There was always a rumour that Nairobi is a very unsafe place. I've just come from there and things have really changed. There is always a policeman in your sight when you are in town. I was residing in YMCA hostels just five minutes drive from the CBD where you can comfortably walk to town. The staff gives you the safety tips before you request them. The city is now greener and the parks more amazing. If you are in a hurry, Nairobi National Park is only fifteen minutes drive west of the city and there is a recreational park Aboretoum next to state near the YMCA hostel where you can taste a forest inside a city. Kenya is exotic, you will always go back when you taste it.
Hostels in Kenya
Looking for the best hostels in Kenya? You are in the right place!
On this page, we have listed every city in Kenya with backpacker hostels and budget-friendly stays. Hostelz.com makes it easy to find your ideal Kenya hostel by comparing prices across major booking platforms. Save money while backpacking Kenya and sleep comfortably on a budget.
All Backpacker Hostels in Kenya
We have got you covered with a complete list of every hostel in Kenya, across 22 cities! Not all cities have hostels, but many offer alternative budget options like guesthouses and affordable hotels. Use our filters to quickly find cities with hostels or other budget accommodations to simplify your trip planning.
All Kenya hostels on a map
Alright, you are more the visual type? Planning your trip with a map is always handy.
Therefore, this map shows you all cities with hostels in Kenya. It will help you to plan your trip. Just zoom in the map and click your destination for more details. Just so you know: If we do not have a hostel in a city, it is likely that there is no hostel in that city.
All Top Hostels in Nairobi
We help you pick your hostel like no one else. Check our detailed guides to:
Our handwritten guide on Backpacking Kenya
Kenya is an East African nation. It has the Indian Ocean on its coastline. This country is one of the most diverse and naturally attractive in the world. The diversity of the local fauna alone attracts visitors from around the world. Known as the home of the safari, Kenya features the famous Wildebeest Migration, zebras, gazelles, topi, eland, and many other species of animal life.
If you want to stay in Kenya, the options are many. You can stay in a tented camp if there isn’t a hostel in the area. These camps are the best way to get in touch with nature. There are also many hostels scattered across the country. These hostels are usually located near landmarks, parks and attractions. Lodges are also available to stay in. Hotels can be found in the cities and around the country. Other types of accommodation include villas, apartments, inns, and cottages.
Water sports are a great way to engage in physical activities in Kenya. The many lakes, rivers, and even the sea offer a plethora of water-based activities for everyone. These include diving, surfing, windsurfing, rowing, and many more. If you prefer to stay on land, you can choose to golf instead. Kenya is famous for its golf clubs and greens.
Other activities you can engage in include hiking to the top of Mount Kenya, paragliding over the Kerio Valley, biking across the valleys of Mount Longonot, and rock climbing in Hell’s Gate. Adventure trails abound in the countryside. The adventure doesn’t end with nature, though. The nightlife in Kenya is famous too. The cities and villages have their own clubs, bars, and pubs that are open all night long.
Cultural diversity is another of the attractions Kenya has to offer. Over 40 different cultures live in harmony in the country. There are people from all parts of the world in Kenya, including Europeans, Asians, and Indians. Other native tribes and cultures are present everywhere too. The best way to experience the cultural identity of Kenya is to stay at a hostel or homestay in one of the smaller villages of the country.
The rich heritage of the country can also be experienced by visiting the many historic buildings and landmarks of the region. The Gede Ruins and Museum are one such place, along with the Fort Jesus Museum, the Lamu Museum, and the Karen Blixen Museum. You can also have a very unique experience at the Nairobi National Museum, Snake Park, and Botanical Gardens as well as the Koobi Fora Prehistoric Site.
Connoisseurs of prehistoric art such as yourself might also enjoy the diverse rock art around the country. Dating back tens of thousands of years, this artwork depicts the history of humanity itself. Other heritage icons include the 6 World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO in Kenya, including the Lamu Old Town, Fort Jesus, the lakes of Kenya, the national parks, and the forests.
You should take the opportunity to visit the parks and forests, both on land and under water. There are marine national parks and forest reserves across Kenya. These are home to many protected species of plant, animal, and marine life.
Handwritten by local expert for Kenya hostels Jakob Lombardi
Travel Tips for Kenya - from the Community
Hey fam! Here are a few more tips from the community, from them to you, and you to them. This space is dedicated for travellers to share their best tips on backpacking Kenya. Have a closer look - the Hostelz community share real hidden gems, insider knowledge and overall impressions of Kenya. Everyone is welcome to add something useful, funny, unexpected and the "absolutely necessary to know before you go" - share, share and then share a little more!
FAQ on Hostels in Kenya
There is a lot of travel planning to do. So let us help you once again by putting together the frequently asked questions:
Finding Hostels and Prices
What hostel booking sites are best to use?
There is several hostel booking sites, such as Hostelworld.com, Hostelsclub.com and Booking.com. While every platform has its pros and cons, there is a universal truth you as a traveler should be aware of: Not a single booking site can always offer the best prices.
This is where Hostelz.com comes in. You can compare all major booking portals with one click.
For you as a traveler, Hostelz.com is the best booking site to actually save money.
How much are hostels in Kenya?
Prices always vary, depending on various factors. Weekends tend to be more expensive, same goes for special holidays. Please also take into account local vaction time.
You can search for exacty hostel prices in Kenya here on Hostelz.com. Pick your destination and pick a date. The system will track down the prices to give an idea of what budget and prices you can expect.
When to book hostels?
If you want to stay at the best hostels, it is a good idea to have your hostel booked around 1 month before you travel. For the regular hostels, booking one week before should be okay. Yet again, this always depends.
We dedicated a full article to the topic of when to book hostels.
Safety and Packing
Are hostels in Kenya safe?
Generally speaking, hostels are as safe as you make them. We highly recommend always to bring your own padlock, using the lockers and taking care of your belongings. Make sure you pick a safe hostel, offering lockers and a safe location. Please always pay attention to the reviews; they can give you a great insight on what to expect and safety tips.
What to pack when staying in hostels?
There is a few basics you should always pack when staying in hostels.
There is more actually. We wrote a complete guide with more details. Read our full hostel packing list.