34 Kanyanta Road PO Box 61088, Livingstone 20100 Zambia
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About
#2 of 6 hostels in Livingstone
Location
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Value
Welcome to Jollyboys - the trendsetter in upmarket budget travel in Zambia! Since 1995, they’ve been curating unforgettable experiences for budget travellers like you. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are your travel gurus, keeping you in the loop with the latest travel information and regulations throughout Southern Africa. Jollyboys is passionate about Livingstone and giving back to the community. Join in supporting local initiatives and making a positive impact while having the time of your life.
Hungry for adventure and delicious food? The Jollyboys restaurant not only serves mouthwatering meals at unbeatable prices but also keeps you connected with FREE WiFi. Fancy yourself a culinary maestro? The self-catering kitchen is at your disposal, allowing you to whip up your own delectable creations. And let's not forget the amazing perks! Enjoy FREE daily shuttles to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and seamless pick-ups from Livingstone Airport. Flying into Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe? Just give them a shout, and we'll arrange a hassle-free shuttle for you, taking care of everything across the borders.
But that's not all! The backpacking experience at Jollyboys has evolved with the times. All the dorms and ensuite rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay even in the warmest of climates. And don’t worry about charging your stuff – there’s essential USB ports too! Plus, there’s the sparkling swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip and lounging in the sun. They’ve taken budget travel to the next level, offering more amenities and upmarket features, without compromising on our budget-friendly ethos.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler embarking on a long-term journey, a weekend warrior seeking a quick escape, a newlywed couple cherishing your honeymoon moments, or a group of volunteers making a difference, Jollyboys has got your back. They have something extraordinary to offer each and every guest who steps through the doors. So get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Jollyboys Backpackers!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Table tennis
Free shuttle or taxi services
24-hour security
Secured parking
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Poolside bar
Walking tours
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Walk-in shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English
Location
65Somewhat walkable
Grade: 65 out of 100
12Restaurantswithin 1 km
6Attractionswithin 1 km
34 Kanyanta Road PO Box 61088, Livingstone 20100 Zambia
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Perfect resting place to come back to after a long day of activities.The staff, facilities and room were all exceptional and exceeded expectations. I will certainly be back next year. Thank you Jolly Boys.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Property's Favourite Review
Had a wonderful time at Jollyboys! Stayed a handful of nights. We joined the 2 day 1 night safari in Chobe that they arranged; it was the first safari I'd ever been on and it was absolutely incredible! Special shout-out to Moyo who went above and beyond to help us during our stay, and always with a friendly smile :) If you're looking for a safe, easy, central hostel filled with other travelers, this is definitely a good option.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 12 May 2023
We're so honoured that you went on your first safari with us and Chobe National Park is for sure one of the BEST places to start! Thanks for taking the time to write a review and pass along your lovely words of praise - we've told our team and Moyo is grinning even bigger :) All the best with your future travels through Africa and we hope you'll swing through again one day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a fun kayaking trip staying at Jollyboys! The dorms are great for cheap and comfortable stay! Wifi could be upgraded as its overloaded with guests! The pool is very nice too! Definitely a must seen!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 2 days ago
Thank you for the awesome review! 😊 We're thrilled you had a great time kayaking and enjoyed our comfy dorms and refreshing pool. We appreciate your feedback on the WiFi, and we're constantly working to enhance the experience. In the age of connectivity, finding that balance between staying online and soaking in the gorgeous surroundings is a challenge. We're on a mission to bring back those chatty early 2000s vibes! Can you believe that 'back in the day' we used to have a computer that guests could book 10 minute time slots on to write an email? On your next visit (which we hope is soon!), consider grabbing a local SIM card for a super affordable and data-rich experience—just around $1 for 2 gigs! Looking forward to having you back for more unforgettable moments.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
People are so welcoming. The dorm was clean. The AC made all the difference. Even if it was too hot during the day, I always knew I would have my cool place at night in my chill room. The food service is good also. The employees are nice and helpful. The ambiance at night can be festive or chill. Depending on your mood. There is enough room for not being disturbed if you feel like relaxing or partying. The swimming pool is so good during the day when temperature gets too hot. I'll be defenetyl back. I recommend Jollyboys to anybody, young travellers to older people.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 2 days ago
Thank you, Dominique G, for the fantastic review! 😊 We're thrilled you had an incredible stay, enjoyed the cool oasis of your AC-equipped dorm, and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for a festive night or a chill vibe, we've got the space for it! The pool is indeed a lifesaver during those hot days in October and November when temps tip over 40 degrees! Can't wait to welcome you back—Jolly good times await!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I loved my time at Jollyboys! My room was a single, en-suite with A/C which was more than comfortable. The staff were all friendly and fantastic, the pool area and social areas are brilliant, and the whole vibe was welcoming and fun. We stayed here as part of a trade show, so sadly didn't have loads of time to experience the activities put on at Jollyboys, but we did manage to make it back in time for part of braai night which was hugely popular. What we did see what fantastic, and all the other guests were loving it too!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 2 days ago
