Jollyboys Backpackers

3.0 star property
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Jollyboys Backpackers

View from room
Garden
Table tennis, books
Outdoor pool
Bar (on property)

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • 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
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

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

Jollyboys Backpackers places you next to Livingstone Museum and within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular attractions like Railway Museum. This 3-star hostel has 30 rooms and welcomes guests with a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free self parking.

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

At Jollyboys Backpackers, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and spa treatment rooms. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel (available 24 hours). Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages

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

More

  • Designated smoking areas

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 9 and younger (only guests older than 9 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-8 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals, you can take advantage of the free airport pick-up service. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hostel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Long-term renters welcome.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Jollyboys Backpackers provides free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Jollyboys Backpackers?

As of Jun 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jollyboys Backpackers on Jul 24, 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.

What's there to see around Jollyboys Backpackers?

This hostel in Livingstone is within a 10-minute walk of Livingstone Museum and Mukuni Park Curio Market. You'll also find Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Railway Museum within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Wheelchair-accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Spa services at the hostel include Swedish massages, deep-tissue massages, and couples treatments.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a casino?

No, Jollyboys Backpackers doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Jollyboys Backpackers?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hostel, including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge.

Are there hot tubs at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Jollyboys Backpackers serves a cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Jollyboys Backpackers allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Jollyboys Backpackers.

Are there connecting rooms at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Jollyboys Backpackers?

The closest major airport to Jollyboys Backpackers is Livingstone (LVI), which is 3.7 mi away (8 minutes by car). Another top airport is Victoria Falls (VFA), which is located 20.9 mi away (53-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, you won't find rooms with balconies at Jollyboys Backpackers.

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 195 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 66 out of 195 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 195 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 195 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 195 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

Georsadd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I appreciated the free airport pickup, although I did have to wait a little while. The hostel is quite close to the airport, so the transfer wasn’t long. I booked a private room and believe I was upgraded, it had air conditioning and a spacious bathroom, which made my stay very comfortable. Since I had to leave early most days, the staff kindly prepared takeaway breakfasts for me, and they were tasty. The only downside was that coffee wasn’t included with the free breakfast. The location is convenient, with a grocery store within walking distance, and I felt safe and secure throughout my stay. Overall, I had a great experience here. In fact, I would have preferred to stay here for my entire trip rather than splitting my stay with the Zimbabwe side, mainly because of how good my experience here, and it’s very affordable too!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ankit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 4 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christopher

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