Zebra Crossing Backpacker

Just got back to the UK after a trip to South Africa with my boyfriend – three days of which we spent at Zebra Crossing in Cape Town. We LOVED it. Thought it was great value for money. A fantastic location: turn left out of the entrance and you're within easy walking distance of the bars and clubs on Long Street, and the Bo Kaap area, which is one of the most photogenic places I've seen. Turn right, and you can go up towards Tamboerskloof, which has lovely little restaurants like the Miller's Thumb and Manna Epicure, and great bars as well. If you go further up the hill, you end up at the foot of Table Mountain. It's also really close to Kloof Street – brunch, vintage clothing shops, bars and restaurants, etc. We were really spoilt for choice in terms of eating, drinking and shopping. As for the hostel itself, it was super friendly, and had a relaxed and quiet feel to it. We've been to backpackers before that have been full of people arriving drunk and banging doors etc., so we wanted somewhere chill, and this really fitted the bill. It has its own little cafe (run by the lovely Bronwen, who Emiel enjoyed getting to know when he got his morning coffee) and indoor and outdoor communal spaces, and we found ourselves looking forward to getting back there in the evenings after long days of sightseeing. Facilities were great, and well managed by Doniel and team, with a communal kitchen and more than enough toilets and showers. The room itself was clean and cosy (and had a great view of the Lion's Head, because we were on the first floor), soundproofing seemed good, bed was comfortable and bedding was perfect for the season. Oh, and, always important in a city you don't know well, we (and our belongings) felt safe and secure. We're hoping to return to Cape Town soon, as it's a fabulous city – and when we do, we'll definitely be booking in here again. Thanks to the staff (and residents) for making our stay such a happy one!

Of the three months I spent in South Africa (studying English), almost half of the time I stayed at Zebra Crossing. I arrived at the hostel without speaking one word of English, and yet I felt comfortable and welcomed from the first moment! You were part of my story in this incredible country that is South Africa, and I can only thank you for your love and attention! The Hostel is impeccably clean (bathrooms, rooms, common areas), great Internet connection, and is strategically located close to the city's main tourist attractions (Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Kloof Strett, Long Strett, etc etc), supermarkets, English schools, restaurants... From there it is also easy to reach the beaches and get to points further away from the city center. At first I chose to stay there, because from the reviews I understood that it was a quieter place, with no night parties in the common areas, and it is exactly like that, calm and peaceful, BUT (obviously) it does not prevent socialization / fraternization between guests - I met dozens of cool people (of different nationalities, ages and lifestyles)!! It was one of my best choices in South Africa =)

Clean! Beautiful views! Close to all amenities! Friendly staff! Comfy beds! Communal kitchen to make your own food. Lovely cafe to enjoy coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Beer also available. Feel part of a family. Parking space available! Travel centre onsite. Wifi throughout. Shared lounges with book exchange. By far the best budget traveller's lodge in Cape Town! Highly recommended!

I have travelled through Africa the last 6 months. During this travel I stayed for two full weeks in Zebra Crossing. I needed some rest, and that is exactly what I got; a feeling like home. I had a room with a beautiful view on the Tabel Mountain. But what was more exceptionally were the owners and the staff; they were so helpful and welcoming! It felt like home for two weeks. They helped me with all my questions, no matter what. For example, in another hostel the staff washed by clothes wrongly, which caused two ruined (personally valuable) shirts, the staf washed the shirts for many times. Their care made the shirts like new ones. Probably you won't find a party vibe in Zebra Crossing. But you will find a relaxed atmosphere, where you meet in a relaxed way other travellers and people that got stuck in Cape Town. I would definitely come back, and recommend this place to every other traveller! Cheers,