The Hostelz.com Review
The Location
Hhluhluwe Backpackers (also known as Dave’s Place) is by far the closest hostel to Hhluhluwe Game Reserve, being at a rural location twelve kilometers west of Hhluhluwe city and a mere one-and-a-half kilometers from the Memorial Gate entrance to the reserve. It is most conveniently reached by private motor vehicle, although the backpackers’ Baz Bus sometimes stops there and the hostel offers a free shuttle from Hhluhluwe city. It is easy to spot the roadside sign, and drivers are asked to sound their horn if the gate is locked, which it usually is after dark. There is ample guest parking within the compound. The hostel organizes tours of the Game Reserve aimed at travelers who do not have their own vehicles.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The sleeping accommodation consists of a large simple, multi-bed, mixed-sex dorm building, which is not usually locked and does not contain any lockers, thus requiring guests to hand any valuables to management for safekeeping. In addition there are separate buildings containing double rooms and there is camping for guests with their own tents. There are ample shared mixed-sex toilets and showers, except that some of the showers are not in a good state of repair and tend to come apart while in use.
Common Spaces
There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen with gas stoves and a microwave oven in the main building, which also has a bar, dining room where guests can order meals, and other common areas, including an internet computer that operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. There is a dining area adjacent to the self-catering kitchen, which is exposed to the elements and is therefore not subject to smoking restrictions. There is also a large tub that serves as a swimming pool. There is no book exchange. It is a friendly, social hostel with a largely younger clientele, and there is sometimes live music available and parties are not uncommon.
Summary
The hostel is reasonably clean and tidy, moderately priced and handy for wildlife viewing.
Hhluhluwe Backpackers (also known as Dave’s Place) is by far the closest hostel to Hhluhluwe Game Reserve, being at a rural location twelve kilometers west of Hhluhluwe city and a mere one-and-a-half kilometers from the Memorial Gate entrance to the reserve. It is most conveniently reached by private motor vehicle, although the backpackers’ Baz Bus sometimes stops there and the hostel offers a free shuttle from Hhluhluwe city. It is easy to spot the roadside sign, and drivers are asked to sound their horn if the gate is locked, which it usually is after dark. There is ample guest parking within the compound. The hostel organizes tours of the Game Reserve aimed at travelers who do not have their own vehicles.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The sleeping accommodation consists of a large simple, multi-bed, mixed-sex dorm building, which is not usually locked and does not contain any lockers, thus requiring guests to hand any valuables to management for safekeeping. In addition there are separate buildings containing double rooms and there is camping for guests with their own tents. There are ample shared mixed-sex toilets and showers, except that some of the showers are not in a good state of repair and tend to come apart while in use.
Common Spaces
There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen with gas stoves and a microwave oven in the main building, which also has a bar, dining room where guests can order meals, and other common areas, including an internet computer that operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. There is a dining area adjacent to the self-catering kitchen, which is exposed to the elements and is therefore not subject to smoking restrictions. There is also a large tub that serves as a swimming pool. There is no book exchange. It is a friendly, social hostel with a largely younger clientele, and there is sometimes live music available and parties are not uncommon.
Summary
The hostel is reasonably clean and tidy, moderately priced and handy for wildlife viewing.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2010
Their Description
Hluhluwe Backpackers Details
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Hluhluwe Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Had wonderful time ... Brilliant 7 nights at Dave's backpackers, warm, friendly and lively. I booked a double room, fab view of garden and park. And how brill to be 5 mins from the Memorial gate of Hluhluwe iMfolosi game park! Gorgeous sitings of lion, ellie herds, and lots lots more. — Paulina , UK (2011-12-24) Stayed in the caravans.(Don't know if they are still there) Dave is very helpful, generous and goes out of his way to make sure his guests are catered for. We have been quite a few times and have always enjoyed our stay there. The outside ablution blocks are clean but in need of repair the last time we were there. We have even taken our grandkids there and they have enjoyed it and have asked to go back again. We have met some wonderful overseas visitors at Daves and are always recommending it to our friends. — The van Heerdens , S.A. Mtunzini Zululand (2011-03-07) Excellent host and atmosphere Clean facilities, comfortable accommodation, super generous and knowledgeable host (Dave). A place you feel welcome in, where you can relax and give yourself a kind break for a few days. Excellent location too for both safari and beach activities. Highly recommended. — Effy Fountas , UK (2010-12-25) Nice The vibe is nice and relaxed, the setting is great (perfect situation for visiting Hluhluwe-Imfolozi), the decoration is fun, and the dog is friendly. We didn't spend time in the bar but it looked cosy and some families were playing board games and everyone was happy. The kitchen facilities were good and they really try to recycle (a plus!). Futhi is a very friendly lady and helpful. I believe the place is only two years old and a lot has been done to fix it up. My only complaint is with regards to the bathrooms. The outside bathroom building for the campers had two toilets but one was out of order for most of the time we were there and the other had a broken plastic seat. The showers were basic and the one broke (and wasted a lot of water) during our stay. They tried to make the bathrooms look nice with colourful paint but better hooks to keep the doors closed are needed, for instance. The bathrooms inside the main house are better, but the showers' light was out and I had to use my torch (another girl had a problem with the light too), maybe they were not aware that it was blown. Again, the shower doors needs a better hook device, mine couldn't "lock" at all. I will recommend it however, it does the job and the staff is friendly and Dave is knowledgeable and passionate about the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi which is the main reason for visiting there. Campers -- the ground is nice and soft. Expect some wind -- a bit exposed on the hill side. — Wilma , South Africa (2007-08-10)