age of social media. Below is our Riverlodge Backpackers jigsaw puzzle and every week we'll post a new puzzle, put the pieces together, take a pic with your phone, send it to us and we'll upload it to our Facebook page with your name and congratulatory message. Have fun and stay safe! 

 

I picked the above topic because I work in the backpacking industry and more often than not have crossed paths with many guests who arrive at a backpacker (after booking a dorm room via the website or a booking agent) and look confused at their surroundings.

The expectation is a private room with an en-suite and a high probability of room service.

The reality, after being shown a bed in a dormitory with youngsters lounging around and backpacks strewn all over the floor spilling their contents

Read more →

The last few days in Cape Town has us in a summer vibe! It's currently mid-winter yet everybody is flocking to the beaches, hiking on Table Mountain and pulling their shorts and dresses out from the dark corners of their closets. We took to Twitter to see how everybody was taking advantage of the lovely weather in Cape Town while it lasted and we just had to share it with you!

Read more →

Boutique Gin distilleries, brands and bars have erupted into Cape Town's scene over the past year or two, to the point where there is now an official Gin Route, similar to South Africa's famous Wine Route and Spice Route. Read all about the new Gin Route and what you can expect on the exciting full day tour.

Read more →

Are you an adventurous spirit? If so, the thought of booking yourself a Shark Cage Dive tour while in Cape Town is most likely on your bucket list. Book yourself this once in a lifetime shark cage dive combo deal with 2 nights accommodation included. 

Read more →

Hallelujah! With many forecasters and researchers predicting Cape Town's winter in 2018 being just as dry as 2017's, this past weekend has been a relief. Heavy downpours and flash floods have given many Capetonians hope and comfort that our drought and water crisis is coming to an end. See the latest videos and images of Cape Town's rains and floods in July 2018.

Read more →

The Cape region of South Africa boasts some of the best rock climbing, highly regarded among international climbers. The Cape's mountains harbour waterfalls, valleys & views, making your climbing adventures breathtaking. Read our guide on where the best climbing spots are, which routes to take & what you need to know.

Read more →