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Jollyboys Backpackers

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

Choose dates to view prices

Jollyboys Backpackers provides a peaceful getaway with practical amenities for travelers seeking comfort. Guests can book massages and manicures, cool off in the outdoor pool, and use free WiFi in common areas while enjoying the garden setting.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 15 of 15 rooms

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Twin Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Room Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Room Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only

In-room safe, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 9
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 7
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 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

Restaurants

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

About this property

Jollyboys Backpackers

Hostel near Livingstone Museum
Located close to Railway Museum, Jollyboys Backpackers provides free airport pick-up, a terrace, and a garden. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a massage or a manicure/pedicure. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), an area shuttle, and a gift shop
  • Books, an elevator, and table tennis
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Jollyboys Backpackers offer amenities such as safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

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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

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

Pets not 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

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children 9 years old and younger are not permitted 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

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Jollyboys Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel that runs on request.

Where is Jollyboys Backpackers located?

Located in the heart of Livingstone, this hostel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Livingstone Museum and within 3 mi (5 km) of Railway Museum and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Victoria Falls Field Museum and Devil's Pool are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Reviews

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.6

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 179 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 61 out of 179 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 179 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 179 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 179 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Jia Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was fine and the single room with AC is quite nice for Africa. There’s widespread power shortage and the hotel has backup generators to make up for it. Internet is from starlink so it’s pretty fast. The downside is they’re cash and crypto only for the restaurant, bar, and travel. The ATMs are quite far and having to withdrawal 100s of USD worth of money just to pay for an activity is super annoying. The restaurant food is mediocre and kind of expensive for what it is but there’s really nothing else around in town. The transport they offer is significantly more than what you’d get off the street but at least they are very timely and responsive. The tour prices are a bit higher and you’re better off booking some of those online through other operators, especially if you don’t have cash. In Zambia it’s about $8-10 USD per ATM withdrawal so things do add up. Lastly, Zimbabwe side seems to have more bars, restaurants, and a more lively atmosphere than Livingstone but Zambia side has more activities like rafting and rhino trek so it’s better to split your time between both sides.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Tara

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

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

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

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

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.

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

10/10 Excellent

Soyoki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Javier

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

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

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