Your stay — Tekweni Backpackers
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Durban.
The Property — Tekweni Backpackers
Tekweni Backpackers is a laid-back, no-frills hostel in a quiet, tree-lined street off the bustling Florida Road. The lobby's eclectic decor, a mix of vintage and modern furniture, sets the tone for a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for solo travellers and backpackers on a budget. The hostel's USP lies in its proximity to the city's famous Golden Mile beaches and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, making it an ideal base for surfers, sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers. The staff's warm welcome and insider knowledge add to the hostel's charm, making you feel like part of a community.
Chronicles of Durban
Durban, founded in 1835 as a British colonial outpost, has a rich history of cultural exchange and architectural influences. The city's unique blend of Edwardian, Art Deco, and Indian styles reflects its complex past, with the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Victoria Embankment showcasing its modern side. Durban's contemporary identity is shaped by its Afro-Indian heritage, with the city hosting the annual eThekwini International Jazz Festival and the Durban July horse racing event. The city's Indian connection is evident in its vibrant markets, street food, and cultural festivals, making it a melting pot of flavours and traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Full Durban guide →Best months
The best months to visit Durban are September and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F), and the crowds are manageable. November is also a good option, with the summer crowds dissipating and the mercury still hovering around 22°C (72°F).
Peak / festival surge
December is peak tourist season, with schools on summer break and the festive atmosphere drawing in visitors. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially during the peak season's events like the Durban July horse racing event. Hotel prices tend to rise by up to 20% during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Expect discounts of up to 30% on accommodation, making it an ideal time to visit Durban on a budget.
Weather & packing
Durban's climate is subtropical, with high humidity and occasional summer thunderstorms. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for the surprise showers.
Live City Briefing — Durban
- The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has introduced a new, free bus service connecting the city centre to the beaches and popular attractions, making it easier to get around without a car.
- The Durban Harbour has undergone a significant revamp, with new restaurants, shops, and attractions opening along the waterfront, including the popular Ushaka Marine World.
- The city is gearing up for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium expected to host several matches; visitors can expect increased security and road closures around the stadium during this time.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tekweni Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) as they are further away from the street noise and the nearby bars and restaurants on the lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor as they are closest to the street and may experience more noise from pedestrians and traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address of Tekweni Backpackers in Durban does not provide a clear indication of a specific view. However, rooms on higher floors may have a view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience some noise from the street, especially on weekends when bars and restaurants are open late. Additionally, the location is close to a main road, which may cause some traffic noise.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as this may be worth the extra cost for a more comfortable stay. Be prepared for a basic, no-frills experience at a 3-star hotel. Tekweni Backpackers is a practical choice for budget travelers, but don't expect luxurious amenities or services.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Tekweni Backpackers
Free fibre-optic Wi-Fi; no login constraints
Servicing all floors; no historic sections
Complimentary access to PressReader; no physical newspapers
08:00-22:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00, R100 fee thereafter
Available at reception; R10 per bag per night
Step-free access to main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available; limited wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities
On-site parking available; R20 per night; nearest public car park, City Parkade, R10 per hour; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: R500 advance deposit + R1,000 incidental card hold at check-in (valid for 7 nights)
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Olive Tree Church (99 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Olive Tree Church(Florida Road) (282 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Lambert Road Baptist Church (949 m · ~12 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Umgeni road temple (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
City View Shopping Centre — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Sutton park — 996 m · ~12 min walk
Amphitheatre — 2.0 km · ~26 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 545 m · ~7 min walk
Shell Select — 254 m · ~3 min walk
Durban — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs; avoid exchanging at airports or tourist bureaux for poor rates. Be prepared to show your passport and pay a commission.
Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted, with many merchants also accepting contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay); some smaller vendors might not accept credit cards, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Tipping is generally around 5-10% in restaurants, 10-20 Rands for taxi rides, and 10-20 Rands per day for hotel staff; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is also acceptable.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found for around 10-15 Rands at a street vendor or small café.
