Jinja Backpackers

It was peaceful inside the fenced compound, with security guards and a relaxed outdoor area. The dogs there are friendly, and the staff were kind and gave great service. My room was comfortable and clean, and the bathroom was very clean as well. The food was great, too.

We came for a weekend as three families, and Jinja Backpackers felt like home. The staff, especially Ivan, were kind, helpful, and flexible. We could use the percolator for hot water whenever we wanted. I'm not usually a fish person, but I loved the fish curry. The children had plenty to do, with free bikes and scooters, quiet reading spots, gazebos for card games, and friendly dogs around. The clean rooms were affordable and each had its own character. One family took the $90 quadruple room, which felt like a small home; another had a $70 private cabin tucked among greenery. My family stayed in the 8-bed dorm, with a private bathroom wing that worked well for our big group. A single dorm bed is also available for $15. We loved it and can't wait to return.

The bar and restaurant are good, and the place is cute, clean, and friendly. But a persistent noise from the toilet, probably a water pump, kept me awake all night. Sleeping is the main thing I needed from a hostel, and that didn't work out. Since it isn't cheap either, I don't think it was worth it.

The homemade food was wonderfully tasty, and the rooms were clean with great showers. James's walking tour and boat tour are well worth trying. A great place to stay in Jinja, five stars all around!