When that nomad-life is calling but so is work, what can you do except take to the skies and bring your laptop with you? Of all the destinations in the world to visit, Africa is high on many people’s bucket lists.
No doubt you know all about the best cities in South Africa to live in, so why not visit for a while? Here are some of the best places for digital nomads and remote workers to enjoy an African experience and still keep their day jobs.
Cape Co-living – Best Overall Coworking House
- Price: ~$850 – $2250 per month
- Location: Greenpoint Cape Town, South Africa
- Features: Communal outdoor space, pool, 360° terrace, kitchen, weekly cleaning, air-conditioning, no power cuts, Wi-Fi
- Room Types: 9 Fully furnished rooms including en-suite bathrooms
- Organized Activities: Parties, braais, events, networking, yoga
A co-living space with community in mind. Cape Co-living is the ultimate haven for digital nomads in South Africa.
The retreat is housed in a charming Cape Victorian guest house, exuding luxury and history. Nestled in one of Cape Town’s most dynamic, safe, and central neighborhoods, you’ll experience the best of both worlds.
Dive into relaxation with the inviting pool, savor stunning panoramic views from the 360-degree terrace, and relish the convenience of being within easy reach of nearly all the city’s top attractions. Your nomadic journey just found its perfect home base! Plus, no power cuts, and Wi-Fi running 24/7.
What we liked: The community is vetted and goes through an interview process. They take the community aspect seriously and try to give an interactive soft landing to Cape Town.
Check Availability | CapeColiving.com
Neighbourgood East City — Best Commercial Coliving & Coworking
- Price: ~$805 – $956 per month
- Location: Cape Town City Center, South Africa
- Features: Fully furnished rooms, communal outdoor space, kitchen, weekly cleaning, bikes, air-conditioning
- Room Types: Private room, apartment, suite
- Organized Activities: Parties, events, networking, yoga
- Other Locations: Bree Street, Cape Quarter
- Ratings: Coliving.com (3.8 out of 5 – 6 reviews), Google (4.8 out of 5 – 60 reviews)
Digital Nomads and young professionals alike will rejoice in this comfy contemporary, and warmly decorated space. The leases are flexible, and all suites come with en-suite bathrooms and TVs. The communal areas are spacious, and the terrace is a delight on a sunny day.
The high-speed internet will facilitate all of your working needs. What’s more, you’ll even get discounts from other local businesses in the area. While you can stay as long as you want, the longer your lease, the less you pay. Ideally located in the town’s center near plenty of coffee shops and nightlife.
What we liked: The extra discounts for other businesses in the area.
Check Availability | Coliving.com
Long Street Backpackers — Best Party Hostel
- Price: ~$15 – $84 per night
- Location: City Center, Cape Town
- Features: Communal kitchen, fiber Wi-Fi, TV room, pool table, bar, barbecue facilities
- Room Types: Double room, twin room, single room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: None
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.5 out of 5 – 143 reviews), Google (4.2 out of 5 – 323 reviews)
Called “The Soul of Long Street”, this hostel is in the epicenter of Cape Town’s nightlife and city buzz. The indoor courtyard is a peaceful spot to enjoy the weather while you work and take a break to play some ping pong with fellow travelers.
If you fancy a view over town, head over to one of the sun-drenched balconies and grab a drink from the bar once the sun sets. There’s always some form of entertainment going on, so you’ll be steeped in a welcoming and homely community.
What we liked: The sense of community is strong here, and the beautiful location packs a punch.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
CURIOCITY Backpackers — Best Adventuring Hostel
- Price: ~$22 – $47
- Location: Maboneng, Johannesburg
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, communal kitchen, hot tub, laundry services, bar, rooftop terrace, communal lounges, games room, bike rental
- Room Types: Double room, apartment, dormitory
- Organized Activities: Inner-city tours, Soweto township tours, cycle rides, pub crawls, picnics in the sky, CurioSafaris
- Other Locations: Cape Town & Durban
- Ratings: Facebook (4.8 out of 5 – 21 reviews), Google (4.4 out of 5 – 691 reviews)
This industrial-chic hostel, is the perfect pitstop for a true African experience for digital nomads. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, that is when you aren’t working on the fast Wi-Fi in the communal lounge or your private room.
