Hoscars 2018: The best hostels in Southern & East Africa!

Hostelworld.com, the world's leading hostel-focused online booking platform, has announced the winners of the 2018 HOSCARS (Hostelworld.com Customer Annual Ratings). Now in their 16th year, the HOSCARS are known to be the world's most prestigious hostel awards, recognizing the top hostels around the globe as voted for by the Hostelworld.com users. Congrats!

Hoscars 2018 - Best Hostels by Continent - Africa
[The top three hostels in Africa, based on your reviews in 2017]

1. The B.I.G, Cape Town, South Africa
2. 91 Loop, Cape Town, South Africa
3. Atlantic Point Backpackers, Cape Town, South Africa

Hoscars 2018 - Best Hostels by Country
[The top hostel in countries in Southern & East Africa, based on your reviews in 2017]

• Kenya
  Diani Backpackers, Diani
• Namibia
  Skeleton Beach Backpackers, Swakopmund
• Madagascar
  Madagascar Underground, Antananarivo
• Rwanda
  Yambi Hostel, Kigali
• South Africa
  The B.I.G, Cape Town
• Swaziland
  Sondzela Backpackers, Malkerns
• Tanzania
  New Teddy's Place, Zanzibar
• Zambia
  Jollyboys Backpackers, Livingstone
• Zimbabwe
  Victoria Falls Backpackers, Victoria Falls

Hoscars 2017: The best hostels in Southern & East Africa!

Hostelworld.com, the world's leading hostel-focused online booking platform, has announced the winners of the 2017 HOSCARS (Hostelworld.com Customer Annual Ratings). Now in their 15th year, the HOSCARS are known to be the world's most prestigious hostel awards, recognizing the top hostels around the globe as voted for by the Hostelworld.com users. Congrats!

Hoscars 2017 - Best Hostels by Continent - Africa
[The top three hostels in Africa, based on your reviews in 2016.]

1. The B.I.G, Cape Town, South Africa
2. The Lunar Surf House, Agadir, Morocco
3. Atlantic Point Backpackers, Cape Town, South Africa

Hoscars 2017 - Best Hostels by Country 
[The top hostel in countries in Southern & East Africa, based on your reviews in 2016]

Kenya

• Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers, Kilifi, Kenya

Madagascar

• Madagascar Underground, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Namibia

• Skeleton Beach Backpackers, Swakopmund, Namibia

Rwanda

• Yambi Hostel, Kigali, Rwanda

South Africa

• The B.I.G, Cape Town, South Africa

Tanzania

• Drifters Backpackers, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zambia

• Jollyboys Backpackers, Livingstone, Zambia

Hoscars 2016: The best hostels in Southern & East Africa!

Hostelworld.com, the world's leading hostel-focused online booking platform, has announced the winners of the 2016 HOSCARS (Hostelworld.com Customer Annual Ratings). Now in their 14th year, the HOSCARS are known to be the world's most prestigious hostel awards, recognizing the top hostels around the globe as voted for by the Hostelworld.com users. Congrats!

Best Hostels in Africa - The top three hostels in Africa who received the highest ratings on Hostelworld.com in 2015:

1. The B.I.G in Cape Town, South Africa - 98% rating
2. Amber Tree Lodge Backpackers in Cape Town, South Africa - 96% rating
3. Atlantic Point Backpackers in Cape Town, South Africa - 94% rating

Best Hostel by country - The top hostel in each country in Southern & East Africa who received the highest ratings on Hostelworld.com in 2015:

Kenya

• South Coast Backpackers in Diani - 87% rating

Madagascar

• Madagascar Underground in Antananarivo  - 97% rating

Namibia

• Skeleton Beach Backpackers in Swakopmund - 91% rating

Rwanda

• Mamba Rwanda Club House in Kigali - 78% rating

South Africa

• The B.I.G in Cape Town - 98% rating

Swaziland

• Sondzela Backpackers in Malkerns - 84% rating

Tanzania

• Rafiki Backpackers in Moshi - 94% rating

Zambia

• Livingstone Backpackers in Livingstone - 90% rating

Zimbabwe

• It's a Small World Backpackers Lodge Avondale in Harare - 85% rating

Hoscars 2014: The best hostels in Southern & East Africa!

Hostelworld, one of the largest hostel booking platforms worldwide, has named the world's best hostels in 2014. Now in their 12th year, the Hoscars (Hostelworld Customer Annual Ratings) are known to be the world’s most prestigious hostel awards, recognizing the top hostels around the globe as voted for by the Hostelworld users. Congrats!

