Under New Management

Welcome to Cape Town

Explore Cape Town with us

In the heart of Observatory, Cape Town, Green Elephant Backpackers is a vibrant base for international travellers, students, interns, volunteers, and digital nomads seeking community and adventure.

More Than Just a Stay

Join Our Community

Safe & Secure
Affordable & Flexible
Central Location
Community Vibe
Wi-Fi

About Us

Tucked away in the heart of Observatory, one of Cape Town’s quirkiest and bohemian-styled neighbourhoods, Green Elephant Backpackers is the perfect home base for discovering the city. Observatory is a vibrant mix of students, creatives, and locals, filled with character and colour. You will find vintage thrift stores, vinyl record shops, laid-back cafés, 420-friendly hangouts, and buzzing bars all just a short walk away.

We are not a party hostel, but we embrace good energy, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, a student group, or simply passing through, you will discover a space that feels like home.

Why Stay With Us

Your home in Cape Town — stay for a night, a week, or a month.

Flexible Stays — Whether it’s a night, a week, or a month, we fit your plans.

Loved by Travellers — Students, interns, digital nomads, and backpackers choose us for the vibe, comfort, and Cape Town adventures.

Close to It All — Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Clifton beaches, and Observatory cafés are just minutes away. The airport is only 20 minutes down the road.

More Than a Hostel — Cook together in the kitchen, join a braai in the garden, or relax with new friends late into the night. This is where strangers become family.

Safe and Secure — Digital access in all dorms plus a community that looks out for each other.

The Green Elephant Promise — Safe, clean, affordable, and set in one of Cape Town’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

KEY AMENITIES NEARBY

  • Supermarkets (Pick n Pay, Spar) — 800 m · 10 min walk
  • Pharmacies (Clicks) — 800 m · 10 min walk
  • Banks & ATMs — 700 m · 8–10 min walk
  • Observatory Train Station — 600 m · 5–7 min walk
  • Groote Schuur Hospital — 1 km · 3 min drive / 10 min walk
  • Main Road (Shops, Cafés, Bars, Nightlife) — 400–600 m · 5–7 min walk

MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Green Elephant Backpackers, Observatory is right in the middle of it all.

  • Table Mountain Cableway — 8 km · 15 min drive
  • V&A Waterfront — 10 km · 15 min drive
  • Robben Island Ferry (Nelson Mandela Gateway) — 10 km · 15 min drive
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden — 9 km · 15 min drive
  • Lion’s Head — 9 km · 20 min drive
  • Signal Hill — 9 km · 20 min drive
  • Clifton & Camps Bay Beaches — 12–14 km · 20–25 min drive
  • Sea Point Promenade — 11 km · 20 min drive
  • Boulders Beach (Penguins) — 45 km · 50 min drive
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve — 65 km · 1h15 drive
  • Chapman’s Peak Drive — 25 km · 35 min drive

Culture & City

  • Cape Town City Centre — 6 km · 10 min drive
  • Bo-Kaap (Colourful Houses & Museum) — 7 km · 15 min drive
  • District Six Museum — 5 km · 10 min drive
  • Castle of Good Hope — 5 km · 10 min drive
  • Long Street (Nightlife & Markets) — 6 km · 12 min drive
  • Two Oceans Aquarium — 10 km · 15 min drive

Winelands (Day Trips)

  • Stellenbosch — 50 km · 50 min drive
  • Franschhoek — 75 km · 1h15 drive

Airport & Transport

  • Cape Town International Airport — 16 km · ~20 min drive
Book Online

Ready to start your Cape Town adventure?
Booking your stay at Green Elephant Backpackers is quick and easy.

 Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a group, we’ve got the right space for you.

Book now and make Green Elephant your home away from home in Cape Town.

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