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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
Garden
Outdoor pool
Outdoor pool
Bar (on property)

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Laundry
The current price is NZ$98
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar

Explore the area

Map
34 Kanyanta Road, Livingstone
  • Livingstone Museum
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Railway Museum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Livingstone (LVI)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

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

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds (9 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (6 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only

In-room safe, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room (7 Bed Private Dorm)

Highlights

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

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

View all photos for Single Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Quadruple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Triple Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Single Room Ensuite

In-room safe, bed sheets

Single Room Ensuite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, bed sheets

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

In-room safe, bed sheets

Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

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4.2 out of 5, Very good, (251)
The price is NZ$96
for 1 cabin
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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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 - 2 min walk
  • Mukuni Park Curio Market - 9 min walk
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - 6 min drive
  • Victoria Falls Field Museum - 9 min drive
  • Devil's Pool - 10 min drive

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 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.

Languages

English

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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Jollyboys Backpackers?

As of 4 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jollyboys Backpackers on 5 Mar 2025 start from NZ$97.99, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

Jollyboys Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 162 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 59 out of 162 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 162 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 162 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 162 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled 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 traveller
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

8/10 Good

LUIZ F

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights 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

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

8/10 Good

CS

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Milan

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not worth it, best years have passed
I recommend to avoid this place. The hotel/hostel has passed its best years, now it is rusty and dirty place with typical slow service. We got a room with filthy, beaten-up mattresses, incorrectly placed mosquito nets which smell musty and are full of holes. Upon request of the room change we were offered an upgrade for 35$/night, without a receipt and update of hotels.com booking. The shared bathroom is disgusting, no soap provided (even at the shared toilets). The restaurant service was slow, offering nothing special. Avoid paying extra 8$ for a breakfast through hotels.com - the price only includes one dish from the menu where the most expensive one is 4,5$ and coffee is 1,5$. It’s just a rip off. They do not offer any compensation of unused breakfast or package in the morning before departure for activities (despite organised via the hotel).
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kallie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 15 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Rirhandzu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mr M

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023