Kalulu Backpackers

Beer is available at the bar, and food costs K50 a portion, though be ready for a wait if you order. The place felt run-down, the showers were dirty, and dishes had been left unwashed. The facilities didn’t feel very welcoming, and I’m sure there are cozier places to stay.

The location was pretty good, close to Levy Mall and the bus station. Everything else made this one of the worst hostels I’ve stayed in. The Wi-Fi never worked for me, and the toilets and taps weren’t working properly. One night I was in the shower with shampoo in my hair when the water suddenly stopped. I had to leave the bathroom and find someone while still covered in shampoo. Awful experience.

Rooms were available when we needed somewhere after arriving late in Lusaka, and they’re decent enough. That’s about the only plus for me. The rooms are near the bar, and staff noise carries on late, so getting sleep can be difficult. Water was so unreliable that after more than one night you could forget about showering or flushing the toilet. I’ve stayed here three times and disliked it every time. I guess I still haven’t learned to book the other places early.

For the same price, there are better places. The kitchen was dirty, full of insects, and didn’t have the tools you need. The toilet was never clean, and the mattress seemed ancient, at least 100 years old. There’s no restaurant either. Pretty terrible.