The Backpack

About The Backpack

We are South Africa's original backpacker, established in 1990. We are an award winning, Fair Trade hostel that invests in people and communities, giving meaningful and relaxed, travel experiences.

The Backpack is perfectly situated in the heart of Cape Town. We are within walking distance of many bars, restaurants and popular attractions like Green Market Square, Company's Gardens and the Bo-Kaap. We're a 5 minute taxi or bus ride from V&A Waterfront, and 10 minutes from the Table Mountain Cable Car Station.

We accommodate 100 people in 16 room types – 8 bed, 4 bed, 3 bed and 2 bed mixed dorms, single rooms, twin and double rooms with shared or private bathrooms, family rooms and even a self-catering loft apartment! All of our rooms boast a fresh and funky style, which you can expect from a trendy city hostel. Children can only be accommodated in a private room or in the Family Room and must be accompanied by an adult.

We have a community craft shop and also travel desk at the reception so that you can experience Cape Town to the fullest! We offer a free continental breakfast every morning and our café/bar stays open until late every night, including some evening hostel activities. Free WiFi is available throughout the hostel. There is also a self-catering kitchen, swimming pool and garden, pool table, gift shop, luggage storage, laundry service, ATM and vending machine.

We buy biodegradable cleaning products, LED lights, have recycling bins for glass, tins, plastic and batteries, and solar panels to provide hot water plus 3500kWs of electricity. We choose to make a difference and so can you by joining us for a day at our community project; gardening or tutoring children.