The beds are clean and comfortable, and some rooms even have their own private splash pool. There may not be an air-con, but every room is equipped with a fan. The prices are extremely reasonable for such a great location, too.
What we liked: The number of organized activities is great for the remote worker who needs some vacationing inspiration.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Ansteys Beach Backpackers — Best Beach Hostel
- Price: ~$108 – $265 per night
- Location: Anstey Beach, Durban
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, proximity to beach, garden, bar, café, housekeeping, air-conditioning, gift shop, restaurant, pool table
- Room Types: Self-catering apartment, double room, twin room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: None
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.5 out of 5 – 34 reviews), Google (4.1 out of 5 – 429 reviews)
Tucked away in a leafy beach suburb just outside of Durban, this charming hostel is minutes away from a beach paradise. The atmosphere is relaxed and homey, perfect for finding that quiet time to get some work done.
There are no dedicated workspaces, but there are plenty of seating areas to use the fiber internet at your disposal. Or you can work from your private room if you prefer.
Grab a sundowner at Heidi’s Café above the pool after work, or take a stroll along the beach. On your day off, organize a day trip to Hluhluwe Game Reserve for a real African adventure.
What we liked: Proximity to a gorgeous beach is a big plus, and the rooms are delightful.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Never At Home — Best Central Location
- Price: ~$39 – $131 per night
- Location: Green Point, Cape Town
- Features: Free high-speed fiber Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, shared kitchen, communal lounge, book exchange, proximity to attractions, pool, bar
- Room Types: Double room, twin room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: Beer pong competitions, braai night, pool competition
- Other Locations: Kloof Street
- Ratings: Facebook (4.9 out of 5 – 97 reviews), Google (4.4 out of 5 – 508 reviews)
Enough can’t be said about this ultra-modern hostel. Most rooms have private bathrooms and air-conditioning for crazy Cape summers. The communal workspace is the perfect spot to get in your work zone. After hours grab some local cuisine from the on-site restaurant or head to one of the many local joints nearby.
Ideally located on the Green Point Strip, it’s close to the V&A Waterfront, as well as 15 minutes away from Clifton Beach. Cape Town Center is only 10 minutes away too, so it truly is in the center of everything. When it comes to activities, you’ll have plenty to choose from
Plus, the staff are more than happy to help arrange activities for you, from wine tours to sky-diving adventures.
What we liked: The central location caters to everyone’s traveling tastes, whether you prefer city life, beach vibes, or sightseeing.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
91 Loop Boutique Hostel — Best Ultra-Modern Hostel
- Price: ~$32 – $206
- Location: Loop Street, Cape Town
- Features: Free fiber Wi-Fi, free breakfast, bar, restaurant, central location, proximity to public transport, extra-long beds, air-conditioning
- Room Types: Double room, twin room, triple room, family room, dormitory, air-conditioned pod
- Organized Activities: Live music, board game evenings, beer pong championship, excursions to the beach and Lion’s Head, walking tours
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.7 out of 5 – 77 reviews), Google (4.5 out of 5 – 989 reviews)
This ultra-chic hostel has a lot going for it. Just one block away from trendy Bree Street and with plenty of other attractions close by, you can hop on the bus that stops outside and easily set off on an adventure.
That is when you aren’t taking advantage of the fast Wi-Fi and communal spaces to catch up on work. It’s a relaxing space for all that it’s super modern, but if you crave some adrenalin just chat to the in-house travel agent for some shark cage diving tours.
What’s more, you’ll get discounts on food from the on-site restobar, The Honeybadger Bar & Restaurant.
What we liked: The rooms are chic and comfortable, and the communal spaces are perfect. Close proximity to public transport is great too.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Urban Hive Backpackers — Best Bohemian Hostel
- Price: ~$24 – $78 per night
- Location: Long Street, Cape Town
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, bar, balconies, central location, TV lounge, billiard room, proximity to nightlife, communal kitchen, bar
- Room Types: Double room, twin room, single room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: Sunday barbecue (braai)
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.6 out of 5 – 21 reviews), Google (4.2 out of 5 – 182 reviews)
Situated in a gorgeous blue-and-white striped Victorin heritage building, some of these brightly decorated rooms come with balconies and city views. The bunk beds in the dormitory are an impressive 3 tiers, so watch out if you’re afraid of heights.
