Best Hostels in South Africa

Welcome to never@home, where accommodations meets adventure! Our Green Point hostel is ideally located within a short walking distance from the famous V&A Waterfront which is jam packed with tourist attractions, a bustling harbor and heaps of restaurants, cafes and markets. Our ideal location is also a stones throw from the FIFA Cape Town Stadium, Green Point Park and the stunning Sea Point Promenade and Cape Town's top beaches are less than a 10 minute drive away. But, what truly sets us apart is our family AKA the never@home crew – we'll make you feel safe and at home, so you might just never want to leave! ROOMS: Unwind in our stylish rooms, designed with the modern traveler in mind. We offer a range of options, from private rooms to shared rooms (including female-only), to suit every budget and style. In all rooms, you will enjoy: - Comfortable beds - Air con - Quality linen and plush pillows - Key card access - Secure in-room lockers - Lightning-fast WiFi Plus, rest easy knowing our rooms are spotless and meticulously maintained by our friendly crew. Your home away from home, perfected! DAILY ACTIVITIES: Having a scheduled group activity every day of the week guarantees that your never@home Green Point experience will be an exciting adventure! These unique and enjoyable activities are either FREE or available at a minimal cost, giving you the chance to meet fellow travelers and explore our beautiful city without overspending. Activities include: - FREE yoga class - FREE beach yoga and cold plunge - FREE visit to a local farmers market - Group hikes to the top of Table Mountain and Lions Head IN-HOUSE TOURS never@home Travel will keep you entertained providing adventures exclusively for our guests - the perfect opportunity to discover Cape Town while mingling with fellow travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring local hot spots, laid back wine tours or swimming with penguins (YES, Cape Town has penguins!), we have something for you. Tours include: - Stellenbosch wine tour, with cheese and chocolate pairing - Best of the Cape, full day Peninsula tour - Half day Peninsula tour - Sunset safari ...and more! Book before arrival to secure your spot! ON-SITE BAR The best backpacker bar in Cape Town, the Randy Warthog, is the ultimate spot to meet fellow travelers and make unforgettable memories! Located right in front of the hostel, our vibey bar serves up delicious grub from brekkie to dinner, and the best part? Our drinks won't break the bank! Join us for daily happy hour, epic event nights and a friendly atmosphere that'll make you feel right at home! Oh, and don't even think about leaving without trying our LEGENDARY burgers! Event nights include: - Trivia night - Beer pong competition - Ladies night - Karaoke - Live DJ ...Plus more! SOCIAL SPACES Chill after a day of adventures in our social spaces. Thoughtfully designed for you to either relax or socialize, depending on your mood. - Outdoor pool and deck - On-site bar - Large chillout lounge - Fully equipped communal kitchen - Book swap library/ sunroom - Heaps of workspace - Meeting/ conference room (fees apply) We cannot wait to welcome you... General: No curfew No person under 16 can stay in our dormitory rooms unless accompanied by an adult legal guardian Secure parking available at an extra cost (check availability) Kindly note we are a cashless establishment; therefore, we do not accept cash as payment

- "Friendly and helpful staff, great location and a good opportunities to meet other travellers." - "A man must know to turn off the aircon if your bunk is there." - "It was the best hostel experience, clean and spacious rooms, daily cleaning. The staff is very responsive, they always" - "Real relaxation." - "Ideal for solo travel to start your Cape Town adventure" - "Awesome stay at Never at Home 5/5" - "Great choice!"

Hostel with an outdoor pool, 6-minute walk to Cape Town Stadium
An outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge are available at this hostel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area.
Never at home Green Point offers 48 accommodations with air conditioning. This Cape Town hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "I would highly recommend this property. It is clean, safe, the staff are amazing and Randy warthogs " - "This is the kind of hostel/resort I always look for. Day excursions! Nightly fun! Chill area with a pool. Great travelers all around. Staff was amazing! Able to get a private room for this “grown man” 😂 this is the place! " - "Top Hostel!!!" - "The hostel is amazing. It's spacious, organized, well located and clean. There's a supermarket and a pizza place next door. And the hostel's bar works till midnight. The crew are very helpful and nice, specially Taona. Special thanks to Shaun as well, who made us feel welcomed since the begginig of the stay and always had 5 minutes to chat with us and ask about our day. I would definitely stay in this place again."

Offering accommodations in Johannesburg, CURIOCITY Backpackers Johannesburg has a splash pool, BBQ facilities and a bar. The property offers bicycles for guests to rent. There is also a games room and free parking for guests. Guests can prepare their own meals in the shared kitchen which is fully equipped with an oven and fridge. CURIOCITY Backpackers Johannesburg offers a range of activities including city walking tours, township tours in Soweto and public art walks. The hostel is 5.6 mi from Gold Reef City & Casino, and 3.1 mi from Rhodes Park. Nelson Mandela Square is 9.9 mi from CURIOCITY Backpackers Johannesburg, while OR Tambo Airport is 13 mi away.

