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From31US$ /night
Check-in
10Jan2026Select date
Check-out
11Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Piet Retief Street, Kestell, South Africa, 9860
-
Close to local restaurants
Great
8.6
/10
4.5
/5

Accommodation

Karma Backpackers has a capacity for 17 guests, providing three double bedrooms and a family room that sleeps four. An additional separate dorm can accommodate six people. This setup allows for a cozy environment, making it a homely spot after a long day of hiking.

Culinary Experiences

Guests can enjoy complimentary award-winning jams made by Vera Ann, as well as free coffee, tea, milk, and sugar. For breakfast, vegetarian options including muffins, pancakes, and homemade yogurt are available by order. A fully equipped communal kitchen allows guests to prepare their own lunches and dinners, with vegetables from the garden.

Hiking and Activities

Karma Backpackers is the closest hostel to the Tugela Falls hike, Africa's highest waterfall with a drop of 948 meters. The hostel also serves as a starting point for numerous hiking trails in the Drakensberg Mountains, including guided expeditions. A well-respected mountain guide, Zee, leads various hikes, enhancing the guest experience.

Outdoor Amenities

The grounds include a garden with spaces for relaxation, BBQ facilities for summer days, and a cozy ambiance with a wood stove indoors. After a day of exploring, guests can unwind in a bathtub or enjoy private showers in the dorm's exterior facilities. These amenities contribute to the informal, laid-back atmosphere for travelers.

Local Attractions

The hotel is strategically located for exploring the Drakensberg, including access to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Additionally, it serves as a base for cultural experiences, including visits to traditional villages and rock art sites. This offers guests a broad range of adventures besides hiking.

Highlights

Location: Closest hostel to the Tugela Falls hike

Rooms: Capacity for 17 guests

Dining: Complimentary award-winning jams

Activities: Guided hikes with Zee

Amenities: Fully equipped communal kitchen

Garden: Relaxation spaces with BBQ facilities

Must-do experiences

  • Savor traditional Bunny Chow at the local Kestell eatery.
  • Visit the historic Kestell Village for a glimpse of local culture.
  • Hike to the scenic Lothair's Falls for stunning nature views.
  • Check out the vibrant Kestell Farmers Market on Saturdays.
  • Enjoy a game of rugby at the nearby local sports fields.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Family Room
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
15 m² 
4 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Fireplace

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Location

Piet Retief Street, Kestell, South Africa, 9860
Map view
Piet Retief Street, Kestell, South Africa, 9860
Nearby
Kestell Golf Club
1.0 km
Explore Kestell
Local Experiences Around Karma Backpackers
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Kestell Golf Club
Kestell Golf Club
5-minute drive
Kestell Golf Club, a picturesque 9-hole course, offers stunning views and is ideal for golfers of all skill levels.
Hiking at Golden Gate Highlands
30-minute drive
Hiking trails in Golden Gate Highlands offer breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature lovers.
Relaxation at Kestell Spa
7-minute walk
Kestell Spa provides a calming environment for massages and treatments, ensuring a tranquil experience for guests.
The Local Grill
10-minute walk
The Local Grill serves delicious South African dishes in a cozy setting, popular for its steak and boerewors rolls.
Linda's Kitchen
12-minute walk
Linda's Kitchen offers hearty meals and vegetarian options, with a welcoming atmosphere and local favorites.
Kestell Community Hall
15-minute walk
Community events at Kestell Hall include markets and movie nights, fostering a vibrant local culture for all ages.
Jubez Lounge
5-minute drive
A popular bar with live music twice a week, Jubez Lounge is perfect for enjoying the local nightlife and entertainment.
Getting around
City Centre
Kestell20 min  ·  1.6 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 12 pm
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of ZAR 50 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Italian, Afrikaans
Number of rooms:
13
FAQs
About Karma Backpackers
What are the check-in and check-out times at Karma Backpackers?
Check-in is from 12:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What is the closest golf club to Karma Backpackers?
The Kestell Golf Club is located 2 km from the property.
What accommodation amenities does Karma Backpackers provide?
All units are equipped with a seating area, shared bathrooms, iron facilities, and some offer mountain views.
Is parking available at Karma Backpackers?
The property offers free private parking on-site.
What dining options are available at Karma Backpackers?
A continental breakfast is served, and guests can use the shared kitchen for other meals.
What are some nearby attractions to Karma Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Golden Gate Highlands National Park (48 km) and Basotho Cultural Village (34 km).
What activities can guests enjoy at Karma Backpackers?
Guests can engage in hiking and walking tours in the surrounding area.
What are the payment methods accepted at Karma Backpackers?
The hotel accepts Visa and MasterCard.

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Check-in
10Jan2026Select date
Check-out
11Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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Karma Backpackers Hostel Kestell Exterior photo

Karma Backpackers

8.6
Great14 reviews
1.6 km from center
28 US$
31 US$
per night
Mobile-only price