The easiest way to choose your Free State hostel. Use our unique 3D map to filter nature retreats and adventure bases by safety, vibe, and value.

Search Free State Backpacker Hostels

Filter backpackers hostels by digital nomad suitability, solo female traveller friendliness, safety, surfing, camping, value for money, party atmosphere, african culture experiences, adventure activities and nature experiences.

Interactive backpacker hostel map of the Free State showing hostels that can be filtered by travel style, safety, digital nomad suitability, surfing, camping and budget travel preferences.

Where To Go, What To See and How Much It'll Cost

Use our wizard to plan your trip, based on what you want to see and do, and your budget. Costs calculated according to 2026 prices.

Welcome to our backpacking guide of the Free State!

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Free State Backpackers Hostels

Hostels listed on Booking.com and Hostelworld

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

All Hostels

Full contact details are included in case you want to book direct, plus useful info such as Safety Ratings and Value For Money, Solo Female Friendliness, and Digital Nomad scorecards.

Every listing below is independently researched and unsponsored. We review them all the same way -
the hostels do not pay us for advertising.

Did we miss a hostel? Email us at and we'll add it.

CLARENS

PHUTADITJHABA (CLOSEST TO TUGELA FALLS HIKE)

KESTELL

CLARENS INN AND BACKPACKERS

AREA: CLARENS

STREET ADDRESS: 403 Van Reenen Street, Clarens, 9707, Free State, South Africa

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PHONE: +27 58 256 1173

WHATSAPP: +27 76 369 9283

EMAIL: clarensinn@gmail.com

WEBSITE: N/A

SOCIAL: Facebook

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Mixed dormitories, private double and twin rooms, self-catering cottages and chalets. Camping available.

PRICE RANGE: Budget to Mid-Range. Dorm beds from ~R200-R280 per person (approximately €10-€14); private rooms from ~R550-R850 per night (approximately €27-€42); self-catering chalets from ~R750-R1,200 per night (approximately €37-€60). Camping from ~R100 per person (approximately €5).

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GOOGLE RATING: ~4.3 / 5

BOOKING.COM RATING: N/A

MALUTI BACKPACKERS

AREA: Phuthaditjhaba

STREET ADDRESS: 3232 Nteo Street, Phuthaditjhaba-A, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, Free State

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PHONE: +27 76 193 4444

PHONE / WHATSAPP: +27 76 193 4444

EMAIL: bookings@malutibackpackers.co.za

WEBSITE: N/A

DISTANCE TO SENTINEL CAR PARK (Tugela Falls trailhead): ~25km / approximately 30 minutes. The closest accommodation of any kind to the start of the Tugela Falls hike.

DISTANCE TO GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK: ~29km / approximately 30 minutes. Maluti is also the most convenient base for Golden Gate — see our note below.

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Small, clean guesthouse-style backpackers — more B&B in character than a conventional party hostel, which suits the purpose of the location entirely. Private rooms (most with en-suite), self-catering facilities. On-site minimarket. Free shuttle to the Witsieshoek area (confirm availability when booking).

PRICE RANGE: Budget.

KARMA BACKPACKERS

AREA: Maluti Mountains

STREET ADDRESS: 2 Piet Retief Street, Kestell, Free State, 9860

FIND ON MAP ›

PHONE / WHATSAPP: +27 83 442 3973

EMAIL: kestellkarma@gmail.com

WEBSITE: karmalodge.co.za

SOCIAL: Facebook

See Photos & Reviews on:

Booking.com HOSTELWORLD

ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Small private guesthouse-style backpackers in the Northern Berg. Mixed dorm, private rooms

PRICE RANGE: Budget to mid-range. Dorms from ~R250, Rooms from ~R550.

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Photo: Edward Middleton Wikimedia Commons