Frequently Asked Baz Bus Questions

What are the terms and conditions?

• Tickets are not refundable but, with the exception of return tickets, are transferable.
• Seats should be booked at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Please note: drivers cannot take bookings or recommend hostels. All bookings must be made through our Cape Town Head Office by telephone.
Any bookings by e-mail or fax are subject to confirmation. We will not be held responsible for passengers left behind as a result of unconfirmed bookings.
• Buses will depart by scheduled times.
• Buses will not wait for passengers who are not ready to depart at the scheduled time.
• In the event of a bus running behind schedule, every attempt will be made to keep passengers informed but we accept no liability for any inconvenience in this regard.
• Passengers are picked up and dropped off at the venues specified on the Arrival and Departure Points and must be ready to leave from these departure points at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure times.
• A "no show" for any booked section of the journey (without prior cancellation) will result in loss of that section of the journey and a new ticket will have to be purchased for that section.
• Price Lists and Timetables are subject to change without prior notification and must be confirmed at the time of making the booking.

What about the hostels?
South African hostels boast some of the highest standards in the world. Baz Bus will drop you at over 180 of them. Most hostels offer camping, singles, doubles or dormitories with standard features such as in-house bars, tour desk and of course some amazing locations. Accommodation costs vary from hostel to hostel. Get your 'free' Coast to Coast guidebook at most hostels. Accommodation bookings must be made directly with the hostel of your choice. Book a bed here.

How much do hostels charge?
Rates:
Camping: R30 to R40
Dorms: R60 to R80
Single: R80 to R120
Double: R130 to R210

Should I book my accommodation in advance?
Most people prefer to play it by ear and book hostels as they go along. During the busy summer season some places do get full and we do recommend booking a few days in advance, especially for double rooms.

How long do I need to get from Cape Town to Johannesburg / Pretoria via Swaziland?
The longer the better of course as your ticket has no time limit and there is so much to see and do enroute! Do remember that on this route, Baz Bus does not travel at night, making Port Elizabeth, Durban and Swaziland compulsory stopovers. In order not to rush it, 2 weeks minimum is recommended.

Does Baz Bus pick up from the airport?
If you are flying into Johannesburg, all the backpacker hostels offer FREE collection from the airport. Simply go to the backpacker information desk where you can phone the hostel of your choice. In Cape Town there are a number of airport shuttles. Recommended is The Backpacker Bus (phone them on (021) 447 4991 between 8am - 8pm.) This reliable bus service runs regular trips at backpackers rates between Cape Town International Airport and your hostel in Cape Town. Mention Baz Bus for a good rate.

Can I bring my surfboard, mountain bike, stereo and chessboard with me on my fabulous Baz Bus adventure through Southern Africa?
Of course! Their semi-luxury 19-seater Mercedes Benz are all equipped with trailers capable of carrying all your bits and pieces.

What should I bring?

• A sleeping bag (bedding is available at most hostels)
• A backpack and daypack (to help you travel light)
• A credit card (accepted all around S.A. but not at some hostels)
• Your passion for independent travel

Would I need to use a shuttle service on your route?
To reach out of the way places, shuttle services are operated by the hostels in the remote areas. There are extra charges for these. Contact the hostel of your choice for further details and to book your shuttle.

What is the distance between stops?
Approximate distance in kms
Cape Town - Port Elizabeth: 756
Cape Town - George: 436
Port Elizabeth - Durban: 927
Durban - Umtata: 436
Durban - Manzini (Swaziland): 400
Durban - Jo'burg: 565
Jo'burg - Manzini (Swaziland): 620
Jo'burg - Nelspruit: 422
Jo'burg - Pretoria: 58

Is it safe and viable for me to travel alone in Southern Africa?
It sounds like Baz Bus experience is just what you need! It is a safe option because they offer a 'door to door' service. You are never really alone, just smile at your neighbour on the bus and soon you'll be rattling on about exciting travel experiences. All the hostels and adventure centres offer fun activities and tours so you'll never have a dull moment! They will also inform you on the necessary safety precautions and the "do's" and "don'ts" of the place. So... Sit back, relax and enjoy your journey.

Am I too old to take Baz Bus?
Baz Bus is for all the young at heart. They strive to be an enjoyable and friendly bus company, where you can meet great people on the buses and still have the independence to do whatever activities you wish en route. If you feel young, Baz Bus experience can help you become a better beach bum, adrenaline junkie, culture vulture, wildlife fundi, party animal or a bit of all.

Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities don't need visas for travelling to South Africa or Swaziland. Please make sure that your travel documents are in order. For further information check out www.traveldocs.com/za/

Does Baz Bus offer any discounts?
Sure! There are so any to choose from while en route. Print off the discounts page - so you know where the discounts are on "YOUR" route. To make use of these discounts simply show the operator your Baz Bus ticket at the time of booking to qualify. Excited yet, well go on!

Does Baz Bus offer tours?
They have a variety for you to choose from:

• A flexible hop-on hop-off door to door Baz Bus ticket from Cape Town to Johannesburg/Pretoria or vice versa
• A Wildlife Kruger Park experience
• A face to face encounter with the local Zulu's in their valley of a 1000 hills
• Swaziland highlights
• An introduction to the township life
• An adventurous trip to the Cape Point where the 2 oceans meet

Baz Bus 7 Day & 14 Day Travel Pass allows you to travel in any direction you want and as often as you like WITHIN the time period in either 7 or 14 consecutive days. This ticket will expire, but still well suited for short-term travelers.