Jollyboys Backpackers

3.0 star property
3-star hostel near Livingstone Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Jollyboys Backpackers

View from room
Outdoor pool
Outdoor pool
In-room safe, bed sheets
Outdoor pool

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
34 Kanyanta Road, Livingstone
  • Place, Livingstone Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Mukuni Park Curio Market
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Railway Museum
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Livingstone (LVI)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Double Room, Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom (8 Bed Dormitory)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

Triple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Twin Bed

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

Livingstone

City center stay.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Livingstone Museum and 2 miles (3 km) of Railway Museum with a stay here. Also, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is within 3 miles (5 km) and Victoria Falls Field Museum is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Livingstone Museum - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Railway Museum - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Victoria Falls - 11 min drive - 7.9 miles
  • Devil's Pool - 12 min drive - 8.6 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Travelers Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪S'lo Lounge - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Sun Deck - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Golden Leaf - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Three Monkeys - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Jollyboys Backpackers

3-star hostel near Livingstone Museum
Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. A shuttle from the airport to the hotel is free (available 24 hours). An outdoor pool, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at Jollyboys Backpackers. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Livingstone hostel.

  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Jollyboys Backpackers offers 30 accommodations with safes and ceiling fans. Accommodations are furnished with single sofa beds. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, and manicures and pedicures.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour free airport pick-up shuttle on request
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 6:30 AM to noon for a fee: USD 5 to 8 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Books
  • Outdoor pool
  • Table tennis
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Single sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport; guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 8 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children 9 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 9 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 8 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hostel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 9 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.

Property is also known as

Jollyboys Backpackers Hostel Livingstone
Jollyboys Backpackers Hostel
Jollyboys Backpackers Livingstone
Jollyboys Backpackers
Jollyboys Backpackers Livingstone
Jollyboys Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

How close is Jollyboys Backpackers to the airport?

Jollyboys Backpackers is 3.7 mi (8-min drive) away from the Livingstone (LVI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Jollyboys Backpackers?

As of Jun 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jollyboys Backpackers on Jul 14, 2026 start from $48, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have an airport shuttle?

Jollyboys Backpackers offers a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel, available 24 hours a day, on request.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Jollyboys Backpackers, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 5 and 8 per person. It's available every day from 6:30 AM to noon.

Is there a casino at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM.

Is there free parking at Jollyboys Backpackers?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a pool?

Jollyboys Backpackers features an outdoor pool.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a spa?

This hostel doesn't have a spa, but it does offer mani/pedis and Swedish massages.

How close is Jollyboys Backpackers to downtown Livingstone?

Jollyboys Backpackers is 1.7 mi away from Livingstone.

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 99 out of 193 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 65 out of 193 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 193 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 193 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 193 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I loved my time at Jollyboys, everyone was so friendly and helpful, the food was amazing and the room was spacious, clean and comfy. I'll definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

JAIME

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel is well run and private rooms at the back are good.The reception staff were efficient and friendly. The bar staff will be extra nice to female guests and extra grumpy with males. Food was generally good.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ankit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrific hostel

Fitst class hostel with all mod cons. Stayed here at the end of a 20 day motorcycle trip from Cape Town and it was the perfect location to relax following that
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pawel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay with interesting company

Great time, delicious breakfasts, I loved the relax zone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jolly Boys is the best in Livingstone for a hostile.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed in a room with on suit, which was well equipped and had every thing one would need. Place had a good chilled vibe with offering for get togethers in the evening which is ideal for solo travels. Staff friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great feel about place and very helpful staff
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I first stayed at Jollyboys 20 years ago when I was part of an overland truck trip. This time I brought my husband and children and will most definitely be back again, hopefully in less than another 20 years! The staff are so helpful, the rooms are very clean and comfortable and we had an amazing 4 days here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place was amazing I travelled solo and was worri
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Wojciech

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Good stay in nice place

The staff was very friendly, rooms and infrastructure were clean. Place with good style. Only drawback was that we had to wait around hour for breakfast. It is a safe place that I can recommend to everyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

REGINALD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoy this hotel. And I will definitely stay there again one when I come back to Livingston. It is great for everyone, backpacker, families, solo travelers, nomads.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very helpful with booking transfers and activities. Lots to do in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff here were amazing and always helpful with booking and suggestions. Loved the bar/restaurant in Jollyboys, made lazy days so easy
Stayed 9 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We love Jollyboys!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mei Fang

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfortable stay

Cheap beer at the bar and air-conditioned room was nice except for mosquitoes. Gardener and housekeepers were more friendly than bar n reception staff. Overall, we had a good rest after long camping trip through Africa. The hotels.com booking said one way transfer is free. But, only pick up is free, drop off is USD 5 per person. The listing info is wrong and hotels.om agent didn't care to honour the service. As a long term customer of hotels.com , I was really disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ivo

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great backpackers!

This is a great backpackers place! Nice pool, good atmosphere, decent bar, the food menue could be better, good accommodation, good location. This is the place you wanna be if you’re backpacking for sure!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location of Jolly Boys was very convenient for getting around the city centre of Livingstone and the staff were very helpfull to organise daily activieties or transport.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Understandable why Jollyboys is a back-to-back top hostel champ. Great staff. Chill space.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Soyoki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Eurico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very safe and quiet area. Good vibes. Clean and the workers were friendly and helpful all the time. Will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very well run and nice amenities. A/C in the dorm was a huge plus. It’s a very social place, great for meeting other guests and locals. Staff is fantastic. You can’t help but enjoy it here.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023