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The boo.com lowdown
Where?
Close to city centre and main attractions.
What?
A hostel with 85 beds.
Anything else you need to know?
Bed linen is included in the price. The hostel has its own swimming pool, café/bar and restaurant. Airport transfers can be arranged. Internet access available. Guests can use the kitchen and common area with satellite tv.
FROM:
US$17
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Reviews of The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre
The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre has a rating of 90% from a total of 408 reviews and ratings, below are some reviews of The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre
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srbartle2764 says:
“ I had a fabulous time there. It has a great atmosphere and all the staff are so friendly and helpful. It's ideally located too because it isn't too noisy. You get a very mixed age group too which is always interesting. ”
Posted: on Mar 10, 2010 // Rated: |
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boyesn says:
“ A great hostel with fantastic staff! My first stop in South Africa, and it was exactly what I was after! Thanks guys! ”
Posted: on Mar 2, 2010 // Rated: |
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MalahatGary says:
“ Great location - indoor & outdoor relaxation areas ..one of the best I've stayed in ”
Posted: on Feb 27, 2010 // Rated: |
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malawicarlsberg says:
“ When a hostel's as a good as this you find yourself looking around for things to fault it on, there's nothing... It's the best backpackers I've stayed in. ”
Posted: on Feb 21, 2010 // Rated: |
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jules87 says:
“ This place was really nice. But it was almost so nice that it started to lose the backpacker vibe...if that makes sense. It's really clean and well run. The kitchen was under rennovation which meant it was difficult to self-cater.... ”
Posted: on Feb 8, 2010 // Rated: |
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dianak-127996 says:
“ It's one of the coolest places i stayed during my visit to south africa! ”
Posted: on Feb 2, 2010 // Rated: |
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anniefabik6066 says:
“ This was stellar and a huge value for the money! Beautiful, clean, great courtyard for meals, great bar, and walking distance to everything. Would highly recommend! ”
Posted: on Feb 1, 2010 // Rated: |
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anonymous says:
“ The stay was amazing. The ammenities are truly unique for a hostel. It was more like a very affordable resort. I could not have been more pleased. ”
Posted: on Jan 28, 2010 // Rated: |
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robharper says:
“ A great hostel. Simples! ”
Posted: on Jan 25, 2010 // Rated: |
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qynnguy says:
“ Excellent hostel, very safe and clean inside - around the corner some shady characters prey, but that's not in the hostel's control. Most of the staff are just FABULOUS! A couple of the house cleaning crew "own" the shared kitchen which is uncomfortable, but really only applies in the... more ”
Posted: on Jan 25, 2010 // Rated: |
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simmor4951 says:
“ Really great hostel. Well set up for travellers. I stayed in a 4 bed dorm and an 8 bed dorm. The 4 bed was better as you got clean towels and the room had a bit more space but it was fabulous and the people were amazing! ”
Posted: on Jan 23, 2010 // Rated: |
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ingeninge6021 says:
“ Great place, very close to everything fun ”
Posted: on Jan 20, 2010 // Rated: |
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chapmanedna2889 says:
“ Found everything brilliant. Staff were very friendly and helpful to us oldies! Looking forward to our return in 2 weeks. Room was very comfy and facilities were just great. ”
Posted: on Jan 19, 2010 // Rated: |
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dirkkuritz6339 says:
“ Fancy place, but more like a hotel than a hostel, which makes a big difference in atmosphere and travellers you'll meet. Furthermore, you have to pay for almost everything like lockable lockers, Internet. There's also a desk besides the reception that's stuffed with two persons, only there to... ”
Posted: on Jan 18, 2010 // Rated: |
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katharina-jentoft1449 says:
“ We had a really pleasant stay, and would recommend this hostel to everyone who's going to cape town! ”
Posted: on Jan 16, 2010 // Rated: |
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matcha3rose5175 says:
“ i would have gladly paid extra for a private room if i'd been told they had had problems with people complaining about the man in my dorm snoring all week (and like me asking to change rooms)... as it is i hardly slept at all the first night (but then again it's alway a risk with dorms). also... more ”
Posted: on Jan 16, 2010 // Rated: |
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cameron2393 says:
