Here is the ultimate list of the BEST HOSTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA, where you will find reviews, photos, prices, and locations. These are the Best Hostels in Cape Town, the Best Hostels in Johannesburg, the Best Hostels in Durban, and the Best Hostels in Port Elizabeth. 

Check out this list of the Ultimate List of the Best Luxury Hotels in South Africa! Visiting other African countries? Check out 15 Things to do in Kenya, East Africa! 

Best Hostels in Cape Town

Atlantic Point Backpackers

PRICE: Private $64 / Dorm $18

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 2 Cavalcade rd, GreenPoint, Cape Town, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Cape Town?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel was voted best backpackers in Africa and South Africa in 2012 & 2015! It’s conveniently located only 1 km from the waterfront. There’s a BBQ area, free breakfast, lounge, entertainment area, and self-catering kitchen. The modern lodge with playful designs makes this one of the best hostels in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ashanti Lodge Gardens

PRICE: Private $48 / Dorm $14

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Cape Town?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is located on the foot of Table Mountain. The recently refurbished Victorian mansion offers clean and comfortable rooms with mountain views and an on-site restaurant and bar. The staff is very friendly and helps guests arrange tours around the area, making this one of the best hostels in Cape Town, South Africa.

A Sunflower Stop

PRICE: Private $52 / Dorm $12

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 179 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Cape Town?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is 400 m from Cape Town Stadium. They have a swimming pool and are within steps from the beach. They have comfortable rooms, large bathrooms, and a bar for guests to use, definitely making this one of the best hostels in Cape Town, South Africa.

Best Hostels in Johannesburg

Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers

PRICE: Dorm $12

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 10823 A Pooe Street, POBox Orlando West, Johannesburg, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Johannesburg?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is located in the vibrant location of Orlando West. They offer guests hammocks in a peaceful garden, a campfire with African beats at night, and make home-cooked meals on site. They offer guests a free shuttle service to their Homestay nearby. This is definitely the best hostel in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mbizi Backpackers Lodge

PRICE: Private $36

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 288 Trichardt Road, Parkdene, Boksburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Johannesburg?

FAMOUS FOR: They offer guests electric blankets to keep everyone warm during the winter chilliness! The rooms are vibrant, spacious, and comfortable. There is an outdoor entertainment center where guests can play pool, and relax and listen to music. They have a garden with a beautiful swimming pool. This is definitely the best hostel in Johannesburg, South Africa.

HomeBase Melville

PRICE: Private $32 / Dorm $11

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 37 – 1st Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Johannesburg?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is conveniently located in close proximity to 7th Avenue with restaurants, clubs, bars, bookstores, shops, and cafes. There’s a swimming pool and all of the beds are new and comfortable. The staff is incredibly friendly, definitely making this one of the best hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Best Hostels in Durban

Blue Sky Mining Backpackers

PRICE: Private $26 / Dorm $11

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 5 Nelson Palmer Rd, Warner Beach, South Coast, Durban, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Durban?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is located right in Warner Beach and offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean. This unique hostel is decorated with incredibly beautiful artwork both inside and outside, giving guests a visual experience, unlike any other hostel. They have a garden, two rock swimming pools, a sundeck, pool table, bar, fireplace, and jungle gym, making this the best hostel in Durban, South Africa.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge

PRICE: Private $63 / Dorm $23

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 119 Ninth Avenue, Morningside, Durban, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Durban?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is conveniently located within a safe walking distance from Florida Road, the center of Durban’s entertainment life. It’s near restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, and shops. Breakfast is included and the rooms are tidy and neat. This is definitely one of the best hostels in Durban, South Africa.

Ansteys Beach

PRICE: Private $29 / Dorm $11

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 477 Marine Drive, Bluff, Durban, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Durban?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel has the fantastic staff and a beautiful beach location 20 minutes from Durban. They offer surfing lessons, kite surfing lessons, on-site dive courses, a restaurant on the beach, a pool, a pool table, and a great atmosphere. The location on an unspoiled beach and the incredible staff makes this the best hostel in Durban, South Africa.

Best Hostels in Port Elizabeth

Island Vibe Port Elizabeth

PRICE: Private $44 / Dorm $12

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 4 Jenvey Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Port Elizabeth?

FAMOUS FOR: This relaxing hostel offers fluffy pillows, soft linens, and comfortable beds. There are a self-catering kitchen and a BBQ area. There’s a spacious garden, a swimming pool, indoor jacuzzi, pool table, and table tennis. They are 200 m from the beach and in close proximity to Addo Elephant Park, making this one of the best hostels in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Jikeleza Lodge International Backpackers Hostel

PRICE: Private $17 / Dorm $9

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

Why is this hostel famous in Port Elizabeth?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is a few steps from the buzzing nightlife of clubs and bars. It’s near some delicious restaurants that serve food like pizza and sushi. Guests can experience art meccas and explore Olde Worlde Central, amongst other things in the heart of the city. They offer a free seventh night or give the fourth night half off. This is definitely the best hostel in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Lungile Lodge Beachfront Backpackers

PRICE: Private $30 / Dorm $10

Check the latest price on Hostelworld.

You can also read the recent reviews, here or TripAdvisor.

LOCATION: 12 La Roche Drive, Humewood, Summerstrand, 6013 Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Why is this hostel famous in Port Elizabeth?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel loves to tell guests, ‘welcome to Lungile, where it’s all good!’ This hostel is along the marine drive area of Humewood, which is where a lot of the activity takes place in Port Elizabeth. It’s a five-minute walk from restaurants, bars, and the beach. This is definitely the best hostel in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. Do you own a Backpackers Hostel and want to be featured in our series? If yes, please contact us at [email protected] with SUBJECT: Best Backpackers Hostels List.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!