- "Visit JoBurg and stay at Curiosity!" - "Wonderful. Met kind people ." - "❤️" - "Lovely place" - "I really enjoyed my stay" - "Pleasant" - "Comfortable" - "Loved to stay here and enjoy the modern part of Johannesburg, Maboneng" - "Super friendly stay in a vibrant part of Joberg," - "Descent place in Joburg" - "Cool hostel in the middle of Maboneng" - "Dangerous neighborhood, beware." - "I'll come again"

Adults-only beach hostel with hot tub
Guests at this beach hostel will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as barbecue grills and a picnic area.
Saltycrax Backpackers and Adventures offers 9 accommodations with safes and portable fans. 60-cm flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "The accomodation was pretty ok. The dorm looked well and the beds were nice. However, one guest that is apperently staying longterm, ruined my complete night. Clearly under influence he touched me while I was sleeping. He was very loud in his sleep and caused me nightmares. Apparently he had been staying there for a long time what I think is unacceptable. I am a female solo traveller and never had a bad experiences before. I was scared in this dorm. If you’re a backpacker/hostel and you want to create a good experience for travellers, you should not host an alcoholic. "

Island Vibe Knysna is a backpackers located along the Garden Route and is within 0.6 mi from the Knysna Lagoon. It features a guest lounge with TV and free WiFi is available in all areas. All rooms are decorated in minimalistic style. Some units have a shared bathroom, while others contain a private bathroom with a shower. Island Vibe Knysna offers BBQ facilities and an array of restaurants can be found within 1.2 mi. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar on site. Guests can relax on the deck or enjoy a game of billiards and nearby activities include hiking. The Waterfront Knysna Quays is 2461 feet walk away. The Knysna Heads and Simola Golf Course is within 5 mi and the George Airport is 55 minutes’ drive away from the backpackers.

- "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Place was very clean and comfortable" - "Clean, and has a good vibe" - "Good Vibe Hostel in Knysna" - "Fun, good crowd, very SoCal feel." - "Great for a quick stop on the Garden R"

Hostel with an outdoor pool, near Cape Town Stadium
This hostel features an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and coffee/tea in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, concierge services, dry cleaning, and laundry facilities are onsite.
Atlantic Point Backpackers offers 19 accommodations with safes and ceiling fans. Beds feature premium bedding. This Cape Town hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested. Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Great place to stay, it has a great location near the stadium and the city center, walking distance from the Water Front. For me there were only two things that I did not expect: 1. the breakfast was very basic, but upon reflection, it reflected the price, it's a hostel of course and not a 5* hotel. If you need a great breakfast there a nice restaurant(forgot the name) no more than a 5 min walk from there. 2. I was freezing! I stayed in a room for 4 people and while we had 2 heaters it was still quite cold for me when not under the blanket, it was alright, but just a little unconfortable to get dressed or shower in the morning. Overall it's one of the best hostels I've stayed at in over 40 countries I've visited, very friendly staff and great location."

Offering an outdoor pool, Karoo Soul is located in Oudtshoorn. Free WiFi access is available. There is a kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator. At Karoo Soul you will find a garden, barbecue facilities and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and laundry facilities. The property offers free parking. The hostel is 1.1 mi from Oudtshoorn Golf Course, 2.2 mi from Cango Wildlife Ranch and 25 mi from Swartberg Pass.

- "Very enjoyable and nice" - "Grateful for the accommodation and friendliness we had for the night before our big race, thank you!" - "Perfect and want to stay here again for the national championships 21 and 22 March" - "A cool refresher." - "i am satisfeid" - "Clyde" - "Comfortable and enjoyable,great value for money" - "Last minute"

Hostel with free parking, near Long Street
This hostel features an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a snack bar/deli, concierge services, and dry cleaning.
A Sunflower Stop - Hostel offers 15 accommodations with safes and complimentary toiletries. This Cape Town hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "The staff and the other travellers have been very kind Land interesting." - "I had the best time ever everything is just cosy atmosphere everything is friendly" - "This hostel in Greenpoint is very cozy! Very good location aswell. Walking distance to city center and a bus ride or uber to the beach! Can highly recommend. " - "it was great! Although my fitted sheet had a small stain, and there was an issue with my card- the stay was great. Comfy beds, clean community bathrooms, and accommodating staff."

