Karma Backpackers
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2 Piet Retief Street, Kestell 9860 South Africa
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Prices above are provided by partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and do not include all taxes and fees. Please see our partners for full details.
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About
#1 of 2 Specialty lodging in Kestell
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
A charming Backpacker Lodge in the small village of Kestell, with very friendly hosts. We are the closest backpackers to the famous Amphitheatre/Tugela Falls hike, with Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the tourist town of Clarens and San rock paintings also within easy driving distance. Additionally, this is an ideal base from which to explore Lesotho. Award-winning homemade jams, yoghurts & other goodies are for sale. We offer accommodation in large double rooms & in dorms for up to 17 people. Our kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and a light breakfast is an optional extra. Country-style restaurant & pub nearby. We have a lovely outdoor barbeque area and a coffee-gazebo.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
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2 Piet Retief Street, Kestell 9860 South Africa
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109Reviews2Q+A10Room tips
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+1
What a great place!!! We loved our stay, we wanted to stay one night, we ended up with three. We would have stayed longer but had to go back to JNB. Vera and Lucio are super nice. Interesting people and fun. The beds are comfortable and everything is very clean. You can use the kitchen etc. Also, Vera shown us the garden, and we were welcome to take some SUPER good vegetables. Cat and dogs are lovely. We felt like home. We will come back!! It is very easy to join the national park and the sentinel trail from their house. I would definitely recommend to stay there if you are up for these trails. They are gonna help you and give some advices. The sentinel trail is not a easy hike. I mean it is not difficult by the “dénivelé” or the distance but because there is a gully, a difficult passage on the rocks and ladders (10m and 20m). So if you are a beginner or afraid of the eight, take a guide. Go early, cause the weather turns in the afternoon. I would definitely recommend Zee, she seems to be an amazing guide. She knows the mountain. …
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
My boyfriend and I spent four nights in the dorm and we deeply enjoyed our stay. Vera and Lucio welcomed us with so much love and we immediately had a great connection with them. We especially enjoyed Vera's delicious jams and the veggies available in the garden. Moreover she gave us very detailed recommendations to go hiking in the Drakensberg, stunning views and paths! No doubt I will go back, great value for money as well ;)
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Lovely place, jam was amazing with breakfastand tips for hiking were greatly appreciated. Is a bit remote and quiet but a nice stop off place to rest your head. Could do with some lockers though. Would recommend.
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
I had the place to myself for two nights and enjoyed my stay immensely. Vera makes you feel right at home, it was like staying with my mother (she made me soup, prepared a hot water bottle for the cold nights and gave me gloves and a hat before I left on a hike). Her homemade jams are a bit of a sensation in South Africa and rightly so, make sure to try the one with japapeño! It’s the ideal base to do the spectacular Sentinel hike and on the way back you can go to the best Ethiopian place around, Vera will give you directions. I miss Karma already.
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Traveled solo
Helpful
Karma Backpackers is a place for travelers who want to feel at home. Vera Ann was extremely helpful in giving us information about the nearby hikes in Drakensberg, as well as Golden Gate National Park. Originally, we made a booking for 2 nights but extended it 2 more nights because of the amazing hospitality. I enjoyed the kitchen and living room area for my morning coffee and reading. On the colder days, blankets and warm water bottles were provided to keep us comfortable throughout the day and night. Also, I want to add that the down-feather pillows and duvets were like heaven after a long day of exploring and trekking! We stayed in one of the private rooms and enjoyed our stay very much. I would recommend this place over and over again to anyone!
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Date of stay: November 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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PRICE RANGE
$13 - $30 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaFree StateKestell
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Karma Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Karma Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Karma Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, laundry service, and internet access.
Is Karma Backpackers located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Kestell.