“ Wow, where to start. This place is awesome. The location is primo and isa short walk to Long st. The staff are AMAZING, especially Melanie, thanks so much for making my time awesome and coming abseiling with me! what a great day! The bar is great, and the bar food is GREAT! without a doubt i... more ”
Posted: on Jan 13, 2010 // Rated: |
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rebra says:
“ A well run hostel, in a very good location. Close to everything. I would definitely stay at this hostel again. ”
Posted: on Jan 8, 2010 // Rated: |
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gerard1720 says:
“ One of the best hostels I've stayed at. Very friendly and clean. Staff are fantastic! ”
Posted: on Jan 4, 2010 // Rated: |
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igor-tesanovic1119 says:
“ While I appreciate the fact that it was the holiday season, I felt that the partying very late into the night might not be welcomed by all visitors. Other than loud music until wee hours, I had an AMAZING time at your establishment. See you again, I hope! ”
Posted: on Jan 2, 2010 // Rated: |
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lesleyspeakman6800 says:
“ The staff are extremely helpful and the atmosphere is really relaxed. I particularly like it as it caters for a range of different ages and not just young backpackers. ”
Posted: on Jan 1, 2010 // Rated: |
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matthewhil says:
“ Classy, classy. More of a hotel than a hostel, really. Beautiful facility in a great location. Very helpful staff. ”
Posted: on Dec 28, 2009 // Rated: |
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megpickersgill6020 says:
“ Fabulous!! A wonderful place filled with awesome, fun people. I wish I could live here! ”
Posted: on Dec 15, 2009 // Rated: |
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kittinew says:
“ I love this place. Staffs are friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to come back to this hostel. ”
Posted: on Dec 15, 2009 // Rated: |
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anjaturba6915 says:
“ nice and relaxed atmosphere. ”
Posted: on Dec 12, 2009 // Rated: |
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lcharity21440 says:
“ We absolutely loved it here, There is no where else I would stay if I was coming back to Cape Town. Book early because it fills up fast. The staff was awesome and extremely helpful. The rooms are clean. There is a nice outside area with a pool. Everyone needs to stay here!! ”
Posted: on Dec 9, 2009 // Rated: |
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patriciaferrier8210 says:
“ High standard accomodation, very impressed, would liked too have stayed longer, Thank you!!!!! ”
Posted: on Dec 8, 2009 // Rated: |
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velma999 says:
“ Had a fantastic time here. Best hostel I've stayed in and hope to return soon. ”
Posted: on Dec 5, 2009 // Rated: |
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itswhatshisname4804 says:
“ Fantastic hostel. More like a hotel. Great safe location with lots of shops and bars nearby. Helpful staff. Beautiful spacious room. Great bar & superb food. Swimming pool. Tv room, kitchen and outside dining area. But pricey internet. Only 15 to 20 rand an hr round corner in Kloof St. Car... more ”
Posted: on Dec 2, 2009 // Rated: |
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hutchmyster721978 says:
“ excellent ”
Posted: on Dec 2, 2009 // Rated: |
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manju7676 says:
“ Best rooms, very clean. Great view of Table mountains from the bar. ”
Posted: on Nov 30, 2009 // Rated: |
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ahleclair9521 says:
“ DO NOT STAY HERE, THEY WILL SCAM YOU! - I booked a private ensuite room in this hostel for $60/night several months before my stay. When I arrived at the actual hostel, they were charging walk-ins $25/night for a private ensuite room. They would not give me this price since I had booked in... more ”
Posted: on Nov 26, 2009 // Rated: |
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simon-hostelworld9369 says:
“ Awesome place! Great place to go on your own. I spent a week there and met loads of people. They've got great facilities and a fun friendly staff - especially at the bar. Loved it! Thanks guys for making it a great trip, ”
Posted: on Nov 23, 2009 // Rated: |
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ginalai18103730 says:
“ i've been traveling for 1yr amd this hostel wins above all of them by miles. they have real security safe's with your own individual code; there are codes & keys for all the main dorms & doors so it's very safe. bathroom facilities are always clean. fantastic bar, restaurant food. a real... more ”
Posted: on Nov 18, 2009 // Rated: |
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alchris-jones9205 says:
“ Well maintained.excellent staff.good meals available.great tour information facility. ”
Posted: on Nov 16, 2009 // Rated: |
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snapclickpixel9043 says:
“ everything was great except for the attempted mugging at knife-point steps away from the hostel in broad daylight at 3pm. ”
Posted: on Nov 14, 2009 // Rated: |
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RobinRamage says:
“ Top drawer hostels dont get any better than this... and they should all aspire to be like this! ”
Posted: on Nov 12, 2009 // Rated: |
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donmcfurry says:
“ Very nice hostel. You can see Table Mountain from the outdoor lounge. ”
Posted: on Nov 10, 2009 // Rated: |
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nathaliesandra says:
“ This place is awesome. ”
Posted: on Nov 9, 2009 // Rated: |
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crsachetti7942 says:
“ THE best hostel I've ever been in...no joke. This place was absolutely fantastic and should raise the bar for all other hostels. Love the outdoor facilities...patio, bar, pool, garden! Beautiful! And the staff were incredibly knowledgeable about activities and booking tours. Well done! ”
Posted: on Nov 7, 2009 // Rated: |
Been to The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre? Tell boo what you thought Add a review
Facilities at The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre
- In Room Facilities
- Ceiling Fan
- Linen Included
- Reading Light
- Security Lockers
- Food & Drink
- Guest Kitchen
- Bar
- Café
- General
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Tax included
- Washing Machine/Dryer
- 24 Hour Security
- Hairdryer for Hire
- 24 Hour Reception
- Currency Exchange
- Towels Hire
- Airport Transfers
- Tours Desk
- Luggage Storage
- Communications
- Fax Service
- Postal Service
- Card Phones
- Sport & Leisure
- Pool Table
- Bicycle Hire
- Cable TV
- Common Room
- Outdoor Terraced Area
Description of The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre
Voted Best Hostel in South Africa 2008 & 2009, and third Best Hostel in Africa 2008 & 2009 by Hostelworld Customers. Selected as one of the Top 10 places to stay in the Lonely Planet 2010. The Hostel has been Accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism (a trade mark awarded to businesses that adhere to fair trade criteria, fair wages and working conditions, fair operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits, ethical business practices and respect for human rights, culture and the environment). Making a difference is more than just an initiative of The Backpack, it is the way we are, the way we work and the way we live. Graded as a 5 Star Backpacker by The South African Grading Council: 'offering superior comfort and quality with a high standard of furnishings and guest care' South Africa's original backpacker and travel agency. Simply the best place to make your travel arrangements! All the facilities you can expect from a great hotel such as stylishly decorated double rooms, some en-suite, private electronic safes. Also on offer are off peak specials,a buzzy internet cafe and WiFi throughout the hostel- a place to meet like-minded international travelers. We now have 10 new luxury rooms! And recently added 3 en-suite Loft rooms with outstanding views of Table Mountain. We Offer: cafe/bar - delicious meals served from 7:30 till late internet access - communications centre - pay for what you download only- excellent rates- download pics, VOIP phones with web cams. ATM machine on site Meet and greet airport shuttle service at a cost self-catering kitchen 24-hour check-in 24-hour security unlimited kms best car hire Satellite Sports Channel TV All major credit cards, travellers cheques and foreign currencies accepted. Children welcome in private rooms and only those that can swim Not too laid back, not too loud, guests love The Backpack and it's easy to see why. For years it has stayed ahead of the crowd by constantly adapting, yet always offering top notch accommodation for the price and wonderfully clued-up service from its desk - Lonely Planet 'the most comfortable and best-run in town........one of the best backpacker travel centres around. Recommended.' - Footprints Tuesday Nights: Traditional BBQ Friday Nights: Pool competitions VOLUNTEER PROJECTS We have a soccer and reading project which we run Monday to Thursdays. If you would like to play soccer or help children with their homework please contact Toni (email available on your confirmation sheet). toni@backpackers.co.za Teach Maths, Science and English. Do an internship or volunteer. Soccer: Is there still magic in those old soccer boots? A group of special boys are keen to find out. These 9 to 15 year olds have the moves to be soccer stars, just not the gear. So, please bring your old soccer boots or even your old team gear!!! You might also have the opportunity to play soccer with these local teams and pass on some of your soccer skills! Knitting: We keep a basket of wool in our café ¡nd lounge and you can knit anything so long as it?s a square or something like a square and then we sew it up and give the blankets to sick babies. You can knit a row or a square or whatever you have time to do - we just pick it up from where its left off and someone will finish it! Or if you have some wool lying about your house or your grandmothers house, bring it along!!