A budget lunch option might be a street food snack or a take-out meal from a local eatery for around 20-30 Rands.
A cheap dinner option could be a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around 50-70 Rands or a take-out meal from a local eatery for around 30-40 Rands.
Street food is commonly found in areas like Grey Street, Chetty Street, and the beachfront promenade.
Popular budget supermarket chains in the area include Pick n Pay, Spar, and Shoprite.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at malls like Gateway Theatre of Shopping or the Pavilion, while markets like the Berea Market offer a range of affordable clothing and souvenirs.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the Rea Vaya bus system (a single ride costs around 4 Rands, with a daily pass available for 25 Rands); from the airport, the cheapest option is the Airport Shuttle (around 20 Rands).
Use public transport instead of taxis or ride-hailing services to save money.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of mid-range restaurants.Shop at local markets or second-hand stores for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Durban, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Tekweni Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 545 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Silver Oaks Boutique Hotel → City Centre or Berea
💡 Flag down any minibus with the correct route number. Sit by the driver and say 'driver stop' when you want to get off—no fixed stops. Not recommended for solo women after dark.
King Shaka International Airport → Silver Oaks Boutique Hotel
💡 Peak hours (6-9am, 4-7pm) push fares up to R500; request the ride inside the terminal to avoid surge pricing.
King Shaka International Airport → Silver Oaks Boutique Hotel
💡 Pre-book online for a fixed rate; avoid meter taxis at arrivals—they often double the fare.
Silver Oaks Boutique Hotel → uShaka Marine World or Golden Mile
💡 Pay with cash or buy a multi-ride card at the Tourist Junction. The red route runs along the beachfront—useful for sunny day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Tekweni Backpackers?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) as they are further away from the street noise and the nearby bars and restaurants on the lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tekweni Backpackers?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor as they are closest to the street and may experience more noise from pedestrians and traffic.
Is Tekweni Backpackers noisy?
Guests may experience some noise from the street, especially on weekends when bars and restaurants are open late. Additionally, the location is close to a main road, which may cause some traffic noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Tekweni Backpackers?
Unfortunately, the address of Tekweni Backpackers in Durban does not provide a clear indication of a specific view. However, rooms on higher floors may have a view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Tekweni Backpackers?
Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as this may be worth the extra cost for a more comfortable stay. Be prepared for a basic, no-frills experience at a 3-star hotel. Tekweni Backpackers is a practical choice for budget travelers, but don't expect luxurious amenities or services.
What time is check-in at Tekweni Backpackers?
Check-in at Tekweni Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tekweni Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
Free fibre-optic Wi-Fi; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tekweni Backpackers?
R10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Tekweni Backpackers?
A budget lunch option might be a street food snack or a take-out meal from a local eatery for around 20-30 Rands.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tekweni Backpackers?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the Rea Vaya bus system (a single ride costs around 4 Rands, with a daily pass available for 25 Rands); from the airport, the cheapest option is the Airport Shuttle (around 20 Rands).
When is the best time to visit Durban?
The best months to visit Durban are September and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F), and the crowds are manageable. November is also a good option, with the summer crowds dissipating and the mercury still hovering around 22°C (72°F).
Top Attractions in Durban
💡 It's only open weekdays. Go between 2pm and 4pm when the school groups thin out. The adjacent library has free public internet terminals.
💡 Best bet for parking is the public lot near the Blue Lagoon end (free, but fills by 10am). The casino's mall has free public toilets and a water fountain.
💡 Bring your own food — the on-site café is pricey and slow. The orchid house is usually kept locked but you can ask at the gate for a key.
💡 If you don't want to pay for the arch climb, walk to the nearby Blue Lagoon side for a free view. The sky car runs less frequently in winter (June–August).
💡 Arrive early on weekdays to find a shady bench near the pier. It gets packed with school groups after 10am.