Southern & East Africa's top hostels 2014 are:

Africa - Continent Winner

• The Backpack in Cape Town, South Africa

Kenya - Country Winner

• Backpackers Nirvana in Mombasa

Malawi - Country Winner

• Pakachere Backpackers & Creative Centre in Zomba

Mozambique - Country Winner

• Marimba Secret Gardens, Vilanculos

Namibia - Country Winner

• Skeleton Beach Backpackers in Swakopmund

Rwanda - Country Winner

• Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel in Kigali

South Africa - Country Winner

• The Backpack in Cape Town

Swaziland - Country Winner

• Lidwala Backpacker Lodge in Lobamba

Tanzania - Country Winner

• New Teddy's Place in Zanzibar

Uganda - Country Winner

• Nalubale Tea House & Accommodation in Jinja

Zambia - Country Winner

• Jollyboys Backpackers in Livingstone

Zimbabwe - Country Winner

• Victoria Falls Backpackers in Victoria Falls

Hostelworld's latest signup in Tanzania - BaseCamp Tanzania in Arusha

Hostel booking service Hostelworld has a new signup in Tanzania - BaseCamp Tanzania in Arusha. This area is a popular stop-off for travellers as it is situated close to Kilimanjaro as well as nearby to some of Tanzania’a most famous national parks.

View BaseCamp Tanzania, Arusha in a larger map

BaseCamp Tanzania is the ideal place to stay whether you are travelling solo or with a group. It’s close to local banks and cafes, as well as some markets. In the hostel you will find some cosy beds as well as a really cool common room on a balcony with some spectacular views. Enjoy your stay  at BaseCamp Tanzania in Arusha.

online accommodation booking on TravelComments.com >>

Hostelworld: Get $5 OFF your next booking

Make any booking via Hostelworld.com from 9.00am GMT 14 February 2011 to 9.00am GMT 18 Feb 2011 and you will be rewarded with $5 OFF your next booking.
Offer available for a limited time only so get booking now!

Promotion is subject to availability and Terms and Conditions. Credit received is valid for 30 days from the date of initial booking

Book a hostel via Hostelworld by 9am GMT on Oct 28th & get 60 minutes free credit from Skype

Skype & Hostelworld are running a great promotion - book a hostel via Hostelworld by 9am GMT on Oct 28th 2010 & get 60 minutes free credit from Skype. With it you can call people on mobiles & landlines worldwide using your Skype credit at really low rates! The promotion is open from 09.00am GMT on 18th October 2010 until 09.00am GMT on 28th October 2010.
Upon making a booking via Hostelworld the Participant will be notified on the confirmation screen and confirmation email that they have received “up to 60 Minutes Free Credit” from Skype. They will also be notified that they will receive a separate email from Hostelworld.com within 72 hours with their “up to 60 Minutes Free Credit” voucher code from Skype and details of how to redeem the free credit from Skype.
Great offer! Pls don't forget to read the T&Cs of the promotion!

book a hostel via Hostelworld >>

Hostelworld got its first hostel signup from Rwanda!

Hostelworld got its first signup from a hostel/backpackers in Rwanda. The Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel is located in the country’s capital city, Kigali. It is just off the Boulevard de L’umuganda in the Kacyiru area of the city. The hostel boasts internet access, a comfy common room, an outdoor barbeque area and plenty more. Breakfast is included in the price.


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The Kacyiru area is populated by many of the Rwandan Government's Ministries, different hotels, banks, restaurants, clubs and is a quiet and secure area. The property has a large garden with views overlooking the green hills of Rwanda at the end of the golf course and views of the city. Kacyiru is also home to many of the high commissions and embassies in Rwanda.
The hostel has excellent transport links by foot, bus, car or motorbike. The property is a short ride away from the centre of town via different forms of public transport. Public transport to anywhere in the city is easily sourced at any time and is cheap. Information about transport in Kigali and around the country is available at the hostel.

Tours in Rwanda and surrounding countries >>

Hostelworld offers reservation guarantee

Hostelworld.com, one of the leading online hostel booking plattforms announced the launch of its so-called Service Guarantee. The Service Guarantee is simple - in the unlikely event that after making a secure online reservation through the hostelworld.com booking system, a customer arrives at the property and the property cannot locate a reservation, then Hostelworld.com will not only credit the customer's account with the deposit but will add an additional $20 credit toward future accommodation bookings on Hostelworld.com.

Hostelworld: How to save money in Cape Town

View How to safe money in Cape Town in a larger map

Cape Town city guide >>
The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre >>

 budget accommodation in Cape Town >>

tours & activities in Cape Town >>

What to do in Durban - a video postcard from hostelworld!

View Durban city postcard in a larger map

Durban city guide >>

Durban tours & attractions (incl. Hluhluwe Imfolozi GR) >>

accommodation in Durban >>

new hostelworld podcast: Port Elizabeth - At Schotia Safaris and Addo Elephant Park

Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Rebecca Keenan speaks with Malcolm Bean, a ranger at Schotia Safaris. Listen to find out more about the Addo Elephants, the Schotia lions, and a pair of rhinos called Bonnie and Clyde, plus lots more.
Both Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Safaris are situated less than an hours drive from Port Elizabet. Both game reserves - Addo is owned by SANParks and Schotia is privately owned - became super popular with local and international tourist over the recent years.

