Mufasa Backpackers

The Location

Mufasa Backpackers is located in suburban area of Benoni in Johannesburg, about a twenty-minute drive from OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport. The hostel is very secure in a fenced area with security gates. The location is safe during the day but taxis must be used at night as the hostel location is far away from any place of interest. There is a small supermarket nearby where guests can purchase food.

One free pick-up to the hostel between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is available but the transfer back to the airport must be paid. The hostel is a Bazbus backpacker bus stop. The ticket can be purchased here and the staff can also arrange other things to do around Johannesburg but there is no dedicated tour information area in the hostel.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The bedrooms are set around the hostel garden in small buildings. There are single rooms, double rooms, and dorm rooms available. The rooms are not cramped and the hostel provides clean bed linen. Most but not all the rooms have shared bathrooms so the bathroom may be in the next block. Hot water is always available. The bathrooms are kept quite clean. Valuables can be stored in reception as there are no security lockers in the rooms.

Common Spaces

There is a small outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. In the main building, there is a common area with some couches where travelers can relax and watch DSTV. There is a games area with a full-size pool table and the bar. The kitchen is large and has everything guests who prepare their own meals need. Meals can also be prepared for an extra charge. There is one PC with slow internet access. Thirty minutes' free internet is available but it is expensive after that. There is also a book exchange. There is ample car parking space available.

Summary

This is an ok hostel to stay at, although it was very quiet in June when we visited. The staff are helpful but do not seem to show much interest in their guests. Most people are only here to spend a couple of nights before their tour or their return flight leaves. One last thing that must be pointed out is that a member of staff infomed me for no real reason that earlier in the day, a rat had crept out from the fireplace into the common room! But hey, this is Africa!