"

ONE OF THE WORLD'S 10 COOLEST HOSTELS

" guardian.co.uk 

What the Literatie say about us:

The Lonely Planet: Setting the gold standard for Cape Town's backpackersis The Backpack. Three spacious houses combined to create a relaxed hostel with something for everyone, be it a lively time at the Thursday night African drumming sessions or just chilling out in the chic rooms. Never one to rest on their laurels, the Backpack recently received Fair Trade in Tourism accreditation.

Rough Guides: An excellent lodge in four interconnected houses, on the cusp of the City Bowl suburbs and the city centre, and easily walkable to both. Well run an with excellent service, it's furnished with bold colours and ethnic fabrics, with plenty of outdoor space, including a pool terrace in its own garden. Accommodation is in dorms (sleeping 4-8) and private rooms (several of which are en suite); some rooms suitable for families. There's an on-site travel centre, a 24/7 Internet cafe and a bar open till late.

Haystack: Review by author Gemma Pitcher
Not too laid-back, not too loud: guests love the Backpack and it's easy to see why. It's kept its place in the hearts of Cape Town's backpackers by offering top-notch accommodation and friendly, clued-up service.
The central space of the Backpack is a very stylish bar/cafe, with a flagstone floor and a comforting open fire. It's here you'll meet the friendly staff who'll check you in, book your onward tickets and dispense a wealth of travel advice, on everything from the bars and clubs on your doorstep to remote bus stops several countries away. The big yard outside has pretty mosaic tables - these, and the mosaics around the good-sized pool round the back, were created using people from the local townships trained especially for the purpose and given a valuable skill in the process. The Backpack is very keen on helping the local community - guests here are asked to donate old clothes to help the primary school founded by the hostel. The accommodation is excellent, with pretty double rooms, clean and spacious dorms, a cosy lounge and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen.

Our most important critics - our GUESTS

On Hostelworld

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! Igor December 09

From Hostelbookers.com

Best Atmosphere Award for November 09 as rated by Hostelbookers.com customers for its outstanding ATMOSPHERE