GUIDE: My favorite hostels in South Africa 

The backpackers in South Africa are really great. We were impressed with the quality of the rooms far from the low-end bias. We recommend this selection of the best youth hostels in South Africa for everyone: young people, group of friends, family and even a couple. Indeed, they all offer dormitories at unbeatable prices but also very comfortable double and family rooms. Having often slept there, we can assure you that the standard and cleanliness of the rooms are equivalent to a quality guest house. The big difference with a guest house / B & B is the atmosphere! Youth hostels are the perfect place to meet new people. They very often offer BBQ evenings where people come to grill their meat around a fire and have a drink at the hostel bar. In addition, the prices are often less expensive than in other types of establishments, which allows you to save money to treat yourself during your stay.

NB : All the youth hostels that we recommend on the Garden Route in South Africa are served by the Baz bus (it is a means of transport by mini bus that allows you to travel on the Garden Route without having to hire car).

Consulting : Saving is good, but we still recommend that you treat yourself to a night or two on your itinerary and make your trip to South Africa unforgettable. You can find a list of all the dream hotels we recommend here: The best dream hotels to stay in South Africa

And here you will find our articles on the different routes to visit the country if you are still unsure: The best routes to visit South Africa

Best Cape Town hostels in South Africa

We have selected both best hostels in Cape Town each with a very different profile. One for those who want to party and another for those who want to be quiet!

You have been warned! : We do not recommend all hostels located on Long Street. Often known for its bars, the street is not famous at night. Pickpockets (or worse) await tourists (but also locals) drunk at the exit of bars and clubs. During the day you can shop there (very nice) but we advise you to avoid the place at night. If you really want to go there, we recommend that you be dropped off by taxi in front of the bar and left by taxi from the bar. In short, avoid walking on this street at night.

1. Once in Cape Town: Cape Town's best party hostel

Once in Cape Town is the best hostel in Cape Town if you want to party. It is located right in the heart of Kloof Street, the busiest street in downtown Cape Town. But that's not all… She's upstairs at Cape Town's most popular bar. Noise level, choose the rooms that face the other side of the street to spend crazy nights while being able to sleep peacefully! The atmosphere is just great and you meet lots of people. No need to take a taxi to get out, you're right in the middle. The rooms are modern and well maintained. You have the choice between dormitories at unbeatable prices or double rooms. If you are a couple and want to meet new people, we recommend their double rooms. They are clean and comfortable. In addition, the rooms have a view of Table Mountain. For a price similar to other hostels, their dorms are better, they are better placed and the atmosphere is better. We also highly recommend their establishment in Johannesburg: the Once in Joburg.

Most : Once in Cape Town is served by the Baz bus and if you have rented a car in South Africa they have secure parking.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Cape Town in South Africa

2. The BIG Backpackers at Green Point: Cape Town's best hostel

Quality-wise, no hostel in Cape Town comes close to The BIG Backpackers. Indeed, this accommodation is a hybrid between youth hostel and B&B with a big penchant for the quality and comfort of a Guest House! Here, you are not in a noisy party atmosphere but in a very well-kept, calm and friendly place. We don't feel like being in a backpacker but rather like at home. Not having many rooms, the owners have time to take care of you in person and make sure you have a great stay in South Africa. Dormitory rooms are a little more expensive than other Cape Town establishments, but the quality is much higher here. Double rooms are very well priced and family rooms for 3 or 4 are certainly the best value in Cape Town. The hostel is located in Green Point which is an extremely peaceful downtown area close to the Waterfront and the ferry to Robben Island. Many bars and restaurants are around such as Giovanni's (the best delicatessen in Cape Town) or El Burro (famous Mexican bar and restaurant). In addition, they have a swimming pool which is very rare for a backpacker in town (we think it is the only one but we did not check from everywhere). In short, big crush.

most : The BIG Backpackers is served by the Baz bus.

Consulting : there are only a few rooms available so booking in advance is essential.

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To discover the region:

• Discover the most beautiful areas of Cape Town in South Africa
• Cape Town's must-see excursions in South Africa
• Best things to do in cape town

Curiocity Backpackers and Once in Joburg: Johannesburg's best hostels

1. Curiocity Backpackers

Curiocity Backpackers is a hostel located in the heart of Maboneng, the most hipster district of Johannesburg. Graffiti, art galleries, ephemeral restaurants, trendy bars… This district is THE district for going out in the most fashionable places of the moment. The hostel is also very hipster and offers impeccable rooms and dorms at unbeatable prices. In short, for us it is the best backpackers in Johannesburg.