Spend your day peacefully working on one of the two panoramic balconies with a drink in hand, or hitch a ride to the famous Table Mountain and hop on the cable car. Once you get back, settle in with a cold cocktail or two at the cozy bar.
If you love clubbing, head to the many hotspots on Long Street and dance the night away.
What we liked: Gorgeous city views and proximity to Table Mountain and public transport.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Saltycrax Backpackers and Surf Hostel — Best Hostel for Water Activities
- Price: ~$30 – $115 per night
- Location: Blouberg, Cape Town
- Features: Wi-Fi, bar, communal kitchen, proximity to beach, furnished rooms, free parking, hot tub, garden, private kitchen and TV in some rooms
- Room Types: Double room, luxury double room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: None
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.9 out of 5 – 208 reviews), Google (4.3 out of 5 – 164 reviews)
Only 6 minutes walk from the beach, this delightful property is the perfect location to surf with Table Mountain as a backdrop. The airy rooms are clean and refreshing, and the bar and lounge areas ooze casual comfort. Wi-Fi is available, so working from the communal lounge is a pleasure.
The city is about 20-minutes away but if your main crush is water sports like wind-surfing, you won’t be left longing. There is no air-conditioning, but the rooms have fans to help with the summer heat. Local restaurants are about a 10-minute walk away, as are the malls.
What we liked: The comfy communal spaces and gorgeous natural views from the beach.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Atlantic Point Backpackers — Best Budget Hostel
- Price: ~$38 – $60 per night
- Location: Green Point, Cape Town
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, communal kitchen, coworking space, barbecue area, communal lounge with TV, table tennis, billiards table, swimming pool, garden, breakfast
- Room Types: Double room, dormitory
- Organized Activities: None
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.8 out of 5 – 260 reviews), Google (4.5 out of 5 – 254 reviews)
Every playfully designed room is equipped with a ceiling fan and heater to combat any season, and lounge chairs offer suntanning potential in the garden. Only 1km from the Green Point Stadium, sports fans and concert-goers will love this venue.
When it’s time to buckle down and work, the coworking space will satisfy your needs, unless you prefer to work in the casual lounge. There’s also a pool for when you need a quick break during summer.
Although there are self-catering options, there are also plenty of fantastic restaurants with international cuisine within walking distance.
What we liked: Plenty of local restaurants to explore, and proximity to the Waterfront only 10-minutes away.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Green Elephant — Best Hostel for Young Professionals
- Price: ~$27 – $72 per night
- Location: Observatory, Cape Town
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, bar, tour desk, pizza oven, swimming pool, barbecue facility, proximity to public transport, garden
- Room Types: Double room, single room, dormitory, camping grounds
- Organized Activities: Themed communal meals prepared
- Other Locations: None
- Ratings: Facebook (4.8 out of 5 – 157 reviews), Google (4.1 out of 5 – 280 reviews)
Near the University of Cape Town, this area of the suburbs is all about student life and budget friendly accommodation. Pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants featuring all manner of international and local cuisine abound.
The rooms are spacious, as are the communal areas, making finding a comfortable workspace a breeze. There’s even a bar to relax at after a long day of work, or perhaps head to the main road and explore your options there.
The city is only a 10-minute ride away. Travel in the other direction to visit the ancient vineyards of the Southern Suburbs, a favorite tourist stop. If you’re not quite sure what to do, stop by the tour desk on-site for some great options and help making reservations.
What we liked: It’s budget-friendly and relaxed with a great sense of community.
Check Availability | Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
Stay at the Best Coworking Space in South Africa
Choosing to stay in South Africa is never a mistake. As long as you keep to your budget, your South African living expenses wouldn’t hurt your wallet too much while you adventure between work hours.
Whether your preference is for the beach, the wild, or the city, South Africa offers a little piece of perfection to everyone who visits her lands.