Previous podcasts:

• Wine Capital of South Africa
• Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
• Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
• Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
• Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
• Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden 
• Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks 
• Cape Town - Ask the locals
• Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum
• Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
• Hermanus - Whale watching capital of South Africa

 Addo Elephant National Park Tour >>

accommodaton close to Addo Elephant NP >>

Port Elizabeth accommodation >>

new hostelworld podcast: Hermanus - Whale watching capital of South Africa

Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty is visiting Hermanus. Hermanus, roughly two hours from Cape Town, is known to be one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. Colm therefore speaks to Storm Kreusch of Hermanus Tourism to find out what types of whales you can see there, when is the best time to see them and more.

Previous podcasts:

• Wine Capital of South Africa
• Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
• Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
• Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
• Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
• Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden 
• Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks 
• Cape Town - Ask the locals
• Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum
• Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

accommodation in Hermanus >>

Hermanus Day Trip with Seasonal Whale Watching >>

Whale Watching in South Africa >>

What to do in Plettenberg Bay - a video postcard from Hostelworld

View Plettenberg Bay video postcard in a larger map

accommodation in Plettenberg Bay >>

Garden Route tours & activities >>

What to do in Port Elizabeth - a video postcard from hostelworld!

View Port Elizabeth postcard in a larger map

accommodation in Port Elizabeth >>

Addo Elephant NP & Port Elizabeth day tours >>
Hostelworld podcast "Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route" >>

new hostelworld podcast: Durban - Gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Charl Koen of Extreme Nature Tours to find out about the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, what you can expect to see and much more.

Previous podcasts:

• Wine Capital of South Africa
• Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
• Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
• Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
• Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
• Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden 
• Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks 
• Cape Town - Ask the locals
• Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum

Durban city guide >>

tours & activities in & around Durban (incl. Hluhluwe!) >>

accommodation in Durban >>

Hostelworld tours in Durban >>

podcast from & about (Southern) Africa >>

new Hostelworld podcast: Johannesburg - At the Apartheid Museum

Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Wayde Davey of the Apartheid Museum about the history of Apartheid in the country and the museum itself.

Previous podcasts:

• Wine Capital of South Africa
• Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
• Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
• Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
• Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
• Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden 
• Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks 
• Cape Town - Ask the locals

Johannesburg city guide >>

Johannesburg day tours (incl. Apartheid Museum) >>

accommodation in Johannesburg >>
podcast from & about (Southern) Africa >>

Hostelbookers: new travel competition!

A recent study by Reed Business Insight has revealed that HostelBookers is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than Hostelworld, and to celebrate, Hostelbookers is giving away some fantastic prizes.
A total of 9 people will win one of their  great prizes; with 3 winners being announced every week between 26th May and 9th June.
The top prize? HostelBookers has partnered with Travelex.co.uk to offer 3 lucky travelers the chance to win a Cash Passport pre-loaded with £1,000 waiting for you to spend.

1st Prize: Travelex Cash Passport pre-loaded with £1,000 (or equivalent value in the currency of your choice.)
2nd Prize: Panasonic Lumix TZ8
3rd Prize: 32gb iPod touch

Click here to join the new Hostelbooker travel competition!

The competition will run from 00:01 GMT 19th May 2010 and will close at 00:00 GMT 8th June 2010.

Hostelworld: Win 5 nights in Cape Town and 5 nights in Johannesburg

Hostelworld.com, together with The Backpack in Cape Town and Johannesburg Backpackers in Johannesburg, is giving away 5 nights accommodation in each Cape Town and Johannesburg to one lucky winner and a friend!



Watch the video and answer the following questions:
1. How many people are working at the reception desk in The Backpack?
2. How many people are in the swimming pool in Johannesburg Backpackers?

Than simply go to Hostelworld.com and type in your answers. How easy is that?
The competition is open from Tuesday 11th May 2010 to Sunday 13th June 2010 inclusive and the winner will be chosen randomly on Monday 14th June 2010.

online accommodation booking on TravelComments.com >>

Cape Town city guide >>

Johannesburg city guide >>

online flight booking >>

new Hostelworld podcast: Cape Town - Ask the locals

Hostelworld is currently releasing a series of podcasts about South Africa. In the latest episode Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty took to the streets of Cape Town asking Capetonians about their favourite bars, restaurants and neighbourhoods.

Previous podcasts:

• Wine Capital of South Africa
• Johannesburg - Gateway to Kruger National Park
• Pretoria - At the Union Buildings
• Port Elizabeth - Highlights of the Garden Route
• Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise
• Plettenberg Bay - At Monkeyland and Birds of Eden 
• Mossel Bay - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

Cape Town city guide >>
Cape Town day tours >>
accommodation in Cape Town & surroundings >>
podcasts from & about (Southern Africa) >>