Written by Undercover Phoenician| Last update: Sep 1, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
Finally, a guide that shares the most fun and best youth hostels in Johannesburg — no fluff, just real recommendations. Perfect for students, young backpackers, and solo adventurers looking to meet new friends, make lifelong memories, and save money.
We are Hostelz — the only place where you can compare all youth hostels in Johannesburg to see every price and full availability from Booking.com, Hostelworld, and more. Your adventure starts here!
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
Always keep exploring: Find exactly what you're looking for by jumping to your preferred sections.
Tucked within Johannesburg, where skyscrapers brush the horizon and the pulse of Africa throbs in the streets, lies a hostel scene as eclectic as the city itself. This guide to the best youth hostels in Johannesburg peels back the urban exterior to reveal the soulful rhythm of the 'City of Gold'.
Short and crisp: Hostels in Johannesburg
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers - best for Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Based on our data, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of South Africa's history becomes a breeze at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. This best youth hostel in Johannesburg isn't just about a place to crash; it's a deep dive into the local culture. With its unique township location, guests at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers get to experience Soweto's rich heritage up close, from the Hector Pieterson Museum to the Nelson Mandela House, both easily accessible and profoundly impactful.
The hostel itself boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for backpackers keen to mingle and share tales of adventure. The communal areas, including a fire pit and outdoor seating, are the heart and soul of Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, where friendships are forged under the African sky. Plus, their guided tours are a hit, offering insights you'd miss if traveling solo.
Sustainability and community engagement are at the forefront of Lebo's Soweto Backpackers's mission, offering guests more than just a stay but a chance to contribute positively to the area. From bicycle tours to community walks, your stay here is guaranteed to be memorable, meaningful, and filled with authentic Soweto spirit.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
Extra Services
Bike Rental
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Pool Table
Laundry
Videogames
Evening Entertainment
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers.
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Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
2 Explorer Backpackers
Rating: 9.3
Dorm: from $18.28/night
Private Room: from $42.64/night
Based on our data, Explorer Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Nestled in the bustling metropolis, Explorer Backpackers stands out as a beacon for young, adventurous souls seeking the ultimate Johannesburg experience. This hostel not only offers a cozy bed but serves as a launchpad to the city's endless attractions. From the nearby Apartheid Museum to the exhilarating Gold Reef City, adventure is just a stone's throw away.
What sets Explorer Backpackers apart is its vibrant, youth-focused vibe. The common areas buzz with energy, making it easy to meet fellow travelers from around the globe. Whether you're plotting your next day's journey over a communal breakfast or sharing stories in the lounge, the environment is electric.
Safety and convenience are top priorities at Explorer Backpackers, with secure dorms and private rooms. Their helpful staff are always on hand to give tips on exploring Jo'burg, ensuring that every backpacker leaves with their thirst for adventure quenched and their hearts full of South African warmth.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Explorer Backpackers
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Nightclub
Table Tennis
Laundry
Evening Entertainment
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Explorer Backpackers.
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Explorer Backpackers
3 Glenanda Hostel
Rating: 8.1
Dorm: from $18.65/night
Private Room: from $26.19/night
Based on our data, Glenanda Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
GLENANDA HOTEL together with "CAPCA,"a passionate nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and child abuse. Our doors are open to youth and travelers from all walks of life, offering affordable accommodations with a purpose. Want to know more? Reach out to our management team. Plus, don’t miss our exciting tours of iconic local spots like Mandela House, FNB Stadium, and so much more! Together, we can make a lasting impact. Glenanda Hotel Policy and Conditions:
Cancellation policy: Anytime before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay. Check in from 11:00 to 17:00 . Check out from 09:00 to 11:00 . Payment upon arrival by cash, credit, and debit cards. Currencies accepted: USD, Euro, and South African Rand
Taxes included
Breakfast not included
General:
24 hours reception. No curfew.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Glenanda Hostel
Other Amenities
Kitchen
Pool Table
Nightclub
Laundry
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Glenanda Hostel.
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Glenanda Hostel
Map for 3 Youth 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
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Johannesburg
#1 Top Hostel in Johannesburg: Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
This is the overall best rated hostel in Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. The overall rating is 9.4. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers starts from $6.48.
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About the author: Undercover Phoenician
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