10 of the Best Backpackers in South Africa • Wanderlust Movement

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Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Looking for the best backpackers in South Africa? You’ve come to the right place!

Backpacking through South Africa is one of the best ways to see this diverse and beautiful country. Not only are there a range of affordable options, but they are also located in some of the most scenic parts of South Africa’s 11 provinces.

In preparation for a trip that I’m planning, I decided to research the best backpackers in South Africa on booking sites like Booking.com. The more I travel, the more I find myself checking to see what other travellers are saying about a hostel before I book.

So if you are planning a trip through South Africa, and you are still deciding where to stay, here are 10 of the best backpackers in South Africa!

Table of Contents

1. Once in Joburg
2. The Backpack Shack in Mossel Bay
3. B.I.G Backpackers in Cape Town
4. Hazyview Adventure Backpackers in Mpumalanga
5. Tsitsikamma Backpackers in Storms River
6. Elundini Backpackers in Hogsback
7. Monzi Safari Backpackers in Saint Lucia
8. Curiocity Durban
9. Platberg Backpackers in Harrismith
10. Karoo Soul Backpackers in Oudtshoorn

1. Once in Joburg

Photo by: Once in Joburg

Once in Cape Town has finally launched their Johannesburg leg and it is all set to be just as epic as it’s Cape Town branch. Situated in the heart of Braamfontein, Once in Joburg is poised to become one of the best backpackers in South Africa.

Experience the creative atmosphere of First Thursday’s while tasting some of Johannesburg’s tastiest treats while walking between local art museums. Or take in the city’s nightlife and have a drink at Kitcheners or dance the night away over at Baseline.

Free breakfast is included during your stay and served at the hostel’s in-house restaurant, The Immigrant. There is also a concierge service to help you book local sightseeing activities like The Red Bus, a trip to the Kruger National Park, graffiti tours and car hire.

Price: R 235 in a 4-bed dorm with a locker, charging points and a reading light.

Nearby Attractions: The Civic Centre, Museum of Africa, South African Museum of Military History, Constitution Hill, Wits University, Market Theatre

Facilities: Free WiFi, Safety Deposit Box, Airport Shuttle, Air conditioning, Wake-up service, Shared lounge/TV area, BBQ area, laundry, 24-hour front desk, ATM cash machine on-site

2. The Backpack Shack in Mossel Bay

Photo by: The Backpack Shack

Situated along the famous Garden Route, Mossel Bay has earned the moniker of South Africa’s “Do Stuff” destination. The area is known for its diverse natural beauty, 60 kilometres of beaches and a culture that stretches back 164, 000 years.

For budget-conscious travellers, a stop at The Backpack Shack is a low-cost way to experience this adventurous and cultural spot in South Africa.

Price: R350 double or twin room with breakfast at R75 per person.

Nearby attractions: The Outeniqua Mountains, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Santos Beach, Diaz Strand, Robinson Pass, Diaz Museum, scuba diving, sandboarding, skydiving, St Belize Hiking trail

Facilities: Free Wifi, airport shuttle, wake-up service, car hire, safety deposit box, on-site bar, restaurant, communal kitchen, BBQ and pool area.

3. B.I.G Backpackers in Cape Town

Photo by: B.I.G. Backpackers

If you are looking for top-rated hostels in South Africa that are centrally located in Cape Town, book a stay at B.I.G Backpackers.

Situated between the beautiful mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the hostel is in walking distance to the Sea Point Promenade, V & A Waterfront and the city centre. Hop on the MyCiti bus and in a few minutes, you’ll find yourself lounging on the pristine beaches of Camps Bay or sipping on cocktails at one of the trendy hot spots along Clifton Beach. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the local pub crawl!

A continental breakfast is served daily and the hostel offers a fully equipped kitchen for travellers who want to whip up their own cuisine creations. The backpackers also offers 3-course in-house dinners once a week, and the staff take the guests out to see and do things they would not specifically do on their own five times a week.

Price: R 360 in a 4-bed dorm with charging points, a reading light and a wardrobe.

Nearby Attractions: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Long Street, Robben Island, 2 Oceans Aquarium, Paragliding, Old Biscuit Mill, Wine Tours

Facilities: Free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle, safety deposit box, car hire, bicycle hire, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry, pool and BBQ area

4. Hazyview Adventure Backpackers in Mpumalanga

Photo by: Hazyview Adventure Backpackers

If you are planning a trip along the scenic Panorama route, you need to stop at Hazyview Adventure Backpackers. It boasts stunning views of the Klein Drakensberg escarpment mountain range and is bordered by the Sabie and Blyde rivers.

The Hazyview’s location makes it one of the best backpackers in South Africa to explore the Kruger National Park (only 12 km away!). Go river rafting, abseil around the beautiful Sabie Valley, hike the numerous routes or try your hand at Mountain Boarding.

After an adventurous day exploring the local area, enjoy at home cooked meal at the backpacker’s own Jungle Cafe, have a drink at Voodoo Bar or relax in the “boma” around an African fire.

Price: R130 a night in a 10-bed dorm.

Nearby attractions: God’s Window, The Three Rondavels, Sudwala Caves, Bourke’s Luck potholes, Elephant Sanctuary, Kruger National Park, The Panorama Route, Lowveld Botanical Gardens, Gold Panning Pilgrims Rest

Facilities: Communal kitchen, swimming pool, climbing wall, BBQ area, laundry service, transfers, luggage storage.

