Livingstone is not only home to posh, riverside resorts — it is also a paradise for budget travel, with backpacking in Zambia becoming increasingly popular. Livingstone offers a variety of backpacker lodges that cater to the more adventurous and thrill-seeking traveller. These backpackers are necessary for your next cost-effective, exciting, Livingstone adventure.
Jollyboys Backpackers
If you're in the mood for lively nights crowded with people by the bar, forging new connections and friendships, then one of the oldest and most popular backpacker spots may be just right for you. Jollyboys Backpackers has been a haven for travellers since 1996, constantly alive with the laughter and cheers of new and returning guests throughout the year.
Enjoy a wide range of activities right on the hostel grounds — whether you're starting your day with a peaceful read in the library or indulging in a rejuvenating treatment at the on-site spa after long days of exploring and adventure. You can even round off each evening with a traditional Zambian-style braai by the pool, dancing under the stars with fellow guests and newly made lifelong friends.
One of Jollyboys’ standout features is the Travel & Activities Desk, which keeps up-to-date with the latest local offerings and provides some of the best safari and adventure activity packages in Livingstone. Beyond the usual options, they also arrange unique experiences such as Zimbabwe day trips, free Livingstone town walks, and an African culture and cooking tour.
Accommodation at Jollyboys is varied and caters to solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of friends. Options include:
- Double, Twin, and 4-Bed Dorm En-Suite Rooms
- Standard Double and Twin Rooms
- 8-Bed Female-Only, Mixed, or Private Dormitories
- Open space for own-tent camping
Prices per night range from $50 to $160.
Fawlty Towers
Perhaps it’s been a long month or two of backpacking across Southern Africa, and it’s been a good week or more since you’ve had a proper shower and a hearty meal. There’s an ache in your back from nights spent in a tent, and your neck is sore from carrying the weight of your backpack. What you need now is a relaxing break from your travels — and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Fawlty Towers Lodge.
Tucked away in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by vibrant local greenery, this ‘oasis in the heart of Livingstone’ offers the perfect escape. Unwind by the pool after a soothing massage at the in-house spa, and treat yourself to their renowned freshly made, warm, complimentary pancakes.
Fawlty Towers also offers additional services including airport pick-ups (starting at $10 per group) and daily transfers to Victoria Falls — sometimes available for as little as $1 on selected days. They also offer an activity booking service, connecting guests with trusted providers for quad biking, gorge swinging, helicopter flights, safari drives, and sunset cruises.
Accommodation ranges widely to suit every type of traveller:
- Deluxe suites and garden twin rooms with en-suites
- Standard double and twin rooms with shared washrooms
- 3, 6, or 8-bed dormitories with shared washrooms
Prices range from $15 per bed in dormitories to $65–$95 per room.
Victoria Falls Backpackers
If you’ve already taken in the safari sights and are seeking a change of pace for your next backpacker stop — perhaps a location where you can explore the city instead — then the family-owned Victoria Falls Backpackers might be just the place for you. Conveniently located within walking distance of several major landmarks, you could spend your morning strolling around town, visiting the Livingstone Museum, and enjoying a leisurely afternoon on the greens of the Livingstone Golf Course.
With a friendly and knowledgeable team ready to share tips and local insights, you're sure to discover new adventures each day. Victoria Falls Backpackers also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, operating entirely on solar energy to reduce the negative impact of tourism. With a charming blend of rustic and modern interiors, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the town.
Whether you're in the mood to go on safari, enjoy a cruise, try horse riding, take a nature walk, or bungee jump — their front desk or website makes booking seamless.
Their on-site amenities include a shared kitchen, free luggage storage, complimentary airport pick-up and laundry services, as well as a poolside restaurant and bar.
Accommodation has recently been renovated and maintains a rustic-modern aesthetic:
- Double and Twin En-Suite Rooms
- Single rooms with shared washrooms
- 4-bed female-only, and mixed Dormitories
Prices range from $20 to $80 per night.