Located just 984 feet from the beachfront, The Russel Guest House features a garden with large swimming pool and a covered BBQ area. Free WiFi is available throughout. The rooms and apartments are spacious and feature satellite TV, hairdryers, tea-and-coffee making facilities and complimentary toiletries. The Russel Guest House is 5 mi from the city center, a 10-minute drive to Port Elizabeth airport and 1 hour from Addo Elephant National Park. No parties, no loud noices nor excess of alcohol allowed on the property! The swimming pool and barbecue area close at 9 p.m.

- "Cheapest guesthouse in Port Elizabeth" - "Good." - "From the moment we entered the reception area, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly lady, which i" - "Was woooow" - "This is a nice place I would recommend to my friends" - "Enjoyed" - "Great place and stuff enjoyed my stay" - "It was ok" - "Good for short stay"

Hostel in Johannesburg with a hot tub and a bar
This hostel features a bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli, and a hot tub. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and concierge services are onsite.
Change of towels is available on request.
CURIOCITY Johannesburg - Hostel offers 25 accommodations with safes and ceiling fans. These individually furnished accommodations include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)). Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "The staff was very helpful and arranged tours and trip to airport, helped with Wi-fi connection, and warned about streets to avoid when walking to Downtown." - "Easy check in and my private room was exactly what I needed and comfortable" - "Our room in the 12 Decades art hotel (booked through Curiocity) was fantastic, the staff was friendly and helpful and the food in the area was awesome. Great urban art and entrepreneurship in Maboneng! "

Located in Mossel Bay and with Santos Beach reachable within a 9-minute walk, Bay Vista Guesthouse has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. This 3-star hostel offers barbecue facilities. The property provides a shared kitchen, free shuttle service and currency exchange for guests. At the hostel, rooms have a closet. The rooms come with a flat-screen TV, and some rooms at Bay Vista Guesthouse have a city view. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, Post Office Tree and Mossel Bay Golf Club. George Airport is 29 miles from the property.

- "Definitely will stay here when visiting Mossel Bay again." - "Will not stay there again."

Beachfront hostel for sun and fun
Guests at this beach hostel will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as airport transportation and complimentary wireless internet access.
Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay Hostel offers 28 accommodations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Lovely. I Was a flash packer and it was super. Everyone was very friendly, the room was lovely and the staff were great." - "I found the whole resort to be really clean. The location is impressive with great views and access to pristine beach." - "Met a lot of other backpackers that became my friends. Felt safe and comfortable with the staff. " - "We needed a budget place to stay for one night on our trip home and this room was perfect for that. Island Vibe is a bit of rowdy party place but the family rooms are in a separate building and despite the party in the bar area the room was quiet. "

Located in Plettenberg Bay, a 14-minute walk from Lookout Beach, Amakaya Backpackers Travellers Accommodation has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The property provides airport transportation, while a car rental service is also available. Selected rooms also feature a kitchenette with a fridge, an oven and a microwave. At the hostel, the rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Amakaya Backpackers Travellers Accommodation has a grill. You can play darts at the accommodation, and the area is popular for cycling. Goose Valley Golf Club is 2.5 miles from Amakaya Backpackers Travellers Accommodation, while Robberg Nature Reserve is 4.4 miles from the property. Plettenberg Bay Airport is 4.3 miles away.

- "Cosy and warm" - "Great backpacker location for food and activities"

Hostel with free parking, in the vicinity of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
An indoor pool, concierge services, and laundry facilities are available at this hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, free newspapers, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite.
Fisherhaven Traveller's Lodge - Hostel offers 5 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and complimentary toiletries. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an indoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Thank you for your friendly reception and spontaneously personality that they received us. Thank you for the very clean and comfortable room. We will stay there any time. Just love it. " - "Incredibly friendly and informative hosts" - "I loved that everything was on its place.iloved that we had friendly, very helpful service and fell inlove with this place because peaceful, quite and surroundings. The only down fall was we call a cab to go to town."

Located in the city center of Cape Town, 91 Loop is just a stroll away from Long Street and Green Market Square. The chic hostel has a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant and bar and a courtyard with outdoor seating. With minimalistic and modern design, the hostel offers en-suite private and dormitory rooms as well as a unique air-conditioned pod accommodations. Features include extra long beds, reading lights, electric plugs and lockable storage space. Linen and towels are provided. The trendy and bistro-style Honey Badger Bar & Restaurant is located on the ground floor and serves simple seasonal cuisine using locally sourced and fresh produce. 91 Loop features free WiFi throughout based on a fiber internet connection. Staff can organize activities for guests, including free walking tours around Cape Town, movie nights, tours and travel arrangements. Public parking is available across the road at the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. The hostel is a 10-minute walk from The Company's Garden and Cape Town International Airport is 12 mi away.

