About

Green Elephant Backpackers is tucked away in the heart of Observatory one of Cape Town’s quirkiest, the most bohemian styled areas you will find in Cape Town. Green Elephant Backpackers is your perfect home base for discovering the city. Obs is a vibrant mix of students, creatives and locals, filled with character and colour. You will find vintage thrift stores, vinyl record shops, laid-back cafés, 420-friendly hangouts, and buzzing bars which are all just a stones throw away.

We are not a party hostel, but we are all about good energy, great conversations and a sense of community. Whether you are a solo adventurer, digital nomad or just passing through, you will find a space that feels like home.

What is Nearby?
We are perfectly positioned just minutes from Cape Town’s top sights:

Table Mountain & Cableway – hike it or take the cable car for unforgettable views

V&A Waterfront – oceanside restaurants, shopping and street performers

Robben Island – a powerful historical experience

Kirstenbosch Gardens – ideal for picnics and concerts

Lion’s Head – the best sunrise/sunset views in town

Boulders Beach – chill with the penguins

Cape Point & Chapman’s Peak – dramatic coastlines and scenic drives

Muizenberg Beach – great for surfing and colourful photo ops

Long Street – a mix of nightlife, markets and city culture

Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill – local design, food trucks and weekend vibes

Easy Access Everywhere
We are centrally located with reliable transport options all around – Uber, buses and trains make getting anywhere in Cape Town a breeze.

Comfort & Community
Green Elephant is more than just a bed – we offer:

Free Super-fast Wi-Fi

Comfortable coworking spaces for remote work or study

Self-catering kitchens and communal areas

Outdoor chill zones with a garden and small pool

Laundry facilities

Regular events like Braais (BBQs), Pizza nights, film nights and game nights

Long- Stay Friendly
We are a favourite among medical students, interns and digital nomads looking for affordable, welcoming, and central accommodation during their time in Cape Town. Monthly rates and flexible stays available – just ask!

Come for the comfort, stay for the vibe and discover Cape Town like a local, starting in Obs

House Rules

Check In

13:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Airport Transfers
  • Luggage Storage
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Tours/Travel Desk
View all facilities

Reviews

9.8Superb(173)
  • Value for Money
    10.0
  • Security
    10.0
  • Atmosphere
    10.0
  • Cleanliness
    10.0
  • Staff
    10.0
  • Location
    10.0
  • Facilities
    8.5
Summary of traveller reviews

Green Elephant in Cape Town is praised for its incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, creating a great atmosphere. Guests enjoy the social vibe and the convenient location with many cafes and shops nearby. Some recent feedback mentions issues with comfort and noise.

Stayed in Jul 2026
9.4
C
Chima
Male, 31-40, USA
I was so surprised by this place. The GreenElephant pride themselves in safety and cleanliness, which they deliver in both. The cleaning people are thorough and come daily. I felt extremely safe too, with multiple safety precautions taken. But beyond that, I felt like the people were so welcoming. I stayed there for a month, and by the end of it I was sad to say goodbye to everyone. There’s also so much to do in Observatory, and it’s all walking distance from us. An extremely good stay, and can’t wait until
Stayed in Mar 2026
10
F
Finn
Male, 18-24, England
Top place with top staff!
Stayed in Jan 2026
5.1
A
Anonymous
Male, 41+, Suriname
I had the misfortune of dealing with very rude staff , who demanded I mop up the floor after using an overpowered faucet to wash my shirt . The spillage was minimal ,Certainly not worth demanding I mop the floor 🤭, next they will demand you sweep the floor when you walk in from the street 🤣. The Place is Riddled with Mosquitoes and the neighbourhood is very shady .The house itself is very rundown. with noisy wooden floors .
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Location

57 Milton Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
4.8km from city centre