Located just 4.1 mi (6.7 km) from the airport, Zinga Backpackers offers free pick-up service (available 24 hours). The coffee shop/cafe is the perfect spot for a bite to eat, and after visiting the fitness center for a workout, you can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this Art Deco hostel include an outdoor pool, a marina, and a nightclub.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin), English, German, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
8 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time ends: anytime
Express check-in available
Check-out time is 10 AM
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions.
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport and train station; guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Children
Up to 10 children (1 year old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite extended parking
Onsite RV/bus/truck parking (fees apply)
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Onsite parking limited
Transfers
Free airport pickup on request (available 24 hours)*
Free train station pick-up*
Offsite
Free area shuttle
Shopping center shuttle*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free local cuisine breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Poolside bar
Coffee shop
Coffee/tea in a common area
Barbecue grills
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
24-hour room service
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Free local shuttle
Grocery/convenience store
Paddleboard on site
Bodyboard on site
What to do
Mountain biking
Horse riding/rentals
Helicopter/airplane tours
Kayaking
Canoe
Sailboat
Boat tours
Rafting
Pedal boat
Inflatable boating
Surfing/body boarding
Surf lessons
Ziplining
Karaoke
Bodyboard on site
Paddleboard on site
Shopping
Pool table
Bicycle tour information
Bike shuttle
Ecotours nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Working away
Computer station
Conference center
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Limo or town car service
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free grocery shopping service
Hair salon
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Bicycle rentals
Bike shuttle
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Water sports equipment
Bodyboard on site
Paddleboard on site
Facilities
ATM/banking
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Fireplace in lobby
Television in common areas
Communal living room
Fitness center
An outdoor pool
Bicycle parking
Marina
Nightclub
Lockers available
Reception hall
Art Deco architecture
Accessibility
Braille/raised signage
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Room amenities
Home comfort
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board
Window screens
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Fireplace
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Freshen up
Partially open bathroom
Shower only
Hair dryer (on request)
Towels
Food and drink
Freezer
Stovetop
Oven
Rice cooker
Toaster oven
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Dishwasher
Blender
Mixer
Spices
Paper towels
More
Daily housekeeping
Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Special features
Dining
Onsite venue - This restaurant specializes in African cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Shopping center shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
Parking
RV/bus/truck parking is available for an extra charge
Does Zinga Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Zinga Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Zinga Backpackers?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Zinga Backpackers?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Zinga Backpackers?
Yes, there's free self and extended parking. Parking spots may be limited. RV/bus/truck parking is available.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Zinga Backpackers?
Yes, a free shuttle from the airport is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Zinga Backpackers?
Check-in ends: anytime. Check-out time is 10 AM. Express check-in is available.
What is there to do at Zinga Backpackers and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and mountain biking. Additional recreation onsite includes helicopter/airplane tours. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hostel's other amenities, which include a nightclub and a fitness center. Zinga Backpackers also has a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Zinga Backpackers?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers African cuisine.
What's the area around Zinga Backpackers like?
Zinga Backpackers is located a short 18-minute walk from Mukuni Park Curio Market.
Zinga Backpackers Reviews
Reviews
8.0
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.2/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Staff & service
7.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
8/10 Very Good
Jul 27, 2017
Easy going staff and always willing to help. I truly recommend this hotel for people who want to enjoy Livingstone.
Arnaud
Arnaud, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 15, 2017
Very friendly staff
I was at zinga for a day and a half (had some bus issues in Lusaka). Very easy to find from the bus station and the staff was very friendly! Thank you for a pleasant stay! I will be back soon to see you guys!
The breakfast was included and it was toast and fried eggs with coffee or teA
The showers are 50/50 hot or cold. Mine was cold
Wifi is moderate.. can search for things but not listen to music
Sarah
Sarah, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 12, 2017
Great Place to Stay!!
Extremely friendly staff, especially Gift and Bornwell. They are always eager to help with anything you need or any questions you have. Solid location, close enough to walk into town and just a short taxi to the Falls. Thank you again for hosting!!
Evan
Evan, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 15, 2016
Excellent backpackers spot
We highly recommend Zinga for backpackers! It was a short 15 minute walk from the bus station when we arrived from Lusaka.
We stayed 3 nights during the low season - the first 2 nights we camped in our own tent and then were very kindly offered a night in one of the chalets at no extra cost. There are good spots for camping at the back part of the property and the chalet was great with its own private shower. The overall theming of the place is awesome with lots of cool designs and is all very well kept. There's a large fully stocked kitchen outside (all utensils, pots, burners etc.) as well as a smaller one inside. We cooked every night we were there and there's a small market less than a minute walk away to buy stuff. The bar area is set up right beside the pool and stocks beers and ciders at reasonable prices. Breakfast and wifi were great and can't say enough about how kind and helpful the staff were! They'll happily organise activities at the falls or a taxi and helpful information about the town too. It's also owned/run by Zambians, unlike the other British ones in Livingstone.
Pieter
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 19, 2016
Great staff, friendly atmosphere
had a great stay in a triple room with mosquito nets. breakfast in the morning was reasonably priced and tasty. staff was great, and booked everything we asked for quickly. Michael is a fantastic resource for things to do around Livingstone, including the magical Rapids 21, a beautiful beach off of the Zambezi which is hidden in the forest.
James
Verified Hotels.com guest review
4/10 Fair
Feb 24, 2016
Under Construction.
When I booked this hostel, I let the photos make my decision. When I arrived I found the location not nearly as Central as described and the surrounding are seemed more shady then nearly every other part of town. The place was full of kids and the setting was more of a backyard. I found it wired that the first thing they do before you sign in was watch a local video for a activity company. I don't know how long this place has been around but it looked as if 70% of the rooms were being built.
The room itself was a good experience for traditional African design. The lizards and large spiders in your room are a bonus. The netting didn't seem to help though and it leeked when it rained. The local staff seemed to be running the show like a PT job.
The location is not near the town like I expected from the map and I was surprised there was no gate guard and I wandered in and out of the grounds at all hours with no notice. Also I took three local taxi and no one had heard of the place. It was extreamly hars to sleep with all the houses next door with kids yellibg, music at 2 am and dogs barking. Also no fans made it very hot and humit the few nights i was there. Also walking around the area I was approached by a number of "Street women" and shade men hanging around. I definitely would question why there is no security around the hostel, unlike ever other one in town.
But if you want to feel like your in a small village for a few days. This would be an interesting stop
Verified traveler
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Oct 15, 2015
Good budget Backpackers
Good budget option in Livingstone. A bit out of town but walk took 40 minutes or so but Skoolboy will drive you in and pick you up if required. Skoolboy went out of his way to make our stay comfortable and as action packed as possible.
Richard and Norma are also extremely helpful and lovely.
Would stay again.
Claire
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Jan 7, 2018
Bedregeri
Inte så bra, försökte ta dubbelt betal för vistelsen!
Francisco
Francisco, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 3, 2017
Tolles Hostel, familiär, super Preis/Leistung!
Perfekter Ort in Livingstone, hervorragende Gastfreundschaft, tolle Leute.
Simon
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Nov 22, 2015
Bruno
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Oct 29, 2015
Echt Afrikaans
Wie een authentieke slaap gelegenheid zoekt komt hier volledig aan zijn trekken.
Nederlands sprekende gastheer, zeer vriendelijk. De gratis shuttle service geld alleen van- en niet naar het vliegveld. Dinner en andere consumpties zeer aantrekkelijk geprijsd.