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2. Once in Joburg Backpacker

Once in Joburg is the second youth hostel we recommend. It's a guarantee of quality and good atmosphere just like in its sister establishment in Cape Town: Once in Cape Town. We only list it in second place because Curiocity is a little cheaper but both are great. In addition, the Once in Joburg hostel is located in a central and safe area.

The + : You are close to a stop for the red tourist buses.

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Consulting : These two establishments do not only offer dormitories! Their double rooms are very good and at great prices. If you want to enjoy the great 'hostel' atmosphere, party and meet people then we recommend that you book here. But if you want to be quiet, the best is to book in a B&B or a guest house!

For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Johannesburg in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Cultural day in the Soweto district of South Africa
• Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Johannesburg

African Soul Surfer: The best Muizenberg hostel in South Africa

African Soul Surfer has one of the best locations in Muizenberg. Located in front of the ocean, this backpacker couldn't be closer to the surfers' beach or the bustling center of Muizenberg! Unbeatable and above all ideal for those who want to learn to surf. We will add that the view of the sea is very beautiful from the balconies and the terrace. In addition, the place is well run and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. We had a great evening at the bar playing pool with other tourists! All this makes it from afar the best youth hostel in Muizenberg.

most : this hotel is served by the Baz bus.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Muizenberg in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Visit of the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of South Africa
• The best coast stops between Muizenberg and Hermanus in South Africa

Stumble Inn Backpackers: The best Stellenbosch hostel in South Africa

The wine route of South Africa is better known for these luxury hotels than for these budget accommodation… Nevertheless, Stumble inn Backpackers is one of the few youth hostels in the region and especially the only one worth it. It's the best good plan for cheap accommodation in Stellenbosch. Its big advantage is its location. Located in the historic center of the city, you can walk to bars, restaurants and other attractions. As for the backpacker, it is rudimentary and resembles many others. It is nothing special but you will have a good cheap night.

The plus: The youth hostel is served by the Baz Bus.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend on the South African wine route

To discover the region: The best tour to visit the South African wine route

Riverside's Kaia: The best budget hotel to sleep close to the entrance to Kruger Park

There is unfortunately no hostel around Kruger Park but we have found a perfect inexpensive B&B. To stay near Skukuza gate, the good plan is the guest room Riverside's Kaia. Don't look, it's the closest Guest House to Kruger Park at around € 50 a night. Clean, peaceful and pleasant, it's the best budget option for spending the night.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend at the Kruger National Park in South Africa

To discover the region: Discover the best route to visit Kruger National Park in 2 days

Hhusha Hhusha: The best budget hotel to stay near Malelane gate in Kruger Park

To stay near Malelane gate, the good plan at low cost is the Bed and Breakfast Hhusha Hhusha. It is a haven of peace at the gates of Kruger National Park. This budget hotel has a very nice swimming pool to relax in after a day of safari under the African sun! We highly recommend it. In addition, the hosts are very friendly and welcoming.

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Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge private reserve: the best budget hotel in Kruger Park

The cheapest private reserve in Kruger National Park is Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge. It offers all the advantages of a private reserve without breaking the bank. This lodge is by far the best tip from Kruger Park and we highly recommend it to anyone scared of the prices of private reserves! If you don't know the difference between Kruger's private reserves and self-drive safaris in the national park then we invite you to read our article: The best private reserves in Kruger Park in South Africa

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Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay: Best Jeffreys Bay Hostel near Addo Elephant

There is unfortunately (or luckily) no hostel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. The closest town is Port Elizabeth but we don't recommend staying there. Jeffreys Bay on the other hand is just a little further but the city is much nicer (you can read our article on Jeffreys Bay must-see activities). The best youth hostel from the east corner Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay. It is served by the Baz Bus and offers day trips to visit Addo Elephant Park. This is the best tip for a cheap safari. Located by the sea, the backpacker attracts many surfers and you can even take surf lessons on site. The atmosphere is great and we enjoyed the evenings on the beach. As for the rooms, they are clean and offer a beautiful view of the ocean. No complaints.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa

To discover the region: Go on a safari in the Addo Elephant park reserve

Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodation: the best hostel in town

Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodation is the best hostel in Hermanus but not only because of its location close to the city center or its unbeatable prices. What charmed us during our visit was the atmosphere. They organize barbecue evenings by the pool which allowed us to meet lots of good people. Their rooms are very good, so much so that if you want something friendlier than a B&B then we recommend their private double or family rooms.

The +: The youth hostel is served by the Baz Bus.

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For further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Hermanus in South Africa

To discover the region: See whales and dive in cages with white sharks at Hermanus

Budget Tented Village @ Urban Glamping: St Lucia's best hostel in South Africa

For youth hostel lovers, the only one that is interesting in St Lucia is Budget Tented Village @ Urban Glamping. The atmosphere is very nice and it is well located. There are quite a few restaurants around and the fresh fruit market is across the street. Evenings around the pool and barbecue are popular and you will easily meet other travelers. We will add that the dormitories are clean and well kept. All this for cheap.

