the only thing i would say is that the beds are not too comfortable, but definitely not bad!

it was such a lovely place, way more beautiful than the pictures! such a nice place to relax. everything was amazing. the dog was sweet and their cat was so cuddly. super clean and nice shower too + washing facilities. we sat by the fireplace outside for hours (bring some warm clothes as the height of the area makes it very chilly in the evening) read their directions, screenshot them beforehand for if you don’t have connection! you need them. very fun to stay in a more traditional African place

Stayed in April 2024

The staff are so friendly , sweety. I like this place , i feel like at ur home Dorm ar Nice et the shower crazy

Stayed in April 2024

Hosts have to be prepared to a rudimentary Comfort! The place is aptly named: it is for bag-packers! The mosquitoes screens of the first room had holes and should be changed..

The manager. Mark was a fantastic host, a delicious person who gave us great advices and excellent informations. He also took care of us very closely. He upgraded us changing our room during the stay without asking for a supplement. He had to manage the delivery of our luggage and did it with great kindness. He made our stay unique.

Stayed in February 2024

The road, which I was a bit concerned, if it disappears during the rain in the night

Host is really nice and helpful

Stayed in February 2024

It's not really a negative point, just a note: To get to the accommodation you need to go on smaller roads with some holes, the roads are not all in the best condition. Try to arrive before it's dark, because the place is not that easy to find, you basically have to go through half the village. Mark sends a very good description how to get there tho, so for us everything was perfectly fine!

Very nice place, we loved to stay there, it has a very special vibe. It lies somewhat remote, at the end of a small village, in the middle of the "highlands" on/near the Panorama Route. The rooms have everything you need, there's a shower, toilet and kitchen and a common room to get together. Mark is a nice guy, and we felt comfortable. We loved the vibe of the accommodation and found it interesting to stay in a more traditional, small village. Can recommend a stay there!

Stayed in January 2024

The property is well located near tourist attraction areas.

Stayed in January 2024

Very friendly host with a spacious stone cabin. We had everything we needed. Well equiped kitchen and quiet location.

Stayed in January 2024

Everything was great. It is more than you expect from a backpacking place. Would also be perfect for families travelling. Do not hesitate

You do really feel in Africa coming to this hotel. Of course as other reviews note the owner makes you feel very welcome here and will give you great advise. The hotel in itself is also very nice and quiet. You have your private shower/toilets and the room is all you need for a few days. Can only recommend. Would easily stay a few days to visit around and feel the local vibe. Thanks a lot.

Stayed in December 2023

The location is in a remote village and Mark was really nice and helpful, the weather wasn't good so we didn't really come out of our house but he was putting some music outside and wanted people to meet each other and socialize at the shared kitchen zone. It was really close to the Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon.

Stayed in November 2023

We arrived at night and it was not easy to find it even using the GPS app.

Friendly owner Mark, the location next to the Blyde River and its canyon is perfect for hiking and visiting other spots.

Stayed in December 2023

The only thing we didn't like was leaving.

More than a comfortable overnight stay, Joy River Backpackers is an experience. Rustic and authentic, just like the affable owner Mark, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the stone house and appreciated the opportunity to spend the night in a genuine South African country house.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing

Mark is a fantastic guy, you can tell he enjoys hosting travellers! Definitely made our stay memorable. He is very attentive and always willing to help and assist. If you like nature and want to have a genuine African experience this is your place.

Stayed in November 2023

Very good location, housing thought out to the smallest detail. There is everything you need for a comfortable stay! my children liked the dog and the cat))) wonderful place and wonderful atmosphere

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing

The Stone house is a really wonderful, it is a big house and the place is impressive and "real". Mark is very friendly and kind and gave us advices and information. We did braai and had a great stay. I wish we stayed there more than one night

Stayed in August 2023

Beautiful setting, comfortable cottage, and a superb host.

Stayed in August 2023

The bed wasn't the most comfortable but you do have multiple beds you can choose from so maybe we just choose the wrong bed :)

Great location, very close to the panorama route. After days of camping we longed for a bath and the host made sure we had enough warm water. Fully equiped kitchen that has everything you need. We didn't have any struggles finding the place. The dog and two cats are a nice bonus too.

Stayed in July 2023

The location is simply stunning in all its parts. The landscapes, the tiny river village in which the hostel is located, and the bungalow which are essential yet comfortable. Sure this is a place where you have to go if you are adventurous yet, there is hot-water, all the necessary and more to cook, and the host is fully prepared with the scheduled smart-blackouts. The host is easygoing, interesting, and really give good suggestions if you ask. (Ask him on how to get there from Johannesburg you will save a couple of hours of travel)

Stayed in May 2023

If you are looking for a real local place, this is perfect. You will leave as local people, in a very original place. Do not be afraid about the situation, it is very close to very well know spots. If you are looking for European /American comfort ( WiFi, TV, microwave, hot water and electricity all day…) this is not probably the best place for you. We really enjoy it with our family …

Stayed in April 2023

Mattresses were a bit hard.

The stone cottage was very clean and neat. Everything you may need is there. Marc was very friendly and helpful. Awesome experience, thoroughly enjoyed it! Loved the dog, Jakkals!

Stayed in April 2023

The Double Bed was a nightmare. It was more or less a hammock in all four directions.

Mark is a great host and it was very nice staying there.

Stayed in April 2023

Loud music from nearby shebeen

The rustic athmosphere

Stayed in April 2023

Me and my friends had really liked the location of the accomadation. Then, the host was very kind and he gave us a lot of recommendations. Ideal place to spend time with families or friends and if you would like to visit Blyde river canyon.

Stayed in April 2023

Our host Mark was very welcoming and made sure we find the easy route and get there safe. He shared recommendations for the trek options in Blyde River Canyon. The location is close to Bourke's Luck Potholes.

Stayed in March 2023

we would have taken a wifi connection (but the internet connection will works on your phone) and the place was missing some lights on the day.

We loved Mark and his furry friend ! he was always there when we needed anything. We booked the suite, and it was super clean. The place was very big as well, perfect kitchen with all equipment you need to cook. Hot shower was perfect and we even had a clothing washing machine. there is an access to the river, and the sound of the river was nice to have when sleeping. The place is located in front on the Potholes site, so very central.

Stayed in March 2023