Written by Nomadic Nina| Last update: May 15, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
Tired of trying to find cheap places to stay in Johannesburg? This guide brings you the cheapest hostels in Johannesburg, with real prices and real savings. No fluff, no BS—just the tools you need to stretch your budget further. We’re Hostelz, the only site where you can compare all hostels in Johannesburg to see prices and availability from Hostelworld, Booking.com, and more—side by side.
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is known for its culture, unique sights and vast business opportunities. With a strategic location for both business and leisure travelers, Johannesburg is teeming with hotels, guesthouses and hostels, making it possible for visitors to explore the city without spending a fortune.
For those on a tight budget, the cheapest hostels in Johannesburg offer a great way to experience the city without breaking the bank. From quaint traditional-style hostels to modern, self-catering establishments, there are plenty of options to choose from, all providing great value for money.
Sorted by Price: The Cheapest Hostels in Johannesburg
Situated in the leafy, bohemian suburb of Melville, Johannesburg, Melville House is a 6.4 km drive away from Gold Reef City and 6.6 km from Apartheid Museum. It is close to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is only 24.1 km away.
Melville House offers a range of room types: from dormitories to private doubles with shared or ensuite bathrooms, to family rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms. All rooms are provided with linen and there are two communal kitchens which provide free tea and coffee. In addition, the property also has a swimming pool, a BBQ area and free Wi-Fi.
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Lebo's Soweto Backpackers offers a unique, personal experience of the township. It welcomes day and overnight guests to explore and interact with the local community. Day visitors may opt for any of the interactive tours – by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk – along with the home-prepared meals in the community park or around the fire.
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers caters to the budget travelers with camping, dorm, and private en-suite rooms, as well as meals cooked by the fire and self-guided tours. Those staying for longer periods can avail of the community volunteering and free bicycle hire services. Altogether, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers offers an opportunity to discover the hidden side of Soweto and get up close and personal with its inhabitants.
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Hotel Amor Rosebank is situated in the Rosebank district of Johannesburg. It is conveniently located within easy reach of Parkview Golf Club, Sandton City Mall, Gautrain Sandton Station, Johannesburg Stadium, Observatory Golf Club, Gold Reef City Casino, Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City, all of which are within close proximity.
Hotel Amor Rosebank provides a shared kitchen, lounge and currency exchange services. Breakfast is served daily and contains Italian, vegetarian and vegan options. An airport shuttle is available for those needing to get to O.R. Tambo International Airport, 26km away. This accommodation provides the perfect base for those wanting to explore the area’s attractions.
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Brown Sugar Backpackers is a comfortable and secure accommodation option that has been updated and improved since 2005. Boasting a variety of amenities and services including a sparkling pool, a communal kitchen, and an on-site bar.
Brown Sugar Backpackers originally housed a drug lord in the 70s, before backpackers moved in and made it their home in 1999. Offering both hot and packed breakfasts, their space also includes private rooms with wall heaters, electric blankets, international plugs, and wall safes. In the event of a power outage, the facility has a backup generator.
The hostel provides free Wifi access in common areas. They even help their guests obtain visas for visiting other countries! The hostel offers tasty pub lunches and dinners every day, catering for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Pescatarians. Conveniently located five minutes away from Eastgate Mall and a walk away from the Angola Embassy, Brown Sugar Backpackers is sure to provide a great home away from home.
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Glenanda Hostel offers a cozy hostel vibe with a lovely garden and reliable free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can kick back in the inviting lounge area or whip up their favorite meals in the shared kitchen, making it a great spot for socializing or relaxing after a day out. Each room is designed for comfort, boasting a private bathroom, a dedicated workspace, and soundproofing that ensures restful nights.
Some rooms also include handy extras like a dining table, microwave, electric kettle, and ample wardrobe space. Glenanda Hostel is ideal for travelers wanting easy access to Johannesburg’s top attractions like Gold Reef City Casino, the Apartheid Museum, and Johannesburg Stadium, putting excitement and culture just a short ride away. Glenanda Hotel balances comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for those wanting a hassle-free stay.
