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Jollyboys Backpackers

3.0 star property
Suburban hostel with spa services and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Jollyboys Backpackers

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View 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

Room options

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

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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

About the area

Livingstone

Jollyboys Backpackers puts you in the heart of Livingstone, steps from Livingstone Museum and within a 30-minute stroll of Railway Museum. Highlights at this hostel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages and mani/pedis. For a drink, you can stop by the hostel's own lounge bar. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Each morning cooked-to-order breakfast is served between 6:30 AM and noon. There's also the convenience of free airport pick-up service. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Livingstone hostel include Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls Field Museum.
View more Hostels in LivingstoneOpens in a new window

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

Suburban hostel with spa services and outdoor pool
Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. A free shuttle from the airport to the hotel is free (available 24 hours). An outdoor pool, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at Jollyboys Backpackers. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Livingstone hostel.

  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Jollyboys Backpackers offers 30 accommodations with a safe and a ceiling fan. This accommodation is furnished with single sofa beds. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages and manicures and pedicures.

Similar properties

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Victoria Falls Waterfront
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 273 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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
  • Lift
  • 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

  • No pets 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hostel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 9 years old and younger aren't allowed 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

What is the cancellation policy at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Jollyboys Backpackers offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yep, Jollyboys Backpackers has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Jollyboys Backpackers?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like deep-tissue massages.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers have a pool?

Jollyboys Backpackers has an outdoor pool.

Does Jollyboys Backpackers serve breakfast?

You bet, cooked-to-order brekkie is offered daily from 6:30 AM to noon.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yep, there's a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel that runs 24 hours a day on request.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Jollyboys Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Jollyboys Backpackers?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
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

SEUNGJU

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

Allison

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Travelled with family
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

Molly

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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 traveller

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