Jollyboys Backpackers

Jollyboys comes highly recommended on many travel sites and for good reason. The location is right in downtown Livingstone, 5 minutes walk from the bus station and 10 minute drive to the Victoria Falls. The complex is walled in with security 24/7 manning a gate.

Zambians are some of the nicest people you'll come across and the staff at Jollyboys did not disappoint. Got on really well with the bar staff and the reception/tour booking agents were helpful for setting up expeditions and giving general advice on what to do.

The hostel offers a mix of room types, private huts for 2, dorms of all sizes (I think 4, 8 and maybe a 12?), as well as camp sites. They cook dinner for $8 or so every night (sign up in advance during the day) or for a cheaper option you can use the full kitchen they offer with loads of fridge space and storage cabinets. Grocery stores are a short walk in the centre or you can take a shuttle to a good sized Spar for a big shop. Buy your own beers and wine or get them from the bar for a few dollars each, they don’t care either way.

The pool, which is very modern and clean, is surrounded by deck chairs and right next to the bar area where you will find most people. Some days we never left, just lounged in the sun and relaxed. They've also got a pool table and ping pong which were a bit dodgy but offered some entertainment.

They've got loads of tour books to set something up through their agent. You'll get picked up at the gate and dropped back off. Tours range from $25 for a sunset/booze cruise to $100s for multi day safaris.

The place is great value for the money and can be an even better value if you chose to bring your own tent and don't mind shopping/cooking for yourself. Some people stay a night, while others will do 4 or 5 days it seemed like. Some other backpackers would come to the bar and said it was better than their lodging. Easy to meet people here, check it out!