Jollyboys Backpackers

Suburban hostel with outdoor pool, near Livingstone Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Mon 12 Jan
Thu 15 Jan
January 2026
12
February 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 Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurants 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
  • Lift

Room options

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

Double Room, Ensuite

Exceptional

Highlights

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

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
Fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
Fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
Twin Room, Shared Bathroom | Terrace/patio
Safe

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Shared/communal kitchen
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
Fridge
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, bed sheets
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

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
Towels
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
Safe

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
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)

Highlights

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

Single Room Ensuite

Very good

Highlights

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

Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

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

Single Shared Bathroom

Exceptional

Highlights

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

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
Fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
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
Fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
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
Fridge
In-room safe, bed sheets
In-room safe, bed sheets
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

Similar properties

Lounge
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.0
Wonderful
187 reviews
£35
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan
Fawlty Towers Guest House
Outdoor pool
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.2
Wonderful
61 reviews
£45
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan
Gloria's Bed and Breakfast
Double or Twin Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Parking available
8.4
Very good
275 reviews
£45
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan
Victoria Falls Waterfront
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.4
Exceptional
24 reviews
£90
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan
Kamunjila Lodge
2 outdoor pools
  • Pool
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.4
Exceptional
171 reviews
£106
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan
Ngoma Zanga Lodge
Outdoor pool, pool loungers
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
8.2
Very good
127 reviews
£73
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan
New Fairmount Hotel and Casino
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
7.8
Good
32 reviews
Olga's the Italian Corner
Outdoor pool
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.0
Wonderful
2 reviews
£33
includes taxes & fees
17 Jan - 18 Jan
Wane Guest Lodge
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Free parking
8.2
Very good
134 reviews
£136
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan
Maramba River Lodge
Exterior
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
7.6
Good
87 reviews
LePatino Bed & Breakfast
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!

About the area

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 pickup
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪The Boma - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Victoria Falls Waterfront - ‬8 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 manicures and pedicures, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a snack bar/deli are other highlights. Fellow travellers 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) are not allowed
    • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets not allowed

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Transfers

    • Free airport pickup on request (available 24 hours a day)*

Off-site

    • 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 fridge
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Water dispenser

What to do

  • Ping pong
  • Bike rentals nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Safari nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Segway hire/tours nearby
  • Zip-lining 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

  • Lift
  • 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 on-site spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages and manicures and pedicures.

Dining

On-site venue – This restaurant specialises 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
  • Local 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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Long-term renters welcome.
Guests can rest easy knowing that 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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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 that you 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 an 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 such as 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 on-site 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 2 minutes' walk from Livingstone Museum.

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

8.6

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Service staffRecreationAmbienceLocationTransportationRoom

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

10/10 Exceptional

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay with interesting company

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

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very good

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

We love Jollyboys!
Tara, 11-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

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.

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

10/10 Exceptional

Great
Christopher, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful
Soyoki, 7-night trip

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

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

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

10/10 Exceptional

Jolly’s

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

6/10 Good

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.
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

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!!!
Javier, 3-night trip

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

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

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Khushnidjon, 2-night trip