Jollyboys Backpackers

3.0 star property
Suburban hostel with spa services and an outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Jollyboys Backpackers

Outdoor pool
Bar (on property)
Lobby lounge
Property entrance
In-room safe, bed sheets

Popular amenities

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Kitchen
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
34 Kanyanta Road, Livingstone
  • Livingstone Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Devil's Pool
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Livingstone (LVI)
    ‪8 min drive‬

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Room options

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

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

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Shared Bathroom

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

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Triple Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Double Room, Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Single Room Ensuite

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

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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

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 - 0.0 miles
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - 5 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Victoria Falls Field Museum - 10 min drive - 7.4 miles
  • Devil's Pool - 12 min drive - 8.6 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Munali Coffee - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Boma - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Royal Livingstone Lounge - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rainforest Cafe - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Jollyboys Backpackers

Suburban hostel with spa services and an outdoor pool
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.

Languages

English

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

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.

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.

Will I be able to park at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel. 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Jollyboys Backpackers?

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

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a hot tub?

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.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Jollyboys Backpackers?

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

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 59 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 168 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Tara

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

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Outstanding stay

Thank you Jollyboys for an amazing time in Livingstone. Sam, Lloyd and Moyo were always most helpful. Memory too was very kind and knowledgeable. Even though the country overall is struggling with load shedding, Jollyboys did a wonderful job with making sure we had electricity. The most that i can remember being without was 4 fours hours in the dorm but light was still available near and around the bar. The bar/restaurant has really good food (the chicken sandwiches with fries, the free veggie dinner and the french toast with eggs) and the portions were good. Be sure to speak with staff on arrival about interested activities because some bucket list items dont happen everyday (rafting/Chobe). I'd recommend Jollyboys over and over as a quality, clean and cost conscience accommodation in Livingstone. I did visit a competitor which was not bad, however it was not as nice as Jollyboy's.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

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

6/10 Okay

Abhay

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Pamela

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Nice time

Our room was very nice - the beds were comfortable and the room was nicely decorated . The downside was that the bathroom door did not have a latch, so it would not stay closed. Also the bath mat was not very clean. The breakfast was good and we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Raesibe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jollyboys could do with more TLC

Jollyboys was the first hostel in Livingstone which I can appreciate. Pros: The staff were absolutely amazing, Moyo, Mallias, George to name a few. Those people are gems. Thank you to the staff for also arranging my activities and ensuring that I explored Livingstone. The restaurant had great food and a nice vibe during the day. Cons: The WiFi does not reach the rooms. I booked a private room and yet I could only use the WiFi when I was in the common areas, this was highly inconvenient. The bathrooms need help. Between the showers, and the actual toilets you could tell that it was all old and could do with a facelift. My overall stay at Jollyboys was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Khushnidjon

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

Good price-quality ratio!

Very nice experience! Good location, clean rooms, nice territory, affordable prices, both - rooms and kitchen/bar. Price-quality ratio is high. You get quality for the price you pay here.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024