Jollyboys Backpackers

Property class: 3
Suburban hostel with outdoor pool, near Livingstone Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Jollyboys Backpackers is just 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from the airport and offers free pick-up service (available 24 hours). Guests can indulge in deep-tissue massages or mani/pedis, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli are other highlights. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
VIP Access

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Free airport pick-up
  • Spa services
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli

Feel at home (6)

  • Sofa bed
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Elevator
The current price is $32
$37 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 15 of 15 rooms

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

A room with a bed, a ceiling fan, a bedside table, a green backpack, and a metal rack with bags.

Double Room, Ensuite

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

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

A hotel room with two beds, a ceiling fan, mosquito nets, an air conditioning unit, and a person reading a book.

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside lamp, a hanging mosquito net, a quilted window treatment, and a standing fan.

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

A room with two beds, a fan, a wooden table, and a window.

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

A room with a bunk bed, a single bed, a bedside table with a radio, and a potted plant.

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room, Ensuite

A room with bunk beds, a sink, and two paintings on the walls.

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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

A bunk bed room with brick walls, a window, and a trash bin.

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

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Room Ensuite

A room with a bed, a ceiling fan, a bedside table, a green backpack, and a metal rack with bags.

Single Room Ensuite

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

View all photos for Triple Room, Ensuite

A room with bunk beds, a sink, and two paintings on the walls.

Triple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Shared Bathroom

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside lamp, a hanging mosquito net, a quilted window treatment, and a standing fan.

Single Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only

A room with a brick wall, a bunk bed, a red wardrobe, and a wooden door.

Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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

A room with a brick wall, a bunk bed, a red wardrobe, and a wooden door.

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

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

View all photos for Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

A bunk bed room with brick walls, a window, and a trash bin.

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

A bunk bed room with brick walls, a window, and a trash bin.

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

A bunk bed room with brick walls, a window, and a trash bin.

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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  • Pool
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  • Parking available
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 297 reviews
The price is $46
$54 total
includes taxes & fees
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About the neighborhood

Map
34 Kanyanta Road, Livingstone

What's nearby

  • Livingstone Museum - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Railway Museum - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - 4 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Devil's Pool - 12 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 8 min drive
  • Victoria Falls (VFA) - 53 min drive
  • Free airport pick-up
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Sea Spice - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Travelers Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪S'lo Lounge - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Boma - ‬16 min drive

About this property

Jollyboys Backpackers

  • Jollyboys Backpackers is just 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from the airport and offers free pick-up service (available 24 hours). Guests can indulge in deep-tissue massages or mani/pedis, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli are other highlights. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 30 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 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

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • Children (9 years old and younger) not allowed
    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets not allowed

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Transfers

    • Free airport pickup on request (available 24 hours)*

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 6:30 AM–noon
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Barbecue grills
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Water dispenser

What to do

  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Safari nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Segway rentals/tours nearby
  • Ziplining nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Television in common areas
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services
  • Massage/treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Accessible airport shuttle

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Single sofa bed
  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

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.

Dining

Onsite venue - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 5 to 8 per person
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Long-term renters welcome.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.

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

Does Jollyboys Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Jollyboys Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, a free shuttle from the airport is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

What is there to do at Jollyboys Backpackers and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like cycling, boat tours, and fishing. Additional recreation nearby includes game drives, game viewing, and safari tours. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hostel's other amenities, which include spa services and a picnic area. Jollyboys Backpackers also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers international cuisine.

What's the area around Jollyboys Backpackers like?

Jollyboys Backpackers is a short 8-minute drive from Livingstone (LVI) and 2 minutes' walk from Livingstone Museum.

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Reviews

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The restaurant at this property offers great food with good portions and a nice vibe. (8 reviews)
  • The pool was nice and clean, a great spot for a refreshing dip. (5 reviews)
  • Free airport pickup was appreciated, with some guests noting a convenient and relatively short transfer. (3 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
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Popular mentions

Service staff
Recreation
Ambience
Transportation
Location
Room

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

One of the best budget stays I have ever had. Lovely staff and the 6 bed female dorm was soaius, calm and cool. The facilities and use of kitchen - can't fault it.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Third time I have stayed there and will be back, great place for a few days rest. Food is good there but takes a small lifetime to come out
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect location for exploring the area. Accommodations were unique and gorgeous! Highly recommend
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This was the best hostel experience. The staff was great and I enjoyed the vibe.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay with interesting company

Great time, delicious breakfasts, I loved the relax zone.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The hostel itself is great and I really like it. Is very well located, has great vibe and very helpful staff. There is a kitchen, bar/restaurant, swimming pool, lots of sitting space available, very clean and well maintained bathroom and toilets and lots of power sockets available. The internet is decent. Really lots of very positive things about the hostel. There is one negative thing though. We stayed in a private room. The room itself is pretty bad and needs urgent renovation. The mattress was good, but that's it. Doors have an issue closing it, no air conditioning (luckily we were in winter time), dirty walls and ceiling, pretty bad other furniture and quite tight room for a couple. I'd have given 5* if the private room is better.
Verified review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Great feel about place and very helpful staff
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were very helpful with booking transfers and activities. Lots to do in the area
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Understandable why Jollyboys is a back-to-back top hostel champ. Great staff. Chill space.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Very safe and quiet area. Good vibes. Clean and the workers were friendly and helpful all the time. Will come back.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent Stay

Really good stay. Great value for money. Brought the family which is not what one usually does with a hostel/backpackers type place, but it was great and I would do it again. Well run and managed by staff - very helpful all around. I will probably need to go back down to Livingstone again in December and will stay here again.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

awesome stay

It was amazing , the receptionist has the best service. the outside showers need to be washed every now and then because they were dirty
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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!!!
Verified review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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,