Lusaka Backpackers

I stayed two nights here in a private room. It is fine. Good things: great location for walking to sights, cafes, etc; Good wifi; Functional room/bathroom; Hang out areas; nice and helpful staff. The stuff I didn't love: it's pretty run down, the kitchen was very dirty, & cockroaches in my room (small ones and just around the fridge). I would stay there again but I wouldn't be enthusiastic about it.

Lusaka Backpackers is a simple and somewhat run-down place, but with fun and friendly staff and a great atmosphere. In the yard guests, staff, locals and general hangarounds mingle, chat, play pool or swim in it - it is easy to feel welcome and get to know people. The restaurant cooks simple but tasty meals from early to late. Don't expect any luxury though, or even that everything works. Our room was clean, beds were fine and with little workarounds for things like doors that don't close, it was all in all a pleasant stay

I arrive early morning to Lusaka bus stage and walked here to get a bed. But right after I payed I immediately regretted that I didn’t go for the other place I had in mind. I stayed in a small 3 person dorm which was decent. Bed was alright and the room was air conditioned. I tried one shower which didn’t work and after that I sorta gave up. The condition of the hostel is very run down. So things are either a bit broken or dirty. The staff seemed nice though and the location is quite central. So for just a bed it’s very nice but anything more than that and I would choose this place.

The dorm was very noisy and I didn't get a decent night's sleep in the 4 days that I was there. Plus the barman was dishonest, didn't have any change and kept avoiding me. Otherwise the place, location and staff are fine.

The vibe is amazing and the guests are always welcoming and willing to join in and have fun together. The hostel has pretty affordable prices. The entertainment area is great for chilling or catching up with some emails. However, the kitchen area leaves a lot to be desired. There are not enough utensils and the stove and sink need serious attention.

We had bed bugs in our room, the self-catering kitchen is extremely dirty and disgusting, loud parties until late, the pool was dirty and not useable, the place is run down in general, there was rarely someone at reception. I will never ever visit this place again.

When we came, the receptionist was eating and told us to wait for the payment in the room till she´s done. There wasn´t any shower head in our shower and the hot water wasn´t working. Some repairman came to fix it, when we ask for it. There was a mold on the walls and the ceiling in our bathroom. Public kitchen was disgusting. Dirty stove without buttons. Almost no dishes. We had to ask for it in the "restaurant" kitchen. And the employees were cooking their food in the public kitchen, so because of the lack of dishes and two broken hotplates, we had to wait to cook our food. There were 4 public toilets but only two were working. Pool was dirty and not useable. I really do not recommend this place.