Backpackers Paradise
In a large old house, this lively hostel has a bar, ostrich braais and free ostrich-egg breakfasts (in season, you’ll be given an egg – cook it any way you please)...
In a large old house, this lively hostel has a bar, ostrich braais and free ostrich-egg breakfasts (in season, you’ll be given an egg – cook it any way you please)...
This excellent, five-star budget option, YHA-affiliated and award-winning, is owner-run and it shows. There’s a great bar area with satellite TV, yet you can still find peace and quiet in the large grounds.
Location isn’t everything – but it’s just one of the distinguishing features of this delightful backpackers...
Highly recommended by readers, and rightly so. There are magnificent views, San rock art and hiking trails over 1000 hectares. Meals are available, and owner Linton Pope can arrange scenic flights...
The British and Canadian owners of Jollyboys know exactly what backpackers want, and it is wildly popular for a good reason...
This charming hotel out by the Hippodrome is easily our favourite in Bamako...
Modern, clean rooms and a cheery décor make this an attractive option, even if it's a bit of a walk to the city centre.
The shipshape rooms at this relaxed backpackers are spacious, with several overlooking the harbour. There is bike hire for R120 per day and friendly staff can help you arrange a host of activities in the area. Rates don’t include breakfast.
The Paris has small and sparse rooms with shared facilities, which is a shame since the sunny terrace has excellent views of the medina. There's a good restaurant attached on the ground floor.
Under new management, this long-running backpackers, split between three houses, remains a popular alternative to the city-centre hostels...
A well looked-after budget option, Nairobi's Hostelling International (HI) branch is still usually a good place to meet other travellers. A year's HI membership costs 400, or you can pay a 100 surcharge per day...
Lounge lizards chill on hot-pink cushions in the whitewashed courtyard, while wan club kids soak up rays on the all-red roof terrace. Graphic splashes of colour make wood-beamed guest rooms totally mod, though the rustic showers can be temperamental...
Not exactly boutique but certainly imaginative, this cosy backpackers in a Victorian cottage has sought inspiration from different Cape Town suburbs as themes for its rooms. There’s a delightful shared kitchen and a pretty courtyard...
This friendly hotel is very basic, with fans (no air-con) and shared bathrooms, but the location makes up for these shortcomings for travellers on a tight budget who want a Downtown address...
This is another decent option offering both dorms and private rooms for shoestringing travellers. The Sara Inn is a small but personable place where you can easily get to know the staff...
Tucked away on a quiet street south of the centre, the Astrid offers the most elusive element of Casa’s budget hotels – a good night’s sleep...
Well-run and friendly, Albergo can organise just about any activity in the area. The upstairs dorm has huge windows and stellar ocean views from the balcony.
Stellenbosch’s undisputed party hostel is split over two old houses. Travellers have expressed concerns over security, so take extra care with your belongings.
An enduring backpacker favourite, the Penguin serves up its own brand of Bedouin chic, complete with pillow lounges overlooking the sand and sea that are best appreciated with several friends and a towering hookah...
Just a few small and simple stone-and-thatch bungalows (one is a six-person family bungalow) with mosquito nets set in a lush garden somewhat back from the beach, and a good restaurant featuring local cuisine and pizzas.
On a breezy upper floor with a wraparound balcony, the Select has great views across Downtown - particularly from one of the corner doubles or triples...
This bright place, with multicoloured mosquito-net extravaganzas and ethnic adornments, has many things going for it: it’s handy to the centre; owner Andre makes gourmet cuisine (Jamie Oliver eat your heart out), and singles don’t pay extra, even if...
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