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Gibela Travellers Lodge
Gibela Travellers Lodge is a budget lodge in Morningside with single-sex dorms and simple single and twin rooms, breakfast included and Florida Road's bars a short walk away.
At a glance
- Type
- Backpacker lodge
- Area
- Morningside, Durban, South Africa
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- gibelatravellerslodge.co.za
Good to know
- Male and female dorms
- Single and twin rooms
- Breakfast included
- Linen included
- Private safes in dorms
Why we recommend it
Gibela Travellers Lodge is a budget lodge on Ninth Avenue in Morningside, one of the residential Berea suburbs above the city centre. It offers simple accommodation for travellers on a tight budget who would rather spend their money on surfing lessons, safaris and bunny chows than on a hotel room, and its suburban setting is a contrast to the busy beachfront.
The room choice is straightforward. There are six-bed dormitories for women and for men, each with three bunk beds, a shared bathroom and a private safe for every guest, and towels can be hired. For more privacy, single rooms and twin rooms share bathrooms and come with towels included. All rooms include linen, and, unusually for a backpacker lodge, breakfast is included in the rate for every room type, which helps keep daily costs down. There are no en-suite rooms, so travellers who want their own bathroom should look elsewhere.
The lodge suits solo travellers, students, young couples and anyone happy with shared facilities. The single-sex dorms are a plus for solo women travellers. With a small number of room types and dorms of six beds rather than large shared halls, it is better suited to people who want a straightforward place to sleep than to those looking for a party hostel.
The location is a strong point. Bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a laundromat are about five minutes' walk away, so you can eat out cheaply without needing transport, and Florida Road is in the same suburb. The Golden Mile beachfront is roughly a 25-minute walk or a short ride-hailing trip, and the city centre is around ten minutes away by bus, with the Victoria Street Market, KwaMuhle Museum, the Natural Science Museum in City Hall and the Durban Art Gallery among the sights there.
Book directly by phone or email, especially for the summer holidays, when budget beds in Durban fill up. Ask about check-in times if you are arriving late from King Shaka International Airport, and use a ride-hailing app at night rather than walking with luggage. Day trips to the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the game reserves further north can be booked with Durban-based tour operators, many of which collect guests from their accommodation.
Gibela Travellers Lodge FAQs
What kinds of rooms are there?
Six-bed male and female dorms, plus single and twin rooms with shared bathrooms.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast is included for all room types.
Are there en-suite rooms?
No. All rooms use shared bathrooms.
Are towels and linen provided?
Linen is included for all beds. Towels are included in private rooms and can be hired in dorms.
How far is the beach?
The Golden Mile beachfront is about a 25-minute walk away.
What is nearby?
Bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a laundromat are about five minutes' walk away.
How do I get to the city centre?
It is about ten minutes by bus, or a short ride-hailing trip.
How do I book?
Contact the lodge by phone or email.