Budget Accommodation in Johannesburg: Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank

May 4, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Discover 7 of the best affordable places to stay in Johannesburg, from backpackers in Soweto to guesthouses in Melville. Ideal for pre/post-safari stays.

Top Budget Accommodation in Johannesburg (2025 Guide)

Johannesburg, South Africa’s energetic metropolis, is far more than just a gateway to iconic safaris in Kruger National Park, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Known as “Jozi” or “Joburg” by locals, this city is bursting with life, history, art, music, and a dynamic fusion of cultures. Whether you’re arriving for a safari launch or spending a few nights after an adventure in the wild, Johannesburg is well worth a deeper look.

And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay here. The city boasts a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options ranging from artistic backpackers to cozy guesthouses and chic affordable boutiques. We’ve curated a list of the top places to stay in Johannesburg on a budget, all offering excellent value, great locations, and unforgettable local experiences.

Why Johannesburg is More Than a Stopover

Many international travelers land at OR Tambo International Airport, the continent’s busiest hub, serving over 20 million passengers annually. Johannesburg often serves as the first stop before heading off on a Kruger safari, a Victoria Falls adventure, or a Botswana bush escape.

But don’t rush through. Joburg is a city of contrasts—raw and refined, gritty and glamorous, always buzzing. Its streets whisper tales of struggle and triumph, while its neighborhoods pulse with art, fashion, and food. From exploring Soweto’s historic townships to wandering the hip alleyways of Maboneng or chilling in boho Melville, there’s a slice of Jozi for every traveler.

1. Authentic African Bicycle Tours and Backpackers – Soweto

If you’re seeking a truly immersive cultural experience, skip the chain hotels and stay with locals in Soweto. This backpackers lodge, owned by Soweto native Lungi, is more than just a bed for the night—it’s a window into South African life.

You’ll stay in private rooms (single, twin or double) within a home-like setting, complete with a shared kitchen, TV lounge, garden, and braai (BBQ) facilities. But the real draw is Lungi himself—a passionate tour guide who offers personalized walking, bicycle, and driving tours through Soweto’s most historic corners. Hear stories of resilience, rebellion, and community directly from someone who’s lived it.

Close to Orlando Stadium, you might even catch a match featuring the famous Orlando Pirates, or watch a local derby if you’re lucky. For thrill-seekers, the Soweto Towers offer bungee jumps and panoramic views. After the adrenaline, grab a cold brew and traditional chow at the popular Chaf Pozi restaurant.

Cost: From R530 per room
Location: Mbele Street, Soweto
Room types: Single, double, twin
Cool factor: Living like a local, led by a local
Accommodation type: Backpackers

Check availability and prices here

2. Curiocity Backpackers – Maboneng Precinct

Maboneng, meaning “Place of Light,” is Johannesburg’s thriving art and design district, and Curiocity Backpackers sits at its center. Housed in a building once used to print underground resistance materials during apartheid, this hostel now welcomes creative travelers seeking inspiration and culture.

From shared dorms to private and premium rooms, Curiocity caters to every budget level. Sip your morning coffee at the Hide Out Bar, join a guided walking tour to explore Maboneng’s street art, or head to The Bioscope for an indie film screening. At night, the vibe turns electric with local music and food markets lighting up the streets.

This hostel is also a perfect base for urban adventuring—Maboneng is walkable, colorful, and packed with artisan cafes, design studios, rooftop bars, and boutique stores.

Cost: From R220 per person (dorm-style)
Location: Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct
Room types: Dorms, private, premium
Cool factor: Historic rebel hideout turned creative oasis
Accommodation type: Backpackers

Book your stay here

3. Life on Third – Melville

Looking for something a bit more peaceful? Nestled in the leafy, bohemian neighborhood of Melville, Life on Third is an upmarket guesthouse that manages to keep things budget-friendly. Its en-suite rooms offer comfort and style, and breakfast is included, making it an excellent value.

Melville itself is a treasure trove of creativity—think street cafes, secondhand bookstores, and sidewalk musicians. From Life on Third, you can take a stroll to 27 Boxes, a shopping mall made from repurposed shipping containers housing fashion boutiques, galleries, and artisanal eateries. Enjoy a lazy brunch at De La Creme, a family-run cafe with excellent pastries and coffee.

The guesthouse is a great choice for couples, digital nomads, and anyone seeking quiet charm with easy access to Johannesburg’s bustling city center.

Cost: From R580 per person per night
Location: Third Avenue, Melville
Room types: Single, double, luxury, family
Cool factor: Tranquil retreat in Jozi’s artsy heart
Accommodation type: Guesthouse

Reserve your room now

4. Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers – Orlando West

Another must-visit in Soweto, Lebo’s Backpackers blends history, community, and traveler comfort in the best way possible. Located in Orlando West, this is the beating heart of anti-apartheid history. Lebo’s is more than just a hostel—it’s a community-driven travel experience.

