Explorer Backpackers

Johannesburg · South Africa

Explorer Backpackers

HostelPunk Score
72% TINY SAMPLE
Low confidence 40 reviews
2nd best in Johannesburg
Bed bug check pending 40 of 100 reviews analyzed
Incentivized-review check pending 40 of 100 reviews analyzed

Tags

Facilities

🍳 COOKER 👕 Laundry 🅿️ Parking 🌅 Outdoor Terrace 🍺 Bar
Other facilities (23)
Adaptors Luggage Storage 24 Hour Reception Tours/Travel Desk Shuttle Bus Housekeeping Internet Access Board Games Foosball Linen Included Reading Light Hair Dryers Ceiling Fan Vending Machines Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Security Lockers Key Card Access 24 Hour Security Common Room Hot Showers Free WiFi Free Internet Access Express Check-in / Out

Prices

Dorms $23 / night

HW prices from today

Worst reviews

Singapore MALE 25-30 Mar 6, 2026 2.0/10

I booked for 3 nights and was left standing outside this hostel for 30 minutes in the rain, ringing the doorbell to no response. I tried calling the number and also asked my local friends to help call the number only to be directed straight to voicemail. I was standing in the rain and did not feel safe as there was a car with its engine on just feet away from me, so I took an Uber and left to my previous guesthouse. Book at your own risk.

via Hostelworld
New Zealand FEMALE 31-40 Sep 29, 2025 6.0/10

The hostel itself is very nice but I found the vibe a bit off. I got the impression that people were almost living there which always changes the dynamic. Security is good, but sometimes there would be no one at reception meaning that you couldn't get in from the street. The place is clearly renovated, however they have kept the old doors which are really loud when opened (yet this could be easily fixed), waking people early in the morning.

via Hostelworld
New Zealand MALE 31-40 Jul 14, 2023 6.0/10

Safe area with nice cafes and restaurants. Cold rooms but provide thick duvet so warm while in bed. Bedside plugs and usb port. Big water filter thing so you can re-fill a bottle. The 8 bed dorm is by communal area, so hear anyone talking. Be aware of 30% taxes on top of price.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Jul 2, 2025 8.0/10

Ich war für zwei Tage da, es waren nicht viele andere Touristen da, mehr Menschen die da gelebt haben, dadurch war es sxhwer Anschlzss zu finden. Die Gegend ist sicher, es gibt Restaurants und Cafés in der Nähe.

Translated to English

I was there for two days, there were not many other tourists there, more people who lived there, so it was easy to find Anschlzss.

via Hostelworld
Brazil MALE 25-30 Jun 26, 2025 8.0/10

I recommend this place for someone traveling to Johannesburg. But I would say that the location could be better. It is a safe and lovely neighborhood BUT it is a 40 minute walk to public transportation and the Rosebank restaurants. The beds are all very close together, but they are comfortable. THE DRAWERS ARE SO SQUEAKY!! They need to fix that, because every time someone opens the drawer under the bed, it wakes up everybody

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Apr 21, 2025 8.0/10

Good atmosphere and inviting people. Good to chill and relax and meet new people. Great location!

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE Dec 5, 2024 8.0/10

-Location-excellent & immediate streets safe to walk in -WiFi excellent -1 kitchen, but only 1 (domestic size) fridge freezer, 1cooker- for everyone* -Rooms nice/as expected for a dorm with individual charging sockets -Good/clean bathrooms. -Laundry service-good -Bar not in operation -Range of travellers/tourists, digital nomads, backpackers Unfortunately there was an out of control guest & manager was inexperienced and didn’t do anything to control situ- made it very horrid & un...

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 31-40 Feb 13, 2024 8.0/10

Es war im allgemeinen eine gute Unterkunft. Die Küche war nicht ausreichend ausgestattet und die Betten nicht so bequem.

Translated to English

The kitchen was not adequately equipped and the beds were not so comfortable.

via Hostelworld
Switzerland MALE 25-30 Sep 24, 2023 8.0/10

Lage sehr gut, viele Restaurants & Bars in Gehdistanz. War leider etwas ausgestorben. Wirkt etwas klinisch, aber das nur als Detail.

Translated to English

Location very good, many Restaurants & Bars in Gehdistanz. was unfortunately a bit extinct. works a bit clinical, but that's just as a detail.

via Hostelworld
USA MALE Mar 8, 2026 10.0/10

Mr. T was cool, very chill and clean. Lovely walkable neighborhood!!

via Hostelworld

Recent reviews

USA MALE Mar 8, 2026 Atm 100%

Mr. T was cool, very chill and clean. Lovely walkable neighborhood!!

via Hostelworld
Singapore MALE 25-30 Mar 6, 2026 Atm 20%

I booked for 3 nights and was left standing outside this hostel for 30 minutes in the rain, ringing the doorbell to no response. I tried calling the number and also asked my local friends to help call the number only to be directed straight to voicemail. I was standing in the rain and did not feel safe as there was a car with its engine on just feet away from me, so I took an Uber and left to my previous guesthouse. Book at your own risk.

