The Backpack

South Africa's original award-winning hostel and travel centre is simply the best place to stay.

We have all the facilities you can expect from a great hotel, such as stylishly decorated Afro-chic rooms offering superior comfort and quality with shared or ensuite bathrooms, private electronic safes and in-house ATM.

Making a difference is more than just an initiative of The Backpack, it is the way we are, the way we work and the way we live! By staying with us, you will be making a difference to the lives of many children.

Free unlimited wi- fi in the cafe. swim in the pool with a stunning view of Table Mountain, or meet like-minded international travellers in our buzzy café/bar, serving gourmet sandwiches.

Long Street, gorgeous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and the city centre are all just a stone's throw away.

Our hostel has been accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism, a trade mark awarded to businesses that adhere to fair trade criteria, fair wages and working conditions, fair operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits, ethical business practices and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

A meet-and-greet airport shuttle service is available at an additional cost.

Guest are welcome to use our fully equipped self-catering kitchen and we have satellite sports channels on TV.

We sponsor a sports program in a community riddled with drugs and gangs. Bring your old soccer boots with you.

We offer internships to hotel and tourism students.

We keep a basket of wool in our café and lounge. Knit a square or two while you are here—we’ll sew it up and with your help another orphaned baby will be warm. If you have some wool lying about your or your grandmother's house, bring it along!

There’s 24hr security and 24hr check-in.

Children are welcome in the private rooms as long as they can swim. But they should be able to swim as we have an unfenced pool on the premises.

Our awards include:
Independent winner for Best Practice - Economic Impact - Imvelo Awards 2011
Independent winner for Best Single Resource Management Program in Waste Management - Imvelo Awards 2011
Winner of 2011 AA Quality Assured Accommodation Award - Backpackers Accommodation
Awarded Best Hostel in South Africa 2010, 2009 & 2008 by Hostelworld customers
Awarded 2nd place for Best Hostel in Africa 2010; and 3rd Best Hostel in Africa 2009 & 2008 by Hostelworld Customers
One of the World's Top 10 Coolest Hostels! Guardian August 2010
One of the Top 10 places to stay - Lonely Planet 2010
Winners of the Welcome Awards 2010 - South Africa's most prestigious award

‘Not too laid back, not too loud—guests love The Backpack and it's easy to see why. For years it has stayed ahead of the crowd by constantly adapting, yet always offering top notch accommodation for the price and wonderfully clued-up service from its desk.’ – Lonely Planet

'The most comfortable and best-run in town...one of the best backpacker travel centres around. Recommended.' – Footprints

Please read our Things to Note below before booking.