Guests can stay in everything from camping tents to dorms, family rooms, and self-catering suites. Activities are abundant, from Tuk Tuk tours and cycling excursions to hearty home-cooked dinners shared around the fire with fellow travelers and locals.

Nearby, you’ll find Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners—Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu—once lived. A short walk brings you to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, commemorating the youth-led protests of 1976.

Cost: From R250 per person (dorm-style)
Location: Pooe Street, Orlando West, Soweto
Room types: Dorms, private rooms, family rooms, camping, self-catering
Cool factor: Social impact travel with real soul
Accommodation type: Backpackers/Camping/Guesthouse

Book directly through their site

5. Pablo House – Melville

Want to splurge without going overboard? Pablo House is a boutique hotel offering what it calls “affordable luxury.” Set on the highest point in Melville, it offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city and the lush Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.

Each room is designed with contemporary flair and top-tier comfort. While slightly above the traditional budget bracket, its value lies in the exceptional quality, central location, and warm service that guests rave about. You’re just minutes away from 7th Street’s bars and restaurants, as well as the trendier side of Linden, known for coffee roasters and brunch havens like The Whippet or Paputzi’s.

Cost: From R2,150 per person per night
Location: 4th Avenue, Melville
Room types: Standard and deluxe
Cool factor: Sleek design meets cityscape serenity
Accommodation type: Boutique Hotel

Check availability for your dates

6. Brown Sugar Backpackers – Observatory

One of the most beloved and long-standing budget backpackers in Johannesburg, Brown Sugar combines affordability with unique atmosphere. Located just 6 km from the central business district, it’s within easy reach of trendy areas like Melville and Linden.

This property was formerly an ex-mafia mansion, and it still retains an old-school charm with castle-like architecture, sprawling grounds, large trees, and even a swimming pool. Accommodation options are varied, ranging from camping sites and dorms to private rooms and family units.

The staff are known for their friendliness and deep local knowledge, helping guests plan outings, city tours, and even transportation. It’s a fantastic base for travelers looking for a safe, social, and budget-conscious place to stay.

Cost: From R250 per person (dorm-style)
Location: 75 Observatory Avenue
Room types: Camping, dorms, singles, doubles, triples, family
Cool factor: Historic mansion with a backpacker soul
Accommodation type: Backpackers

Check availability here

7. The Melville Turret Guesthouse – Melville

Offering a more traditional charm, The Melville Turret is a guesthouse that combines historical character with modern comfort. Housed in a lovingly restored 1906 building, this B&B is ideal for those who want a relaxed environment within close proximity to everything Joburg has to offer.

Guests can choose from budget rooms, standard en-suites, or self-catering units. The guesthouse is conveniently located near the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, and the Gautrain station that links to OR Tambo Airport.

Whether you’re a leisure traveler or on a business trip, the central location and reasonable prices make this a smart choice. The leafy surrounds, private patios, and attentive service offer a peaceful reprieve from the city buzz.

Cost: From R475 (budget rooms)
Location: 118 Second Avenue, Melville
Room types: Self-catering, budget, standard rooms
Cool factor: Historic character meets urban convenience
Accommodation type: Guesthouse

Book your stay here

Why Stay in Johannesburg Before or After a Safari?

Johannesburg is more than a stopover city. It’s a place where history, innovation, and culture collide. Whether you’re waiting to begin your Kruger National Park safari or winding down after a long adventure, Jozi offers an enriching urban contrast to the wild.

Many tour operators use Johannesburg as a launchpad to Kruger, Botswana, or Namibia, making it logical—and often necessary—to spend a night or two here. But with so many cool and affordable places to stay, why not make your stay longer?

Each of the guesthouses and backpackers listed above has its own personality—from edgy and artistic to serene and historic. No matter your travel style or budget, Johannesburg has the perfect bed for you.

Final Thoughts: Affordable Accommodation in Jozi

Whether you’re a backpacker, a couple on a romantic break, or a solo explorer planning the ultimate African adventure, there’s budget accommodation in Johannesburg to suit your needs. From Soweto’s soulful hostels to Melville’s leafy guesthouses, Jozi’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself.

So next time you’re planning your safari, add a few extra days in Johannesburg. Dive into the city’s stories, explore its neighborhoods, and stay in one of its many budget-friendly gems.

Explore more:
Top Things to Do in Johannesburg on a Budget
Best Day Trips from Johannesburg
African Safari Accommodation Options
Big 5 Game Reserves Near Johannesburg
Cultural Attractions in Gauteng Province