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Rosebank Boarding House is conveniently located in the prestigious district of Rosebank, Johannesburg, only a kilometre away from the Rosebank Mall and 1.7 km away from Hyde Park Shopping Centre.
Adorned with free WiFi, Rosebank Boarding House offers both private and shared bathrooms and provides the necessary bed linens. A 24-hour front desk and shuttle service are among the featured facilities of the hostel. Additionally, guests may take advantage of the available shared kitchen, lounge and terrace with outdoor furniture.
The Wanders Golf Club and Melrose Arch are located at a distance of 2.4 km and 5.2 km from the hostel respectively and the closest airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport, is 36 km away from Rosebank Boarding House.
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Rosebank Boarding House
7 Explorer Backpackers
Quick Overview:
Rating: 9.3
7.18 km to city center
Breakfast not included
Prices
Dorm from $9.14 per night
Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, Explorer Backpackers is a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking both savings and adventure. With its strategic location, this hostel offers easy access to the city's cultural scene, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks. The dormitory-style accommodations are designed to provide comfort without breaking the bank.
What sets Explorer Backpackers apart is its commitment to fostering a great community of like-minded explorers. The hostel's communal spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interactions and cultural exchange. Whether you're swapping travel stories around the cozy fire pit or sharing tips in the communal kitchen, you're sure to forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
This budget-friendly hostel doesn't compromise on amenities either. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, and travel assistance are just a few of the perks that make your stay hassle-free. If you're looking to stretch your travel budget while immersing yourself in the local culture, Explorer Backpackers is your go-to choice in Johannesburg.
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Bdn Backpackers offers a budget-friendly haven in Johannesburg with easy access to top spots! Nestled just 4.5 miles from Modderfontein Golf Club, this hostel features a garden, comfy non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. Chill out in the shared lounge or enjoy some quiet time on your room's private terrace.
With Gautrain Sandton Station, Sandton City Mall, and Observatory Golf Club nearby, you'll have plenty to explore. Need more? Parkview Golf Club and Gallagher Convention Centre are within easy reach. Each room comes with a desk and an electric kettle—perfect for those early morning brews.
Kempton Park Golf Club and Johannesburg Stadium are just a short drive away. O.R. Tambo International Airport is 11 miles from Bdn Backpackers, with a quick and affordable airport shuttle option!
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Bdn Backpackers
9 Maisonone
Quick Overview:
Rating: 0.0
12.54 km to city center
Breakfast not included
Prices
Dorm from $9.00 per night
Maisonone offers a unique stay with its capsule-style rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property and complimentary private parking, making it an easy choice for those arriving by car. Maisonone caters to families, providing spacious family rooms alongside standard options.
Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a desk for work or study, and a flat-screen TV to unwind with. Some rooms even feature a balcony, adding a bit of fresh air to the stay. Private bathrooms ensure privacy, and safety deposit boxes are available for peace of mind.
Beyond the rooms, Maisonone offers guests fun and relaxation with its own water park—a perfect spot to cool off. Plus, with room service on hand, convenience is never far away, making this spot a great option for travelers looking to balance comfort and a bit of adventure.
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Maisonone
Map for 9 Cheapest Hostels in Johannesburg
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Johannesburg. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Let's talk about hostel prices in Johannesburg. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Johannesburg
Average Private Room Price per Month in Johannesburg
When to book a hostel in Johannesburg?
Let us have a closer look on some statistics and graphics.
The cheapest months to travel to Johannesburg is January. Hostels in Johannesburg cost $16 in January.
The most expensive month is June with $18.
Total number of hostels in Johannesburg: 9
Total number of Party Hostels in Johannesburg: 7
Total number of hostels in Johannesburg with a +8.5 top-rating: 5
Most hostels are located in the neighborhoods of Parktown North, Observatory Extension.
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.
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