5. Tsitsikamma Backpackers in Storms River

Photo by: Tsitsikamma Backpackers

Tsitsikamma Backpackers can be found along one of the most scenic spots on the Garden Route. The area was declared Africa’s first marine reserve in 1964 and is made up of over 80km of coastline.

The backpacker’s proximity to Tsitsikamma National Park and adventure activities like the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, the Otter Trail, bungee jumping and an 800-year-old Yellowwood tree make it one of the best hostels in South Africa for nature lovers on a budget.

Price: R220 in a six-bed dorm

Nearby attractions: Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, Otter Trail, Bloukrans Bridge, Hog Hollow Horse Trails, Kayak Adventure, snorkelling

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, outdoor boma area, shuttle service, laundry services, bar area, lockers and BBQ areas.

6. Elundini Backpackers in Hogsback

Photo by: Elundini Backpackers

Elundini Backpackers is an award-winning hostel in South Africa located 20 minutes from the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape. It was voted the best backpackers in South Africa and the Eastern Cape by The Guardian.

With Xhosa Cultural activities, unmatched scenic beauty and one of three backpackers in the area, it’s a unique opportunity for any traveller wanting to experience “the other side” of South Africa.

Situated in Hogsback, high up on the Amathole mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, the area is surrounded by centuries-old Afro-montane forests. The area is dense with tall forests, mist and often sees snow in the winter months. J.R.R. Tolkien is said to have been inspired by these very forests when he penned his world famous Lord of the Rings novels.

Price: R235 in a 3-bed dorm

Nearby Attractions: Eco-Shrine, Hogsback Pass, hiking, mountain biking, Double Drift Game Reserve. Xhosa Village Tour and bread-making lessons.

Facilities: Airport shuttle, bicycle rental, on-site buffet-style restaurant, BBQ area, communal kitchen, laundry services

7. Monzi Safari Backpackers in Saint Lucia

Photo by: Monsi Safari Backpackers

Situated in the Kwazulu Natal province, Monsi Safari Backpackers offers travellers the chance to experience a unique luxury backpacking experience. The hostel boasts an open plan kitchen, two large swimming pool with sundecks and an entertainment area. It provides daily tours to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park and the Cape Vidal as well as a variety of adventure activities.

Explore the legendary coral reefs of Maputaland and keep an eye out for its famous hippos who often roam the streets at night. St Lucia is also a central hub for iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.

The park contains eight interlinking ecosystems, 700-year-old fishing traditions, some of the world’s highest vegetated coastal dunes and most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests.

Price: R200 a night in a 10-bed dormitory tent

Nearby Attractions: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Saint Lucia Estuary, horse riding, bird watching, snorkelling and hiking, whale watching, kayaking, culture tours

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, bicycle rental, airport shuttle, BBQ area, laundry service, car hire, daily maid service

8. Curiocity Durban

Photo by: Curiocity Durban

Housed in a historic 1930 British-Colonial style building, Curiocity Durban is one of the best backpackers in South Africa to experience Durban’s unique heritage, history and aesthetics.

The hostel boasts yoga classes, an outdoor cinema, chill-out lounges, co-working spaces, an urban spa and an onsite bar. It’s in walking distance from the beach, only 2.3 km from UShaka Marine World and a short Uber drive away from some of Durban’s hottest nightlife spots.

Price: R230 in a 10-bed dorm.

Nearby Attractions: uShaka Marine World, ICC Durban, Marine Parade, Cape2Cairo Nightclub, Umgeni River Bird Park, Durban Botanic Garden, Stainbank Nature Reserve, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Beach Hurst

Facilities: airport shuttle, safety deposit box, Wi-Fi, communal kitchen, bicycle rental.

9. Platberg Backpackers in Harrismith

Photo by: Platberg Backpackers

Further inland is Platberg Backpackers in Harrismith. Centrally located in town, the hostel is in prime position for all amenities as well as an ideal base to explore the surrounding areas major hikes. For South African’s, the town of Harrismith is best known for being a “halfway house” between Durban and Johannesburg as well as a stop on the way to the Drakensberg mountains.

It’s the perfect midway break to fill up on food, fuel and explore the local area.

If you are passing through on your way to either city, make sure to spend some time in this beautiful part of the country and say hello to the local alpaca residents.

Price: Enquire for dormitory bed prices.

Nearby attractions: Sentinel Park, Royal National Park, Platberg Mountain, Golden Gate National Park, Blockhouse, Mt Loskop, Sterkfontein Dam, Platberg Game Reserve, Swinburne.

Facilities: Wi-Fi, laundry, free parking, darts, a communal kitchen, library.

10. Karoo Soul Backpackers in Oudtshoorn

Photo by: Karoo Soul Backpackers

No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to the Klein Karoo. Located between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains lies a beautiful Tudor-style manor house that ranks as one of the best backpackers in South Africa.

Karoo Soul Backpackers offers breathtaking views of the local area, a large swimming pool and an entertainment patio.

With over 330 sunshine days in a year, a trip to Oudtshoorn is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system, is an ecological hotspot and is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.

Price: R150 in a 5-bed dorm.

Nearby attractions: Oudtshoorn Golf Course, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Cango Caves, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.

Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, BBQ area, laundry services, shuttle service.

What are the best backpackers in South Africa in your opinion?

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Here are 10 of the best backpackers in South Africa as rated by fellow travellers like you! If you're planning a trip, make sure to check out these local gems!