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For further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Saint Lucia in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Guide to the best activities of St Lucia in South Africa
• Go on a safari at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa

Fairy Knowe Backpackers: the best hostel around the Wilderness in South Africa

Fairy Knowe Backpackers is a pleasant youth hostel located 5 minutes' walk from the Wilderness lagoon. The buildings are rustic with thatched roofs but everything is well maintained and clean. Their dormitories as well as their double rooms are unbeatable prices which makes it the ideal location for travelers who just want to stay overnight. In addition, you can barbecue in the garden or even play Volley Ball on their grounds. It is for us the best youth hostel around Wilderness.

The +: The youth hostel is served by the Baz Bus.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Wilderness in South Africa

To discover the region: The best Wilderness activities on the Garden Route

Graskop Hotel: the best budget city plan to visit the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

Unfortunately, there is no hostel near the Blyde River Canyon. If you want to sleep in Graskop, the city does not offer many choices but you can rest for cheap at Graskop Hotel. It is one of the cheapest hotels in Graskop while still offering quality accommodation. We assure you that you will not find a hotel with a best value for money in the city center! The rooms are comfortable, the warm welcome and the swimming pool pleasant in summer.

The + : The hotel is very close to the route des cascades.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Blyde River Canyon

To discover the region:

• Explore the waterfall route between Sabie and Graskop
• The best sites of the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

Albergo for Backpackers: the best cheap hostel in Plettenberg Bay

The good plan at Plettenberg Bay is the youth hostel Hostel for Backpackers which is served by the Baz Bus. It is located right in the city center: you cannot be closer to the shopping streets, bars and restaurants and you have the seafront just 3 minutes walk away. For a very small price, you have exceptionally well-kept and clean accommodation for a backpacker. We really liked the atmosphere that the owners bring to the place. They have barbecues for travelers every night and you just bring your meat back and they cook it for you. Friendly encounters guaranteed! We also enjoyed the hammocks in the garden and the inexpensive bar at the hostel. Plus they organize lots of activities for you and gave us great tips for exploring the area. We do not hesitate to say that for us, it is the best hostel in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route.

Namely : They also offer double rooms with bathroom so if you want to stay in the center of Plettenberg Bay at the best price and if the youthful and sometimes noisy atmosphere of a hostel does not displease you then we advise you to book here.

The + : they have secure parking.

Consulting : Next door, there is a French bakery which makes very good croissants for breakfast and excellent baguettes which we took to make sandwiches during our hike at Robberg National Park.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Plettenberg Bay and Robberg National Park
• The best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer
• Guide to the best Garden Route stops in South Africa

Beach Motel: the cheap Margate hotel to sleep near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

There is no youth hostel in Margate but for cheap accommodation near the Oribi gorges, we recommend the Beach motel. Its rooms are basic but clean and well kept. Aside from the unbeatable prices, the second plus point of this motel is its central location near the beach and restaurants. You can do everything on foot. This hotel is ideal if you are looking for a decent and inexpensive place to sleep. 

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

To discover the region: Hiking in the Oribi gorges in South Africa

Lungile Backpackers: Port Elizabeth's best youth hostel in South Africa

The hostel Lungile Backpackers offers unbeatable prices without compromising on quality or cleanliness. The rooms in this hotel are small but comfortable and you can spend the evening by the pool or billiards. This small, family-run hostel is the best in Port Elizabeth. A real good cheap plan to spend the night in South Africa.

most : The youth hostel is served by the Baz Bus.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Port Elizabeth in South Africa

Curiocity Backpackers Durban: Durban's best youth hostel in South Africa

Curiocity Backpackers is by far the best hostel in Durban in South Africa. Modern decors, private rooms or clean, minimalist and functional dormitories: this is THE trendy backpacker par excellence. Here everything is done with taste just like in Curiocity Joburg, the hostel of the same group in Johannesburg that we recommend. Also, the location is top notch. They are located just behind the seafront, a stone's throw from the beach. And to finish convincing you, the atmosphere is really nice. If you want to meet new people and have fun, we recommend this accommodation rather than a B&B. Their double rooms have nothing to envy of a beautiful hotel!

The + : They offer yoga classes, foot massages (for those coming back from the Drakensbergs!) and even bike rental to go for a ride along the Golden Mile promenade by the sea.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Durban in South Africa

To find out more about South Africa:

• Go on a circuit in South Africa
• Where to stay in South Africa?
• The best hotels to stay in South Africa by region
• The best accommodation for each type of hotel in South Africa