We were disappointed with this hostel. After more than a year traveling across Africa, we’ve experienced both excellent and poor examples of what hostels should be. Given the hype surrounding this place, we had high expectations, but it fell short in many ways.
Pros:
The hostel undeniably has a good international vibe, with a great location and a welcoming atmosphere for connecting with other travelers. They put visible effort into creating an enjoyable social environment, organizing events and activities to bring guests together. The decor and outdoor spaces are well thought out, with a cozy aesthetic and plenty of seating areas to relax. The garden is beautifully maintained, adding a nice touch to the overall vibe.
Additionally, for those who don’t mind paying extra, they make booking tours and activities convenient and hassle-free. The staff was friendly and super helpful (nothing to say about the staff, only positive things) and contributed positively to the hostel’s social energy.
Cons:
However, beyond the social atmosphere and the well-kept garden, the hostel falls short in several critical areas, especially for the price.
• Room Conditions: We stayed in the cheapest private room ($50/night, which is expensive for Zambia), only to find ripped bed sheets, stained linens, yellowed and unpleasant smelling-like-people pillow covers. The mattresses were uncomfortable, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and giving time a back pain the following day.
• Bathrooms: The shared showers were dirty (not so much the floor but the corners and details like doors) and poorly designed. For instance, there wasn’t even a shelf to place your belongings, so we had to leave everything on the wet floor, which was inconvenient and unhygienic.
• Kitchen: The kitchen was basic and inadequate for the size of the hostel. With only two stoves available, we had to wait over an hour to cook. The kitchen area felt greasy, poorly maintained, and underwhelming for a hostel in this price range. For the price charged, it would be reasonable to expect better facilities, such as a blender or upgraded amenities.
• Tours: The much-promoted “free walking tour” was a letdown. The guide simply pointed out a few places around town without offering any meaningful context or engaging explanations. Additionally, the guide’s poor English skills made it difficult to follow along.
Value for Money:
All of these issues might be more forgivable in a budget hostel, but not in private rooms that range from $50 to $70 per night. For that price, we’ve stayed in much cleaner, more comfortable, and better-equipped private rooms in the same city — many of which also include breakfast.
Overall Impression:
While the social vibe, events, and outdoor spaces are definite highlights, it feels like the hostel relies too heavily on its reputation and social vibe and neglects the basics. For the high prices charged, there’s a clear lack of effort in maintaining clean, functional, and comfortable facilities.
If your main priority is socializing and meeting other travelers, this place might work for you. But if you value cleanliness, comfort, and useful amenities, you’re likely to be disappointed. For the social aspect, you could simply visit the bar in the evenings without committing to an overpriced and underwhelming stay.
Closing Thoughts:
One of the worst feelings when traveling is putting your money in the wrong place — and unfortunately, we left with that feeling. This hostel has potential, but it needs serious improvements in cleanliness and facilities to live up to the hype. Building a reputation is one thing, but maintaining it is what...
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