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Jollyboys Backpackers

3.0 star property
3-star hostel near Livingstone Museum

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Photo gallery for Jollyboys Backpackers

View from room
In-room safe, bed sheets
Bar (on property)
Garden
Outdoor pool

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

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

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Ensuite

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

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Garden view

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, bed sheets

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom (8 Bed Dormitory)

In-room safe, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Single Room Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Room Ensuite

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

View all photos for Triple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Triple Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Single Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only

In-room safe, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

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

View all photos for Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

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).
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What's nearby

  • Livingstone Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Railway Museum - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - 4 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Devil's Pool - 12 min drive - 8.6 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Boma - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Victoria Falls Waterfront - ‬8 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.

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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.

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 massages and mani/pedis.

How close is Jollyboys Backpackers to downtown Livingstone?

Jollyboys Backpackers is 1.7 mi away from Livingstone.

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 181 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 61 out of 181 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 181 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 181 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 181 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

SEUNGJU

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Overpriced

The place is okay but not worth the money. The common areas are nice and have lot of areas to relax. However, over 50USD per night is too pricey for a room without wifi. The communal kitchen is lacking equipment and only has one portable stove. The whole place could need some freshening up. The activities they offer are overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pawel

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Delphine

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Wojciech

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Selma

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

Skön atmosfär

Ett ställe med skön atmosfär. Här finns allt du behöver för att koppla av eller ta dig till nya äventyr.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janesh

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

YONGHO

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

no breakfast service

When I made the reservation, it said breakfast was included, but when I asked the reception, they said there was no breakfast service. How will Hotels.COM be responsible for this? I was disappointed that.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was not good for my family. The room’s door had cracks allowing bugs in and the concrete floor was in very poor condition. They refused to give us a refund despite the fact we were there for 30 minutes before leaving to a better location.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

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

10/10 Excellent

Mercy

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

We had lots of fun at JollyBoys

I had an absolute blast at JollyBoys. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed, with a wonderful vibe that's hard to find elsewhere. The highlight of our stay was definitely the paint and sip session with Eric Miti, what a fantastic experience. The reception staff and entire team were amazing, going above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. I wouldn't hesitate to return to JollyBoys. If you're looking for a warm, lively, and unforgettable experience, look no further! Highly recommended,
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Javier

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

The best Hostel in Zambia

The service of the hostel was excellent, I am very hoary to choose stay with them, everything clean, nice rooms, they have a lot of options, for couples, friends, backpackers, families, has everything, if you want party, if you want relax, any plan they have. The staff sooooo friendly, RUTH!!! was amazing she helped us with some requirements, The atmosphere is so nice, we were sad to don't stay longer because deserves stay minimum 5 days, and also because they have a lot of activities!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Keri

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great if you’re a backpacker. Facilities are very good for that type of tourist to be fair. We however are not backpackers - we booked an en suite room out of desperation because we left it too late to book and are on a budget. Never again. We didn’t expect the Ritz but stained sheets and tide marks where the cleaner didn’t clean surfaces thoroughly are not my idea of good accommodation. The one good thing was that the air con was fab and they were generous with their generator hours during load shedding. Oh, and the guard waa very helpful when we needed help with a puncture!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024