The Best Hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa, for Budget Travellers

The Best Hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa, for Budget Travellers JoBurg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, began as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. Commonly known as Jo'burg or Jozi, this rapidly changing city is the vibrant heart of South Africa. The hipster-friendly neighborhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. However, the wealth divide remains stark, and crime and poverty haven’t been eliminated. Still, Jo'burg is an incredibly friendly, unstuffy city and there's a lot to see and do here. The city is awash with superb museums, mostly offering deep insight into South Africa’s troubled past. . Its sprawling Soweto township was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela's former residence is now the Mandela House museum. Other Soweto museums that recount the struggle to end segregation include the somber Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, a former prison complex. Delve in and experience the buzz of a city undergoing an incredible rebirth. Johannesburg is an exciting destination with plenty to offer and these hostels provide an excellent base for exploring the area.
How much do hostels in Johannesburg cost?

You can find our comprehensive analysis of all hostel prices in Johannesburg here. We've found the average prices of dorms and private rooms, as well as the typical prices of hostels with various amenities, too.



Dorm Bed from $14.47
Private Room from $11.23
Overall Rating: 86%
302 Fox Street Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
Curiocity Joburg offers a clean design, cozy accommodations, local culture, and a community of like-minded people. Step out the doors of the flagship design hostel, and you will find yourself in the heart of Maboneng, the vibeyest neighborhood in Johannesburg. With restaurants, cafes, museums, and markets tucked away on every corner, you’ll want to explore every inch of this gritty, gorgeous urban jungle. Room options include: private apartments, classic doubles, and female only or shared dormitories. In-house activities include: inner-city tours, Soweto township tours, city cycle rides, pub-crawls, picnics, and CurioSafaris. Facilities include a games room, well equipped communal kitchen, a dipping pool, laundry services, bar, rooftop, free fast Wi-Fi, shuttle service, bicycle rentals, communal chill-out zone, luggage room and a Baz Bus stop. Curiocity invites you to discover the heart of Johannesburg's inner city with direct access to the people and happenings of the community. Linens and parking are free with your stay. Children under 13 are not permitted.


Dorm Bed from $10.77
Private Room from $12.15
Overall Rating: 84%
75 Observatory Avenue Observatory Extension, Johannesburg
This very spacious, comfy, and safe hostel accommodates all types of travelers. They have everything you need and continuously work to improve their facilities and services. Free transfers are available for most reservations. Free buffet type breakfast is included in the rates and consist of: Eggs, bread, jam, cheese, side dishes (tomato/cheese/mushrooms/cold meat/baked beans/etc), fresh fruit, cereal and muesli, yogurt, fruit juice, tea and coffee. On select days they also have freshly baked muffins and other surprises. Free Wi-Fi is also provided. Wall heaters and fans are provided in all rooms with international plugs to charge your electronic devices for Europe, USA, Asia, and where ever you come from and adapters can be purchased at reception. Private rooms also have electric blankets to keep you warm in winter. The property stretches over 3000 square meters and is set on a variety of levels with a sparkling swimming pool at the top of the hill. You can book all your transfers, car hire, Baz Bus and Mzansi tickets (Hop on Hop off Bus), pub lunches, dinners, and tours to Soweto, Apartheid Museum, Kruger National Park, and the big bad city center at the facility. The hostel is 5 minutes from Eastgate International Shopping Mall, which contains all the major banks, shopping, eating, and cinema facilities you could ever want. Across the road from the mall is Food Lovers Market. Markets of the world is on the same route and you can buy cheap African Art and Crafts and souvenirs for your friends and family before you fly out. The facility also has a large kitchen with a gas stove and all the crockery, cutlery, pans, and pots to whip up and enjoy your own meals. Free tea and coffee served at breakfast and again from 17h00-22h00 daily for guests. They also offer pub lunches (truly South African) between 11h45 and 13h45 daily and prepare fresh home cooked dinners every evening served between 19h00 and 19h30. Linens, towels, and parking are all included with your stay.


Dorm Bed from $13.96
Private Room from $10.05
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
11 Hope Rd, Orange Grove, Johannesburg
2BHappy Guest House is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities and a microwave. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, 24 hour reception, parking, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $14.24
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 97%
27 7th Street, Parkhurst Randburg, Johannesburg
Explorer Backpackers is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a bar, a common room, board games, and foosball. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities and a microwave. Laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, key card access, parking, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $10.08
Private Room from $11.20
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 96%
91 Glen Norton Road, Glen Norton Home Estates Johannesburg, Johannesburg
This terrific hostel offers friendly service, a swimming pool, a bar, bicycle hire, a common room, board games, and cable tv. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities and a microwave. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, parking, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $13.80
Private Room from $19.05
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 95%
10823 A Pooe Street POBox Orlando West, Johannesburg
You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service, a bar, bicycle hire, a common room, board games, cable tv, and foosball. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a restaurant, a cafe, and self-catering facilities. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, parking, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $11.17
Private Room from $13.26
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 94%
37 1st Ave, Melville, Johannesburg
Melville House is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, and board games. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities and a microwave. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, parking, and internet access are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Private Room from $35.00
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 94%
I5A Marion Street, Sandown Sandton, Johannesburg
Marion Lodge is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a swimming pool, board games, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, a restaurant, self-catering facilities, and a microwave. Laundry facilities, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable. And Marion Lodge is also child friendly.
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For more accommodation prices and options, check out our guide covering Johannesburg hotel prices for your next trip.



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The Best Hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa, for Budget Travellers | Budget Your Trip

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