The Hostelz.com Review
Funky Monkeys Hostel is regarded by many as the best in Nelspruit city.
The Location
Funky Monkeys Backpackers is located at 102 Van Wijk Street, approximately two kilometers south of the center of Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga Province. It's approximately fifty kilometers from the nearest entrance to the internationally renowned Kruger National Park, generally regarded as the main attraction of the area. It is easy to find by private vehicle, especially with the aid of a Nelspruit street map, which is obtainable free from tourist information centers throughout Mpumalanga Province. There is ample secure parking within the hostel grounds, a gated compound. Guests are issued with a remote control device to open and close the main gate.
The backpackers’ Baz bus stops at the hostel, and there is a variety of connections between Nelspruit and other locations in South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland via train, long-distance bus, and shared minibus taxi, all of which stop in Nelspruit city center. Guests with heavy luggage but without their own transportation can try the local bus service or take a taxi to the hostel. There are also safaris of varying duration to Kruger National Park organized by the hostel, which has its own tented camp within the park.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are several multi-bed, mixed-sex dorms -- all of them with with room locks and (exceptionally for South Africa) lockers -- private double rooms with shared bathrooms, and camping on the lawn for travelers with their own tents. There are ample mixed-sex bathrooms. There is space to change in the shower areas, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
The self-catering kitchen is reasonably well equipped, except that it does not have a microwave oven. There is a dining area nearby, also used by guests who have ordered hostel meals and where the free simple breakfasts are served, and a lounge with comfortable seating, a television, a book exchange, and an ATM, which sometimes runs out of cash. Smoking is prohibited in all of these enclosed areas, but it can be difficult for nonsmokers to avoid cigarette smoke in the large expanse of other seating areas, which are either in the open air or merely roofed over -- especially in the area next to the well-stocked, inexpensive bar, which doubles as a reception area.
There is also a games area with pool table, a “braai” (barbecue) area, and a swimming pool. All of these areas are clean, well maintained, and pleasant. The guests are friendly and mainly young. The hostel has a reputation for parties.
Summary
Funky Monkeys Backpackers is justly popular as a jumping-off point for Kruger National Park and other attractions of Mpumalanga Province such as the Drakensberg escarpment. The rates are moderate, the staff are friendly and helpful, and their Kruger Park tours provide a convenient and well-subscribed service.
The Location
Funky Monkeys Backpackers is located at 102 Van Wijk Street, approximately two kilometers south of the center of Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga Province. It's approximately fifty kilometers from the nearest entrance to the internationally renowned Kruger National Park, generally regarded as the main attraction of the area. It is easy to find by private vehicle, especially with the aid of a Nelspruit street map, which is obtainable free from tourist information centers throughout Mpumalanga Province. There is ample secure parking within the hostel grounds, a gated compound. Guests are issued with a remote control device to open and close the main gate.
The backpackers’ Baz bus stops at the hostel, and there is a variety of connections between Nelspruit and other locations in South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland via train, long-distance bus, and shared minibus taxi, all of which stop in Nelspruit city center. Guests with heavy luggage but without their own transportation can try the local bus service or take a taxi to the hostel. There are also safaris of varying duration to Kruger National Park organized by the hostel, which has its own tented camp within the park.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are several multi-bed, mixed-sex dorms -- all of them with with room locks and (exceptionally for South Africa) lockers -- private double rooms with shared bathrooms, and camping on the lawn for travelers with their own tents. There are ample mixed-sex bathrooms. There is space to change in the shower areas, and there are hooks for clothes and soap dishes.
Common Spaces
The self-catering kitchen is reasonably well equipped, except that it does not have a microwave oven. There is a dining area nearby, also used by guests who have ordered hostel meals and where the free simple breakfasts are served, and a lounge with comfortable seating, a television, a book exchange, and an ATM, which sometimes runs out of cash. Smoking is prohibited in all of these enclosed areas, but it can be difficult for nonsmokers to avoid cigarette smoke in the large expanse of other seating areas, which are either in the open air or merely roofed over -- especially in the area next to the well-stocked, inexpensive bar, which doubles as a reception area.
There is also a games area with pool table, a “braai” (barbecue) area, and a swimming pool. All of these areas are clean, well maintained, and pleasant. The guests are friendly and mainly young. The hostel has a reputation for parties.
Summary
Funky Monkeys Backpackers is justly popular as a jumping-off point for Kruger National Park and other attractions of Mpumalanga Province such as the Drakensberg escarpment. The rates are moderate, the staff are friendly and helpful, and their Kruger Park tours provide a convenient and well-subscribed service.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2010
Their Description
Funky Monkeys Hostel Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
We stayed only one night in this excellent hostel but it's very friendly, comfortable and the lasagna is delicious!! — Tsany, Pico, and Bico from Uruguay (2004-05-20)