- "Great hostel, fair price" - "Satisfied customers" - "Exceeded my expectations" - "It was so lovely, and I appreciated how accommodating and friendly the staff was." - "All was good" - "Great location, friendly and helpful staff, good price." - "It was good!" - "91 Loop"

Hostel in Oudtshoorn with free parking
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free hostel has laundry facilities and an arcade/game room. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a garden and barbecue grills.
Limited housekeeping is available.
Karoo Soul - Hostel offers 9 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and fans. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Full-sized refrigerators/freezers and microwaves are provided. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Lovely stop over on our way to Durban. Braai and pool facilities were great. Check in was pleasant. Really enjoyed the stay" - "Loved it! Stayed there two nights, great pool and beautiful chilling area. Could chat with other guests and have some social interactions. Kitchen has all that you need, including gas stove for when load shedding happens. Would not choose any other place, this was perfect for our romantic stay." - "What a great little gem in Oudtshoorn. Friendly welcome on arrival by Ilze, and attending to needs, always friendly. Spacious rooms and outside you’ll find a great lapa an pool. You need nothing more, GREAT value for money. Thanks for a great stay, will defo be back in future! "

Located on Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, Santos Express offers unique accommodation in train carriages. Free WiFi access is available in the public areas. Guests can socialize in the shared lounge or relax in the garden. The rooms in the carriages are simply furnished and have access to a shared bathroom. Most of the rooms have sea view. Boasting views over the bay, The Fork and Train Restaurant and Pub serves International cuisine. There are also BBQ facilities available. Other facilities offered at the Santos include a tour desk, a conference room and free parking. Santos Express is able to assist with arranging a variety of tours and activities. Guests can relax and play at Santos Beach which is 100 m away. Mossel Bay Golf Club is a 4-minute drive away from Santos Express.

Parking • Ocean View • Oceanfront • Breakfast • Smoking • Kitchen • Wheelchair Accessible • View • Child Friendly • Balcony/Terrace • Laundry • Internet

Hostel in Plettenberg Bay with free parking
A bar/lounge, coffee/tea in a common area, and dry cleaning are available at this hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and tour/ticket assistance.
Housekeeping is available on request.
Amakaya Backpackers Travelers Accommodation offers 8 accommodations. 32-cm flat-screen televisions come with premium satellite channels. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)). Housekeeping is offered on request and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "This place is all about the staff. They made my stay. Professional, helpful, knowledgeable and always prepared to go that extra mile and always with a smile in their face. They deserve to be paid so much more. " - "The rooms and bathroom were well kept. The staff is exceptional. They will help you book your trips and also get you discounts where applicable. The staff is really top notch. They will recommend restaurants and activities for you to do if you run out of ideas. You can mingle with everyone there, which made the stay really enjoyable and felt a little like home for the 5 days that we were there. Overall, best backpackers that I have been to so far. "

Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodations offers accommodations close to the center in Hermanus. It has an outdoor pool, TV lounge and billiard table. Located in a peaceful neighborhood we provide a relaxed peaceful space for you to enjoy your activities and our beautiful town. The rooms have access to a shared or private bathroom and there is also a mixed dormitory. Linen and towels are provided (no towels are provided in the dormitory rooms). There is a communal kitchen equipped with cooking utensils. Hermanus Backpackers Accommodations features free WiFi throughout the property. You can engage in various activities, such as Shark Cage Diving, coastal hiking/walking trail, whale watching, sea kayaking, wine tours, beautiful beaches, ideal location for kite surfing. Village Square is 0.6 mi from Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodations, while Hamilton Russel Vineyards and other superb wine estates are 2.2 mi away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 48 mi from Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodations.

- "Superb Hostel for a stay" - "Recommended for solo travelers!" - "Wonderful Backpacker Home" - "Beautiful area and place to stay" - "My visits to Hermanus Backpackers are always memorable. My favourite place to stay!" - "Excellent place to stay with friendly staff" - "If you pass from Hermanus, this is a must stay! The accommodation is wonderful, the owners are so lovely and helpful. I" - "100% WOULD RECOMMEND" - "Thanks for all the tips"

- "Hostel was really good and staff were really friendly felt more like living in a big house than a hostel. Could not ask for anything more 5 stars. Already planning the next trip back including booking the same hostel. Many thanks to Ria and Gert for making our first trip to Cape Town even better than we imagined." - "its a nice cosy place for young people, dont recommend families with kids. people who smoke in the front dont close the door and the smoke travels thru the whole house! yuck! make sure you check if parking is included or you will pay again when you arrive. "