Backpacker Hostel Africa

The simple, cheap Lemur Hostel in Antananarivo is a great place to stay – if you can find it. No signs and a location hidden from the street, in a secure compound down a tiny alley. It nevertheless gives budget travelers a tidy base in the capital. Call ahead for directions. Close to many small restaurants, a supermarket and minibuses to the city center, the friendly English speaking-staff make you feel welcome.

There are two dorms; an 8-bed ladies dorm and a 6-bed mixed dorm. The ladies’ is in a separate room and the mixed is outside the ladies’ on the first floor. All the mattresses are firm and comfortable. Every bed comes with extra blankets, its own light, power point and a mosquito net. Lockers are provided (key deposit required) and each locker even has a power point inside, so you can leave your device on charge securely while you’re out.

There is also a twin room and a three person room, sharing clean, hot water ablutions with the dorms. Also there is a small kitchen for guests use with kettle, toaster, microwave, electric hobs and fridge. A free basic breakfast is provided. The sitting room has a book exchange, an internet terminal and there is free, fast Wi-Fi. This is a great, very friendly place and highly recommended.

24 hours hot water Free Wi-fi Common kitchen Firm mattresses Secure

Hard to find

	Beds from A26,500 Book here >

Our Rating:

Lemur Hostel – Antananarivo

Rated 4.5 / 5.0 (1 review)

From A26,500 per person – dorm (available)

Great place, recommended!

(Last Reviewed: January 2017)

Molumong Lodge is a terrific little place, recently re-opened under new management and completely refurbished – a gem of a place. Owned and run by the irrepressible Noma, a fiercely house-proud Basotho lady, it’s one of the best places in Lesotho to stay. There are only two double rooms and a small dorm, so it’s necessary to book ahead. The whole place is sparkling clean and very brightly and tastefully decorated. The beds are comfortable and there are extra blankets and fireplaces in each room for the cold winters.

All rooms are en suite, including the dorm. There is a large, bright, very comfortable sitting room with sofas and plenty of reading material as well as a dining room. Power is by generator and is turned on in the mornings and evenings for guests and to keep the fridge cold. The kitchen is for guests’ use or Noma will cook great local food for you with advanced notice. Because there is no mains power, there is no Wi-Fi or TV here, but your days will be full with walks and hikes in the surrounding hills, yielding spectacular views. Pony trekking can be organized too. Noma is a very welcoming and chatty host and the villagers are really friendly. Highly recommended!

Hot water Common kitchen Clean and comfortable Friendly owner En Suite rooms and dorm Beautiful location

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	Beds from R180 Book here >

Our Rating:

Molumong Lodge

Rated 5.0 / 5.0 (1 review)

From R180 per person – dorm (available)

Terrific place. Highly recommended!

(Last Reviewed: December 2016)

Sani Top Backpackers is in a fantastic location right at the top of Sani Pass, just metres from and inside the Lesotho border post. The location is everything here. In fact, that’s the only thing! Prices here are very high, even for the dorm beds, as it’s managed and administered from the upmarket Sani Mountain Lodge on the other side of Sani village. Reception is at the Mountain Lodge, where you’ll be allocated your bed and walked to the backpackers building 500m away.

Even though you are paying almost double price for your bed, expect nothing but the very basic facilities here. The dorms are clean, but choose your mattress carefully as some are really saggy. There is only generator electricity in the evenings, so you’ll have to arm yourself with a torch. The common kitchen could do with a few more pots and pans and the toilets and showers are also in the kitchen block. The men’s has no natural light, so you have to do everything in the dark except when the power comes on. The good news is that you can use the cosy Mountain Lodge for meals (also pricey) and for the free Wi-Fi. The ‘Highest Pub in Africa’ also has a very well-stocked bar.

Beautiful location Access to free Wi-Fi Hot water

Very basic Only 3 hours electricity per day Poorly equipped kitchen Saggy mattresses Poor value for money

	Beds from R275 Book here >

Our Rating:

Sani Top Backpackers – Sani Pass

Rated 2.0 / 5.0 (1 review)

From R275 per person – dorm (available)

Expensive and rather basic.

(Last Reviewed: December 2016)

One of many backpacker hostels in Mossel Bay, Mile Crunchers Backpackers really stands out with its relaxed and easy-going vibe. The long-serving and very social staff do a fantastic job making travelers feel at home in this spacious backpackers. The 10-bed dorm is well kept and there’s plenty of room to walk around even when it’s full. The hostel makes novel use of an old fridge and a filing cabinet as lockers for your valuables.

The sitting room is huge. Big enough to accommodate two tents that are used for those travelers who turn up unannounced when everywhere is full. This is very useful during the domestic tourist season in December and January when places are booked weeks in advance. The toilets and hot water showers are clean and the guest kitchen is large and well equipped. This is also where you can get your free tea, coffee and your free breakfast of DIY eggs and bread. There is free Wi-Fi and a little sun deck outside the kitchen for the smokers and anyone wanting a touch of sun on their faces.

Mile Crunchers is right in the centre of town, a 10 minute walk from the beach. Highly recommended!

Central Location Free Wi-Fi Spacious Common areas Guest Kitchen Free Tea & Coffee Free Breakfast

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	Beds from R160 Book here >

Our Rating:

Mile Crunchers Backpackers – Mossel Bay

Rated 5.0 / 5.0 (1 review)

From R160 per person – dorm (available)

Great place. Highly recommended!

(Last Reviewed: December 2016)

Santos Express Train Lodge in Mossel Bay is an actual express train whose carriages have been converted into a lodge. There are a large number of private rooms, all quite small as they fit into the pre-existing compartments. The 16 bed dorm is towards the back of the train and has a carpeted corridor with the bunks along the windows. It is comfortable and clean, but there is only one toilet and one shower for the whole dorm. There are no common areas for guests only, but there is a public restaurant and a public bar with big screen TVs. The lodge is right by Santos Beach, so it couldn’t be more convenient.

Mossel Bay is all about the beach! There is an internet terminal inside the reception area and free Wi-Fi is provided in the reception and restaurant, but not in the rooms. The food in the restaurant is a bit expensive for backpackers, but it is pretty good. If you take a private room, then a continental breakfast is included in the price, but not for dorm guests.

The town centre is about a 10 minute walk away where there are other eating options. There is ample parking for guests with wheels and the accommodation carriages are in a fenced, access controlled compound. This is a pretty good option though, if you’ve taken the long train journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town to reach this part of the coast. Maybe the novelty won’t appeal to you, but this is all about the beach!

Great location Free Wi-Fi

Not enough bathrooms Too brightly lit at night Food expensive

	Beds from R175 Book here >

Our Rating:

Santos Express Train Lodge – Mossel Bay

Rated 3.5 / 5.0 (1 review)

From R175 per person – dorm (available)

Great adventure staying here!

(Last Reviewed: December 2016)