Hostel of the Week: South Coast Backpackers, Kenya

A Hoscar award for the Best Hostel in Kenya? Tick! Free meals? Tick! Slip ‘n slide? Of course! In a nutshell, if you are on the East Coast of Kenya, this is the place to be. Step into the grounds of South Coast Backpackers and you’re greeted by stretches of lawn and a luscious garden oasis with tortoises waltzing around freely – no big deal…. As you lie on your sun lounger or grab a fresh beer from the OUTDOOR CIRCULAR BAR, you might think to yourself, “am I in a hostel, or a luxurious villa?!” You can tell this place is run by backpackers FOR backpackers with its 100% customer rating for atmosphere and value for money. Why stay in an overpriced resort in Diani when you can get a bed from 11 euros here and meet other travellers for an authentic experience?!

Dinner is always homemade specials cooked by the hosts every night, and these guys know how to throw a party when the sun goes down. Get ready for poker night, drinking games and “Swahili Pool Parties”! The morning after is all about breakfast under the makuti, and chilling in the stiltz lounge. Yup, this place actually exists!

Room-wise you can go for an ensuite private, a dorm in the villa or go au naturale and stay in the Baobar – an outdoor dorm with an actual Baobab tree growing in the centre of it – only at South Coast Backpackers!


The location is pretty sweet too. Walk 400 metres and you’ll find yourself at Diani Beach, and Mombasa is just a matutu ride away with local markets and monuments iconic to the island. The hostel organises Safaris literally from their gate and visits to Shimba Hills National Park on the reg.
Our customers have been known to intentionally miss their flights and extend their stays – legit! Here’s what they had to say:
“It only took a couple of hours – then we extended our stay! This place was like staying at a friends place, I have been living in Kenya for 4 months and this time it felt like home… and safe! I would recommend it to everyone!!!”
“I went to Southcoast backpackers for 1 week and stayed 6!! Amazing hostel with a great mix of partying and relaxing. Beautiful comman area with a clean swimming pool, and great places to chill out. The owners make everyone feel welcome, and make sure no one is left out, great for a solo traveller. I absolutely recommend this hostel.”
“The best atmospere of any hostel in kenya if you like to party and have a good time. Count on runds of free shots in the bar before an evening of partying until the sun rises. Check out the activities board for lots of fun daytime activities at discounted prices. Planned on staying two nights, ended up staying a week. If you are a real backpacker, this is the place to be. / Joe and Elin.”
So go on, get your ass to Kenya and book here!