About

Welcome to Riverfront Backpackers! Our accommodation offers an environmentally friendly location, with two dormitories and 2 private guest rooms, a shared kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas for all guests to use during their stay. We are right on the river, so you can enjoy the calming sounds of the water and sunrise from the front veranda, a classic South African braai, or go for a swim on hot summer days. Just 19 km from central Port Elizabeth, you can easily stop into town or go to the beach and are well connected to other cities along the Garden Route and Wild Coast. We are also only 45km from Addo and other Game Parks. The river is a tidal salt water estuary, showcasing abundant birds and walking trails.

We aim to give travelers a chance to volunteer and give back to our local community, making unique memories during their stay. Our founder, Mark, a backpacker himself with a heart for service, has fostered relationships in the area and has connections to local service leaders in need of extra help. Upon arrival, talk to Mark about helping in the nearby Motherwell Township, they have an incredible up and coming recycling center and soup kitchen for children that can always use an extra hand.

At Riverfront, you can go paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, surfing, and more!

With Riverfront, you can join the following activities at an additional cost:
-Addo Elephant Safari
-Sailing
-Motherwell Township
-Windsurfing Lessons
-Surf Lessons
-Surf Coastal Tour
-Fishing


Friendly, English speaking staff provide tourist information for activities all around the area.

We offer transportation upon request. Otherwise, Uber is widely available in the area. We also offer private parking on the premises.

We hope to welcome you to Riverfront Backpackers and look forward to your visit.

Policies and Conditions
-Cancellation Policy: 24 hours before arrive
-Cash or EFT payments only, upon arrival
-Reception 8:00-22:00
-Check in from 12:00 to 22:00
-Check out by 11:00
-Meals available at additional cost
-Taxes are included
-No curfew
-Non smoking rooms

This property may pre-authorise your card before arrival. In case the credit card is not valid, the customer will be contacted to provide the details of another valid card in order to guarantee their booking. Failure to do this might result in the cancellation of the booking.

House Rules

Check In

12:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Luggage Storage
  • Tours/Travel Desk
View all facilities

Reviews

8.7Fabulous(194)
  • Value for Money
    8.9
  • Security
    8.9
  • Atmosphere
    8.9
  • Cleanliness
    8.9
  • Staff
    8.9
  • Location
    7.4
  • Facilities
    8.9
Summary of traveller reviews

Riverfront Backpackers in Port Elizabeth offers a peaceful riverside escape with stunning views and abundant birdlife. Guests praise the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, with many highlighting unique experiences like surfing lessons and trips to Addo Elephant Park. It's ideal for travellers seeking a relaxing getaway close to nature.

Stayed in May 2026
10
E
Erdem
Male, 41+, Turkey
Honestly one of the nicest hostel stays I've had. The riverfront view is stunning — having breakfast while watching the river and listening to all kinds of birds singing around you is a proper treat. The variety of birds alone is worth mentioning; you can spot and hear them throughout the day, which gives the place a really peaceful atmosphere. The host goes way beyond just running a hostel. During my two-night stay, he took me to Addo Elephant Park, gave me a surf lesson, and connected me with a really mea
Stayed in Apr 2026
2.0
R
Ricardo
Male, 25-30, Brazil
Pretty bad experience with the manager (Leon). I was told to bring cash to pay, and when I said I only had card, I got a lecture about how “when traveling you should always have cash.” It felt unnecessary and quite rude. You don’t expect to be spoken to like that over something so simple. The next day, he approached me again about payment, even tho I paid the night before. Overall, it left a bad impression — not a place I’d feel comfortable dealing with again.
Stayed in Dec 2025
10
A
Antonia
Female, 25-30, Germany
Beautiful Hostel, quiet and lovely to hang out at the river
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Location

18 Carden Street, Redhouse, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
10.2km from city centre