Shared Bathroom Double Room
- 1 King-size bed
Hotel · Cape Town · Western Cape
Green Elephant Backpackers - Cape Town
A budget-friendly hostel in Cape Town's Observatory neighbourhood, with a plunge pool, shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
- 5-minute walk from Saint James
- Plunge pool and garden with BBQ
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
7.4
good
1298 reviews
Booking.com 7.4 · 1298 reviews
About
Green Elephant Backpackers - Cape Town
Green Elephant Backpackers sits in the bohemian Observatory neighbourhood, a short stroll from Saint James and close to a bus stop for easy city travel. The property includes a plunge pool, garden with BBQ facilities, and a shared kitchen, along with a bar/lounge area and live entertainment.
With 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and a safety deposit box, the hostel covers practical needs for backpackers. Rooms range from dormitories to a private double and a studio apartment, all with shared or private bathroom options.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Friendly, helpful staff — Guests consistently mention the warm and accommodating team, from check-in to tour advice.
- Great location in Observatory — A short walk to Saint James, a bus stop, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops in the bohemian district.
- Clean and well-kept rooms — Dormitories and private rooms are described as neat and tidy, with spotless bathrooms.
- Tasty breakfast included — A filling breakfast is a highlight, with coffee and tea available around the clock.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Basic facilities — The hostel scores lower on facilities, reflecting its budget-focused offering with shared kitchens and simple rooms.
- Shared bathrooms in most rooms — Only the studio apartment has a private shower; doubles and dorms share bathroom access.
- No pets allowed — If you're travelling with an animal, this isn't the place – the policy is strictly no pets.
- Limited check-in window — Check-in runs from 14:00 to 23:00, so late arrivals may need to plan around this.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Studio Apartment
- 1 King-size bed,1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
- Shower
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Food & Drink
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- BBQ facilities
- Shared kitchen
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Outdoor & Leisure
- Plunge pool
- Sun loungers
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
- Live entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
- Board games
Services
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Paid airport shuttle
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.4/10 from 1,298 reviews
Booking.com · 7.4 · 1298 reviews
7.4Verified guest“The location is excellent, just near a bus stop for getting around. Rooms were clean and tidy, staff friendly and helpful. Breakfast was tasty and filling – a good start to the day. A great budget option with plenty of amenities.”
7.4Verified guest“Wonderful vibe, helpful staff, and a great spot. Rooms were neat, bathrooms spotless, and Wi-Fi worked throughout. Close to bars, restaurants, and shops, and the open atmosphere made it feel like a big family.”
7.4Verified guest“We loved the cleanliness, friendly staff, and location near Observatory and a bus stop. The pool area was lovely and breakfast delicious.”
7.4Verified guest“This place in the bohemian neighbourhood had surprises. Old-fashioned furniture added rustic charm, the small pool was well-kept despite water restrictions, and the Wi-Fi was superb. The lounge was my favourite spot to relax.”
7.4Verified guest“Basic but comfortable – everything I needed. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful, with 24/7 coffee and tea. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Staff were friendly and welcoming.”
7.4Verified guest“Great value for money, especially given the prime spot in Observatory. Staff were attentive from arrival. The rooms, including six-bed dorms with private bathrooms, were clean and comfy. Breakfast was a tasty start.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cape Town
The property sits in Cape Town.
Observation: The hostel sits in Observatory, Cape Town's bohemian quarter, known for its artsy vibe, vintage shops, and lively bar scene – all within walking distance.
Getting Around: A bus stop is just minutes away, making it easy to reach the city centre and other attractions without a car.
Local Landmarks: Saint James is about a 5-minute walk from the hostel, and the Medical History Museum is also nearby.
57 Milton Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925, South Africa
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 01:00-11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 15 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00, and check-out is from 01:00 to 11:00.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, guests consistently mention that a tasty breakfast is provided, with coffee and tea available 24/7.
Does the hostel offer airport transfer?
Yes, there is a paid airport shuttle available.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Green Elephant Backpackers.
What room types are available?
Options include a double room with shared bathroom, female-only and mixed 6-bed dorms, and a studio apartment with a private shower.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
The bottom line
A solid, budget-friendly pick in Cape Town's Observatory, where the friendly staff, decent breakfast, and handy location make up for the basic facilities.
7.4Best for backpackers and budget travellers who want a sociable base with easy city access.
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