Our home at 57 Milton Road is a classic Victorian-era Observatory residence, lovingly restored and full of character. It has welcomed travellers as the Green Elephant Backpackers since 1994, making it one of the neighbourhood’s longest-standing backpacker lodges.
Tucked away in the heart of Observatory, one of Cape Town’s quirkiest and most bohemian-styled areas, it’s the perfect home base for discovering the city. Obs is a vibrant mix of students, creatives, and locals, filled with character and colour. You’ll find vintage thrift stores, vinyl record shops, laid-back cafés, 420-friendly hangouts, and buzzing bars all just a stone’s throw away.
We are not a party hostel, but we are all about good energy, great conversations, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, student groups, or just passing through, you’ll find a space here that truly feels like home.
At Green Elephant Backpackers, we’re more than just a place to sleep — we’re a community. Here’s why travelers love staying with us:
The foundation of everything we do.
Creating a sense of belonging where strangers become friends.
Celebrating diversity and encouraging travellers to share stories and perspectives.
Committing to sustainability through recycling, energy-saving, and eco-conscious choices.
Not everyone comes to Cape Town just to be surrounded by other travellers. Staying in Observatory (Obs) means you get to experience real South African neighbourhood life while still being close to all the city’s highlights.
Obs is a colourful mix of students, creatives, and locals — filled with thrift shops, vinyl record stores, coffee spots, markets, and buzzing bars. It’s where Cape Town’s bohemian energy thrives, and where conversations with locals happen as naturally as sundowners.
