Jollyboys Backpackers

Livingstone's Legendary Backpackers

Jollyboys Backpackers is the beating heart of Livingstone's traveller scene. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era building in the town centre, Jollyboys has been welcoming adventurers, backpackers, and budget-savvy explorers since the 1990s — earning a reputation as one of the best hostels in Southern Africa.

Accommodation

Dormitories — Mixed and female-only dorms with comfortable bunks, individual power sockets, reading lights, fans, and secure lockers. Clean linen and towels provided.

Private Rooms — Doubles, twins, and family rooms with en-suite or shared bathrooms. Perfect for travellers who want privacy without paying hotel prices.

Camp House — A separate self-contained unit for groups, with its own kitchen, lounge, and bathroom.

Facilities That Make the Difference

• Swimming pool — The pool is the social centre; most friendships start here
• Bar & restaurant — Affordable meals, cold beers, and a legendary quiz night
• Communal kitchen — Fully equipped for self-caterers
• Free Wi-Fi — Fast and reliable by regional standards
• Laundry service — Same-day turnaround
• Travel desk — Book every Livingstone and Victoria Falls activity at the best rates
• Airport transfers — Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport is 5 km away

Activities & Adventures

The Jollyboys travel desk is a one-stop shop for:

• Victoria Falls guided tours (Zimbabwe and Zambia sides)
• White-water rafting on the Zambezi
• Bungee jumping, gorge swing, and zip-lining
• Chobe National Park day trips
• Sunset cruises
• Microlight flights over the Falls
• Jet boating

The Jollyboys Vibe

This isn't a chain hostel. Jollyboys has soul — the kind of place where solo travellers meet lifelong friends, where the bar stays open until the last person leaves, and where the staff remember your name.

"I planned two nights and stayed a week. The pool, the people, the Friday braai, the quiz night — Jollyboys is backpacker heaven." — Hostel guest