Thank you, Laura, for your fantastic review! 😊 We're delighted you enjoyed your time at Jollyboys. Your experience reflects the diverse appeal we aim for – whether it's a solo traveler, business trips, or adventurous groups ready to kayak the mighty Zambezi. From cosy rooms to vibrant social spaces, Jollyboys caters to everyone. We look forward to hosting you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A really nice place to stay! Beautiful rooms with comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, a nice open area with lots of sitting opportunities and a big pool to cool down. They serve yummy drinks and food and the staff is really friendly. Lloyd, Ruth and Samuel were very helpful at the front desk and organised trips to make our stay unforgettable. Moyo the driver always made suggestions what is the best to get from A to B and back and made us laugh many times. Thanks for the nice time!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 2 days ago
We're delighted to hear about your lovely stay, Lara! 😊 Our comfy beds, clean spaces, and refreshing pool are just the beginning of the Jollyboys experience. Thrilled that Lloyd, Ruth, Samuel, and Moyo added that extra touch to make your stay unforgettable - they really are superstars! Can't wait to welcome you back for more laughs and good times!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I like the dormitories with air conditioning and big safe locker, clean swimming pool, kitchen for guests and the bar. The guy in the reception is not so friendly but not a big issue. It could have mosquito nets in the rooms.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your recent stay with us! We're delighted to hear you found our dormitories comfortable, enjoyed the amenities like air conditioning... very needed right now! We sincerely appreciate your feedback about our reception staff. We apologize if you encountered any lapse in friendliness—it seems like we were having an off day, and we appreciate your understanding, especially when the temperatures are soaring over 40 degrees!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a phenomenal time at JollyBoys! We were met with consistent willingness to be of service, over and over, to see that our little family was comfortable and looked after. Their food was great; we enjoyed having breakfast and lunch/dinner there almost every day during our stay in Livingstone. The pool is also super quality for kids and adults, and such a pleasure to take a dip in on the many hot Zambian days! Merlin and Simon, the managers, even went to the extent of having us out with them to Victoria Falls! And the owner Kim was so easy to connect, communicate and work with too! Five stars, two thumbs up, and on and on. Stay with them!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 3 weeks ago
We are thrilled to receive your glowing review and hear about your phenomenal experience at Jollyboys Backpackers! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on TripAdvisor. It's truly heartwarming to read your kind words about our service and food. Our team takes pride in ensuring our guests are comfortable, and it's wonderful to hear that you felt well looked after during your stay. We're delighted that you enjoyed our pool, and we agree, it's the perfect oasis on those hot Zambian days! Thank you for your kind recommendation. It means the world to us! Safe travels, and see you on your next lap around the planet! Warm regards, The Jollyboys Backpackers Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had an amazing stay at Jollyboys. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Great vibe and amazing atmosphere. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The free shuttle was a plus. Location was good, close to shops, banks, restaurants and the museum.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Marcel, We're thrilled to read your fantastic review of Jollyboys Backpackers! Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your experiences on TripAdvisor. Our friendly and helpful team, the great vibe, and convenient location are what we aim for to make your stay memorable! We appreciate your review and can't wait to welcome you back for another wonderful stay at Jollyboys. Safe travels, and see you soon! Best regards, The Jollyboys Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a great stay with my group of 6. Easy access to excursions (rafting, Chobe National Park, etc) and super fun atmosphere by the pool, in the lounge. Staff was incredible friendly and knew me by name by the end of my stay, always asked how I was doing. My two pieces of feedback are that the showers in the women’s room should be fixed. For my whole stay only one worked, and even that one was near breaking with water coming from the head cracking off the pipe. The other two were not functional. Secondly, I noticed the bartenders never had change for quacha or dollars. This was fine for me as I didn’t mine tipping them, but in the end I didn’t want to purchase small things (a cup of coffee, a beer) as I only ever had k50 or k100 and they never seemed to have change.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Jollyboys Backpackers, Owner at Jollyboys Backpackers
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear 667amb, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and for choosing to stay with us at Jollyboys Backpackers. We're delighted to hear that you had a great time with your group! We're truly sorry about the issue with the showers, and please know that we're in the process of building brand new communal ablutions to ensure such inconveniences are a thing of the past. We are always looking to improve and add to our facilities and services. Your feedback regarding change is noted, and we'll bring this up with our team today to ensure this issue is resolved right away. We can't wait to welcome you back for another fantastic stay once our upgrades are complete. If you plan on returning, feel free to reach out to us directly to make your next visit even more special. Thanks again for your kind words, and we look forward to your next visit! Best regards, The Jollyboys Backpackers Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$30 - US$50 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
jollyboys international backpackers hotel livingstone
LOCATION
ZambiaSouthern ProvinceLivingstone
NUMBER OF ROOMS
31
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Claim Your ListingJOLLYBOYS BACKPACKERS - Now R 562 (Was R̶ ̶1̶ ̶0̶3̶0̶) - UPDATED 2023 Hostel Reviews & Price Comparison (Livingstone, Zambia) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Jollyboys Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Jollyboys Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Victoria Falls (1.1 km), Livingstone Museum (0.1 km), and Victoria Falls (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Jollyboys Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Jollyboys Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Jollyboys Backpackers?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Jollyboys Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kubu Cafe, Cafe Zambezi, and Olga's - The Italian Corner.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Jollyboys Backpackers?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Jollyboys Backpackers have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Jollyboys Backpackers offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Jollyboys Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Jollyboys Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Jollyboys Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 km away from the centre of Livingstone.
Is Jollyboys Backpackers accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.