Gibela Backpackers Lodge (Durban, South Africa): See 59 Reviews and 20 Photos

Address: 119 Ninth Avenue | Morningside, Durban 4001, South Africa

Phone Number:

Region: South Africa > KwaZulu-Natal > Durban

Amenities:

Bar/Lounge Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kitchenette Shuttle Bus service Swimming Pool

Hotel Style:

Ranked #4 of 58 Speciality lodging in Durban

Price range (per night): S$50 - 64

Official Description (provided by the hotel):: TOP CHOICE - Lonely Planet 2012 "If this hostel (a tastefully converted 1950's Tuscan home) were a B&B, it would be described as 'boutique'. One of Durban's best hostels, it has sparkling surfaces and rooms neat enough to pass an army major's inspection. It even provides a continental breakfast- to be enjoyed in an attractive indoor-outdoor dining area." Gibela is conveniently located in the safe, residential area of Morningside and within walking distance to the center of Durban’s entertainment life, Florida Road, where there are restaurants, cocktail bars, clubs and coffee shops galore. ... more less

Reservation Options:: TripAdvisor is proud to partner with HostelWorld and HostelBookers so you can book your Gibela Backpackers Lodge reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

JutWags7

Johannesburg, South Africa

Senior Contributor

32 reviews

9 hotel reviews

Reviews in 12 cities

7 helpful votes

“Perfect for the quick stop”

Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

This is always the place to go to when in Durban for a quick visit. We love the clean rooms, easy location, and nice staff. It is simple yet effective. You can get by here with a car (good parking inside) or without (close to downtown with a walk) as Florida St. and other neighborhoods are close.

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Manfred S

Linz, Austria

1 review

“Manfred Steiner”

Reviewed 10 June 2013

My second stay, and I'll recommend this Backpacker. The pillows are too high. A little problem with the transportation to the city centre. All necessary informations and handouts are available. A very good house.

Morning Manfred - many thanx for your review. If only you had asked, we would of have given you a lower pillow. Be sure to remember next time you come and stay to ask for one. Transport to the city should have been easy as we are on two inner bus routes. I do admit that over weekends things do... More

KenHugh

Glasgow

Senior Reviewer

10 reviews

10 hotel reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

29 helpful votes

“Nice room, very helpful owner”

Reviewed 15 May 2013

Good location close to lots of very good (and well priced) restaurants. Owner took time to give advice regarding city and safety when walking. Room immaculate and facilities very good for price. Breakfast nice added bonus- fresh fruit daily.

Greetings from Durban. Many thx for adding your review to Tripadvisor. I am pleased that you enjoyed your stay in Durban and that the time and effort we make to explain the hidden treasures about Durban was appreciated. Hope to welcome you back one day !! More

trustthew0rld

Vancouver

Reviewer

3 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

“Feeling at home in Durban”

Reviewed 13 April 2013

After driving 8000 km exploring South Africa I lucked out finding Gibela Backpackers by chance. I stayed in many different places throughout may travels and this was a great place to chill out to spend the last month out of 4 to relax and explore Durban. Elmer was very helpful in every way and runs his place with great passion... More

Hello Many thanx for the review and the kind words. Yup you really got to see a real spectrum of Gibela clients and especially the returning ones that have visited Gibela on various occasions. It's rewarding to hear that what we have created and on goingly trying to create is appreciated and valued by our guests. Our location is a... More

Laila J

Frome, United Kingdom

2 reviews

“Gibela”

Reviewed 25 February 2013

Hostel is very pleasant and quiet probably helped by the fact there is no bar. I liked very much the garden and pool. The service was excellent and the owner was always on hand to answer queries and help. Place is kept spotless by the staff. The room I stayed in was reasonable but a little on the small side... More

Many thanx for taking the the time to write a review. Yes February is the hottest month and this year even more so - real killer tempretures - at least you made use of our newly installed pool to cool down. Thanx for mentioning the ceiling fan - we have sorted it out - someone previously changed the setting on... More

Babarpapa

6 reviews

3 hotel reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

6 helpful votes

“Great place, more like a hotel than a backpakers”

We had to book into Gibela after being let down at the last minute by Nomads just down the road. We landed on our feet! Gibela is a fantastic backpackers. It is super clean and secure, with really nice rooms that have been tastefully decorated. I highly recommend this place.

Hello Good to hear you enjoyed your stay. it was great having your group stay with us and were very pleased that we could assist at the last minute. Hope the group enjoyed the stay and even more importantly Durban - do remember that the restaurant meals were memorable. More

CarmenSandiego2012

Brooklyn, New York

Top Contributor

212 reviews

61 hotel reviews

Reviews in 77 cities

51 helpful votes

“No Issues”

Reviewed 20 February 2013

I only stayed here for one night on my way back to Joburg, but it seemed like a really cool place, complete with a pool and average continental breakfast. It's far from city center, but that is a plus for me. And it is a Baz Bus stop, so convenient for those using that to get around South Africa. I... More

Thanx for your review. The city by foot is a bit of a trek - about 45 min walk, but being on two inner city bus routes and a mini-bus taxi route the city is a quick 7 - 10 min drive away. Alternatively the 25 min walk to the beach connects you with the Peoplemover bus that covers all... More

Damien L

Liverpool

9 reviews

Reviews in 5 cities

1 helpful vote

“A great place to stay in Durban”

Reviewed 8 February 2013

Stayed for 5 day when I arrived in Durban. Lovely place. Very clean. Friendly staff. Quiet at night and very secure. Close to Florida Rd (2 min walk) which is got loads of places to eat/ drink. Would definitely recommend.

See 2 more reviews by Damien L for Durban

Many thanx for your review and great write-up. Our location is a great sales point. Being close to Florida Road restaurants, cafe's and bars. Walking distance to supermarket, laundramata and bus routes makes live easier. More

AMBaines

Stockport, United Kingdom

Contributor

14 reviews

Reviews in 10 cities

15 helpful votes

“Great place in a great location”

Reviewed 21 January 2013

I visited Gibela Backpackers Lodge for four nights over Christmas with two friends. It was ideal for our requirements - basic, affordable accomodation yet clean, bright and in very pleasant surroundings. The communal area is comfortable with sofas and chairs by the pool, and the rooms were small but adequate, and spotlessly clean. The only slight issue we had was... More

Aleks R

Midland, Texas, USA

“Very clean, great vibe”

Reviewed 13 January 2013

Great hostel--it has almost a boutique hotel feel to it. The owner runs a tight ship and the place is sparkling. He is also a great source of no BS travel advice. Attracts a very chill crowd. Returning.

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Gibela Backpackers Lodge, Durban Reviews

Gibela Backpackers Lodge

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