Twin Room
- 2 Single beds,1 Single bed,1 King-size bed
Hostel · Cape Town · Western Cape
Zebra Crossing Backpacker
A laid-back hostel on New Church Street with Table Mountain views, a shared kitchen, and a sociable garden.
- 8.4 guest rating from 476 reviews
- Rooms from £20 per night
- On-site parking and airport shuttle
8.4
Great
476 reviews
Booking.com 8.4 · 476 reviews
About
Zebra Crossing Backpacker
Zebra Crossing Backpacker sits on New Church Street, within walking distance of Table Mountain and about 25 minutes on foot from the Cape Town International Convention Centre. It is a 2-star hostel with a residential feel, offering private rooms and dorms around a garden with BBQ facilities and a shared kitchen.
Guests rate the property highly for its staff (9.2) and general atmosphere (8.7). The hostel runs a bar and lounge, a coffee shop, and a tour desk, and can arrange laundry, car hire, and airport shuttles for a fee. Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and secure parking is on site.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Highly rated staff and atmosphere — Guests consistently mention the warm, helpful team and the relaxed, sociable vibe – reflected in staff and general ratings of 9.2 and 8.7.
- Scenic views and outdoor spaces — Several private rooms open onto balconies with Table Mountain and Lion's Head views, and the garden with BBQ facilities is a favourite for relaxing.
- Practical facilities for self-catering — A shared kitchen, laundry, luggage storage, and a bar/lounge give guests the essentials for longer stays without extra cost.
- Secure and central location — The hostel is within walking distance of the city centre and Table Mountain, with private parking on site and a double-door security entrance.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Basic rooms in a budget hostel — While clean and comfortable, rooms are described as 'basic standard' – not a problem for the price, but not a hotel-style finish.
- Check-in window is limited — Check-in runs strictly from 12:00 to 18:00, so late arrivals need to arrange something in advance.
- Not all attractions are within easy walking distance — The hostel is about 25 minutes on foot from the convention centre, and one guest noted some sights are a bit far – a taxi or shuttle may be needed.
- No pets and mostly shared facilities — Pets are not allowed, and many rooms are dorms – the hostel is geared towards backpackers rather than those wanting hotel-style privacy.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
Family Single Room
- 1 Single bed,6 Single beds
Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
- Shower
- Balcony
Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
- Shower
- Balcony
Family Room
- 1 Single bed,6 Single beds,1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
- Shower
- Balcony
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Food & Drink
- Coffee shop
- Bar/ Lounge area
- BBQ facilities
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
- Shared kitchen
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Luggage storage
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
General
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
- Leisure/ TV room
- Locker room
- Security
- Fire extinguishers
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 476 reviews
Booking.com · 8.4 · 476 reviews
8.4Verified guest“Unbeatable location with easy airport access, helpful staff, and friendly fellow travellers. The shared spaces were excellent – Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, laundry, bar, and coffee shop. My small private room with a Table Mountain and Lion's Head view was great value. A brilliant experience for anyone exploring on a budget.”
8.4Verified guest“Great, affordable spot with knowledgeable staff. The property felt safe and secure. The on-site bar and cafe were reasonably priced, and the rooms and bathrooms were spotless. The kitchen was well equipped, and the owners gave useful safety tips for Cape Town.”
8.4Verified guest“Lovely vibe, enclosed patio, and a kitchen to use. The rooms are basic but cheap. It's close to the main street, shops, and restaurants. Helpful owners, solid Wi-Fi, and a secure double-door entrance.”
8.4Verified guest“The best hostel I've stayed at! Super friendly staff, clean rooms, plenty of bathrooms, great tour options, and safe for solo travellers.”
8.4Verified guest“The view from my balcony was incredible – Table Mountain and Lion's Head felt like they were putting on a daily show just for me.”
8.4Verified guest“I watched cheerful squirrels in the Gardens on my walk to the city centre. Private parking, a shared kitchen, and continental breakfast made me feel like royalty. The multilingual staff were a delight.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cape Town
The property sits in Cape Town.
Getting Around: You can walk to the city centre in about 15 minutes, and Table Mountain is within easy reach. For the convention centre or further sights, the hostel can arrange a paid airport shuttle or car hire.
Food and Drink: The hostel's own bar and coffee shop serve affordable meals, and there are restaurants and shops within a short walk on the main street.
Local Highlights: Beyond Table Mountain, Lions Head is also visible from the hostel's balconies. The Gardens area, mentioned by guests, is a short stroll away for a bit of green space.
82 New Church Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, 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 12:00-18:00
- Check-out
- By 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
- 17 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 12:00 to 18:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available?
Yes, the hostel offers private parking on site.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Zebra Crossing Backpacker.
Does the hostel offer airport transfers?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle can be arranged.
Is there a kitchen I can use?
Yes, there is a shared kitchen available for guests to prepare their own meals.
Is breakfast included?
One guest mentioned a continental breakfast, but the current listing does not specify if it's included in the room rate – check with the hostel directly.
The bottom line
If you're a traveller who values a friendly, secure base with mountain views and a sociable vibe over frills, Zebra Crossing Backpacker delivers. It's especially strong for solo travellers and small groups on a budget.
8.4Best for budget-conscious travellers who want a central, social stay with character.
Ready to book Zebra Crossing Backpacker?
Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.
No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.