Welcome to Travelstart. Get off your accommodation booking by paying with the voucher code before .

About Green Elephant Backpackers

Tucked away in the heart of Observatory, one of Cape Town’s quirkiest and bohemian-styled neighbourhoods, Green Elephant Backpackers is the perfect home base for discovering the city. Observatory is a vibrant mix of students, creatives, and locals, filled with character and colour. You will find vintage thrift stores, vinyl record shops, laid-back cafés, 420-friendly hangouts, and buzzing bars all just a short walk away.

Why Stay With Us
Your home in Cape Town — stay for a night, a week, or a month.

Flexible Stays — Whether it’s a night, a week, or a month, we fit your plans.

Loved by Travellers — Students, interns, digital nomads, and backpackers choose us for the vibe, comfort, and Cape Town adventures.

Close to It All — Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Clifton beaches, and Observatory cafés are just minutes away. The airport is only 20 minutes down the road.

More Than a Hostel — Cook together in the kitchen, join a braai in the garden, or relax with new friends late into the night. This is where strangers become family.

Safe and Secure — Digital access in all dorms plus a community that looks out for each other.

The Green Elephant Promise — Safe, clean, affordable, and set in one of Cape Town’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

We are not a party hostel, but we embrace good energy, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, a student group, or simply passing through, you will discover a space that feels like home.

  • Minimum stay: 1 Days
  • Type: Backpacker
  • Sleeps: 9
  • Check-in: 14:00
    Check-out: 11:00
  • Reviews: 7 Reviews

Facilities

  • Airport Shuttle
  • Laundry Facilities*
  • Garden
  • Braai/Barbecue
  • Swimming Pool
  • Satellite TV*
  • Wi-Fi
  • Credit Card Facilities
  • Parking on Premises
  • 24H. Reception
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Central location
  • Double/Twin rooms
  • House Keeping
  • Non smoking rooms
  • Shuttle service
  • Kids Stay Free
  • Load shedding Backup
  • see more

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Xhosa (isiXhosa)
  • Afrikaans
* Please enquire for further details.

Availability and pricing

Please enter dates to receive pricing
  • Budget Double with En-Suite Sleeps 2 Includes: Self-catering Features:  Double beds, En-suite
    • Adults
      • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room Sleeps 6 Includes: Self-catering Features:  Shared bathroom, Bunk beds, Wi-Fi, No Smoking in Rooms
        • Adults
          • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Sleeps 1 Includes: Self-catering Features:  Bunk beds, Wi-Fi, No Smoking in Rooms
            • Adults

              Reviews for Green Elephant Backpackers

              7 guest reviews Reviews of

              4.5 out of 5 stars
              5 star
              3
              4 star
              3
              3 star
              1
              2 star
              0
              1 star
              0
              Abdul Steyn, South Africa
              13 October 2015

              As a frequent traveller and Travel and Tourism educator I would like to compliment this establishment for running such a clean and friendly backpackers. A well deserving three stars(but I would give it five:) I enjoyed the facilities as well as amenities available. The friendly staff just adds to the awesome experience.  I travelled alone from Johannesburg yet it never felt like I was alone.I would like to personally thank Edwina for her professional way of receiving me on my arrival, and arranging some activities and transport for me, also for the way she treats all her guests with honour...
              see more

              Paulette
              08 June 2015

              Friendly staff clean and comfortable.

              ituen oluwakemi, South Africa
              02 February 2014

              Prompt with delivery of services. Very friendily staff. The facility getting small for the no of guest that they receive there need for structural expansion.

              Karabo Likhethe, South Africa
              07 October 2012

              Had a great stay hey, amazing people and amazing service. From the first encounter they made us feel at home, a 1000 thanks to all the Green Elephant people!

              Gustav Krös, South Africa
              27 March 2008

              My stay at Green Elephant was great. I have stayed in a few backpackers before and Green Elephant is definitely up there with the best.Thanks guys, keep up the good work!

              Show More Reviews

              Green Elephant Backpackers Map

              Click to interact with the map
              Click to display the map
              Green Elephant Backpackers is 0.5km from the centre of Observatory , the nearest airport 15.2km (Cape Town International Airport).
              *Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
              WEB1

              Register



              Send me your awesome newsletter?
              Already have an account? Login here

              Green Elephant Backpackers,Backpacker,Newlands Rugby,University of cape Town,Hartleyvale Hockey Ground,Newlands Cricket,Table Mountain,Robben Island,Cape Point,Observatory, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Western Cape, Beach Escapes, Cape to Karoo Road Trip, South Africa, SADC, Africa, World

              Guest Houses: Your Home Away from Home

              SafariNow specialises in Accommodation Solutions. We offer a wide range of services...

              A member of the Travelstart Group