Luxury backpacker lodges

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Luxurious accommodation at The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre

© The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre

Gone are the days of hard dorm beds, torrid toilets and grimy utensils. Some of today's backpacker accommodation is more like what you would find in a hotel.

Four- and 5-star backpacker lodges in South Africa have all the amenities you’d expect from upmarket establishments.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has set specific minimum standards that 4- and 5-star backpacker lodges and hostels need to meet to qualify for star grading. These are as follows...

In 5-star backpacker lodges you can expect beds in private rooms to have 2 pillows, mattress protectors, a bedside table and a reading lamp. Dormitory rooms will be more spacious with fewer beds. Irons, washing machines, tumble dryers or a laundry service should be provided for communal use.

In 4- and 5-star lodges expect wardrobes or hanging space, and towels and soap in private rooms. In communal facilities, a bath, shower, toilet and washbasin should be provided for every 8 guests. There should be an adequate supply of hot water, showers with solid glass doors, and adequate vanity space for toiletries. 

Communal kitchens should have a freezer, toaster, microwave oven and a range of herbs and spices.

Two popular 5-star backpacker lodges in South Africa are the multi-award winning The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre in Cape Town, and Nothando Backpackers Lodge in Plettenberg Bay. 

The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre offers a range of luxury accommodation options from en suite twin and double rooms, and en suite family rooms, to luxury dormitories and single rooms. 

You'll find a café, swimming pool, travel centre, Internet access, luggage storage, coin operated washing machines and a laundry service. At the travel centre you can book car hire, day trips, tours, activities and overland safaris.

Nothando Backpackers Lodge caters for travellers seeking luxury double rooms, twin rooms or dorms. Crisp white linen, warm blankets, hairdryers, reading lights, high speed Internet access and a lock up service for valuables are some of the amenities.