Jollyboys Backpackers

Suburban hostel with outdoor pool, near Livingstone Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Fri, Apr 17
Sat, Apr 18
April 2026
3
May 2026
Nestled near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Jollyboys Backpackers offers a tranquil retreat with spa services like massages and manicures. Enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast, unwind at the outdoor pool or garden, and stay connected with free WiFi in public areas.
VIP Access
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

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
$41 nightly
$48 total
May 3 - May 4
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Showing 15 of 15 rooms
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Double Room, Ensuite

Exceptional
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
Twin Room, Shared Bathroom | Terrace/patio
Safe

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
Shared fridge
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, bed sheets
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

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

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Room Ensuite

Very good
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Triple Room, Ensuite

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Shared Bathroom

Exceptional
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm) | Executive lounge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Twin Bed
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
Shared fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
34 Kanyanta Road, Livingstone

What's nearby

  • Livingstone Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 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

  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Boma - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Victoria Falls Waterfront - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Three Monkeys - ‬11 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

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 9 minutes' walk from Mukuni Park Curio Market.

Have a question?

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Service staffRecreationTransportationAmbienceLocationRoom
Verified

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!
Georsadd, 2-night trip
Verified

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.
Emily, 3-night trip
Verified

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.
JAIME, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Good
Ankit, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly Boys is the best in Livingstone for a hostile.
Christopher, 6-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Carl, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay with interesting company

Great time, delicious breakfasts, I loved the relax zone.
Pawel, 3-night trip
Verified

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.
Thomas, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Lucy, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The place was amazing I travelled solo and was worri
Esther, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Great feel about place and very helpful staff
Mark, 5-night trip
Verified

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.
Mei Fang, 1-night trip
Verified

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.
Wojciech, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were very helpful with booking transfers and activities. Lots to do in the area
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

The staff here were amazing and always helpful with booking and suggestions. Loved the bar/restaurant in Jollyboys, made lazy days so easy
Samantha, 9-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We love Jollyboys!
Tara, 11-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Ivo, 5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great
Christopher, 5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Simon, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

Absolute bliss!! It’s my home away from home! The staff is amazing
Simon, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Understandable why Jollyboys is a back-to-back top hostel champ. Great staff. Chill space.
Kenneth, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful
Soyoki, 7-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Ruben, 2-night trip
Verified

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.
Eurico, 2-night trip