via Hostelworld
England MALE 31-40 Feb 21, 2026 Atm 80%

Enjoy my stay. Very clean and modern, good facilitiea. Staff were super friendly and helpful. The Parkhurst area where the hostel is located is really nice and felt super safe, even walking around alone in the evening. Not a super social hostel, but still a friendly atmosphere.

via Hostelworld
Brazil MALE Jan 22, 2026 Atm 100%

excelente perfeito maravilhoso staff, limpeza, conforto e segurança

Translated to English

excellent perfectito wonderful staff, cleanliness, comfort and safety

via Hostelworld
Italy FEMALE 25-30 Nov 19, 2025 Atm 100%

Really cool hostel with a great vibe and super friendly staff. The location is safe, lively, and close to bars and places to go out. Perfect base in Joburg, highly recommended!”

via Hostelworld
USA MALE 31-40 Oct 4, 2025 Atm 100%

My go-to hostel place in Joburg. It has a great community there. The staff is incredible, love them so much. Love the community areas and the kitchen is well stocked. Neighborhood is phenomenal so much cafes and shops and restaurants. Very safe. Love the WiFi The only issue is the creaking drawers in the room and all the creaking doors. This place would be heaven if they only got some oil and oiled the hell out of those drawers and doors. Desperately needed.

via Hostelworld
New Zealand FEMALE 31-40 Sep 29, 2025 Atm 20%

The hostel itself is very nice but I found the vibe a bit off. I got the impression that people were almost living there which always changes the dynamic. Security is good, but sometimes there would be no one at reception meaning that you couldn't get in from the street. The place is clearly renovated, however they have kept the old doors which are really loud when opened (yet this could be easily fixed), waking people early in the morning.

via Hostelworld
Brazil FEMALE Sep 23, 2025 Atm 100%

Muito bom. Voltaria com certeza.

Translated to English

I'd definitely go for the Voltaire.

via Hostelworld
Singapore MALE 31-40 Sep 12, 2025 Atm 100%

Good vibes and great staff very helpful and friendly

via Hostelworld
USA FEMALE 18-24 Jul 9, 2025 Atm 100%

Loved this place:) my stay was definitely too short, I had so much fun playing cards with everyone and the hostel staff are the best. So clean and comfortable too

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Jul 2, 2025 Atm 60%

Ich war für zwei Tage da, es waren nicht viele andere Touristen da, mehr Menschen die da gelebt haben, dadurch war es sxhwer Anschlzss zu finden. Die Gegend ist sicher, es gibt Restaurants und Cafés in der Nähe.

Translated to English

I was there for two days, there were not many other tourists there, more people who lived there, so it was easy to find Anschlzss.

via Hostelworld
Brazil MALE 25-30 Jun 26, 2025 Atm 100%

I recommend this place for someone traveling to Johannesburg. But I would say that the location could be better. It is a safe and lovely neighborhood BUT it is a 40 minute walk to public transportation and the Rosebank restaurants. The beds are all very close together, but they are comfortable. THE DRAWERS ARE SO SQUEAKY!! They need to fix that, because every time someone opens the drawer under the bed, it wakes up everybody

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 25-30 May 24, 2025 Atm 100%

Safe area. Comfortable beds. Friendly staff.

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 18-24 Apr 21, 2025 Atm 100%

Good atmosphere and inviting people. Good to chill and relax and meet new people. Great location!

via Hostelworld
Brazil MALE 25-30 Mar 22, 2025 Atm 80%

muito bom

via Hostelworld
Canada MALE Mar 4, 2025 Atm 100%

A relaxed and friendly place to stay. The wifi works great. Bontle, the lady that welcomes guests, and runs the hostel is helpful and a pleasure to speak with. The location is safe and near many restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Comfortable beds, clean, secure and great value for the money. I hope I get a chance to return to this wonderful hostel.

via Hostelworld
USA MALE Feb 4, 2025 Atm 100%

One of the best hostels ever. They even provided excellent meals for a very fair cost

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE Dec 5, 2024 Atm 80%

-Location-excellent & immediate streets safe to walk in -WiFi excellent -1 kitchen, but only 1 (domestic size) fridge freezer, 1cooker- for everyone* -Rooms nice/as expected for a dorm with individual charging sockets -Good/clean bathrooms. -Laundry service-good -Bar not in operation -Range of travellers/tourists, digital nomads, backpackers Unfortunately there was an out of control guest & manager was inexperienced and didn’t do anything to control situ- made it very horrid & un...

via Hostelworld
Norway MALE 25-30 Oct 19, 2024 Atm 100%

Tabang is a real legend

via Hostelworld
USA MALE 25-30 Sep 7, 2024 Atm 60%

Pretty good hostel, really liked the staff they helped me book a safari!