Riverlodge Backpackers is a 3-star graded backpacking hostel in Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape, set within the tranquil Oude Molen Eco Village at 80 Alexandra Road, just 10 minutes from Cape Town city centre. Established 26 years ago and run by manager Robert, Riverlodge Backpackers offers dorm rooms, double rooms, family units, and two secure campsites within an eco-friendly village that also includes horse stables, a swimming pool, a farm stall café, and a crèche. Riverlodge Backpackers is an accredited Baz Bus stop and sits directly opposite Pinelands railway station, roughly 15 kilometres from Cape Town International Airport.

Rooms and Accommodation Types

Riverlodge Backpackers offers a range of self-catering, budget-friendly accommodation across dorms, private rooms, family units, and campsites.

• Mixed dorm rooms, including an 8-bed dorm on 5 bunk beds
• A 4-bed dorm room with 2 bunk beds
• Double rooms with a double bed
• Family units
• Two secure campsites for vehicles and tents within the gardens

Rooms feature personal lockers, reading lights, and linens, with some rooms offering en-suite bathrooms and others sharing family bathrooms with showers and bathtubs. Riverlodge Backpackers is described by guests as clean and homely, with high ceilings and wooden floors that stay cool in summer and cosy in winter. Check-in time is 14:00, and free Wi-Fi with speeds of 25+ Mbps is available throughout the property.

Facilities and Communal Spaces

Riverlodge Backpackers is built around a large, spacious self-catering kitchen and several relaxed communal areas for guests to unwind.

• Large communal kitchen with BBQ facilities
• Bar and pool table in the lounge
• DSTV in the lounge
• Fireplace for cooler evenings
• Large stoep, lawns, and hammocks
• Braai area
• Laundry service
• Free self parking and a luggage room
• Travel desk for booking tours, activities, and onward travel

Riverlodge Backpackers also offers a shuttle service and is close to a bus stop, giving guests easy access to Cape Town’s public transport network. Note that alcohol is not permitted on the premises.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Riverlodge Backpackers sits directly opposite Pinelands railway station, a 3-minute walk from the platform, and close to Vincent Pallotti Hospital. The hostel is roughly 6 kilometres from the Castle of Good Hope, 2.3 kilometres from Rhodes Memorial, 2.5 kilometres from Groote Schuur, and around 200 metres from the Know Thy Farmer farm stall. Riverlodge Backpackers is approximately 15 kilometres from Cape Town International Airport and about a 12-minute drive from the Cape Town city centre.

Getting There and Contact

Riverlodge Backpackers is at Oude Molen Eco Village, 80 Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7405. By car, turn left into Alexandra Road towards Vincent Pallotti Hospital, continue past the traffic lights opposite Pinelands Railway Station, then turn left into Oude Molen Eco Village and left again at the traffic control boom; the Riverlodge sign is about 10 metres inside the entrance on the right. By train, take the Cape Flats line to Pinelands Station, cross Alexandra Road towards the mountain, enter the Oude Molen village gate, pass security at the car control boom, and turn left — it’s a 3-minute walk from the station.

• Phone: +27 21 448 0526
• Email: in**@***********co.za
• Website: riverlodge.co.za
• Accredited Baz Bus stop

Best For

Riverlodge Backpackers suits budget-conscious solo travellers, backpackers, groups, and school trips looking for affordable, self-catering accommodation close to the airport and city centre. Reviewers specifically praise staff members Tebogo and L at Security for friendly, informative service, and one reviewer highlighted the convenience of being under 3 kilometres from a marathon start line thanks to the hostel’s central Pinelands location. Riverlodge Backpackers is well suited to outdoor-minded guests, with snorkelling, diving, and canoeing activities available in the surrounding area, and its gardens, hammocks, and braai area make it a relaxed base for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Riverlodge Backpackers located?
A: Riverlodge Backpackers is at Oude Molen Eco Village, 80 Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7405. It sits directly opposite Pinelands railway station and about a 12-minute drive from Cape Town city centre.

Q: What types of rooms does Riverlodge Backpackers offer?
A: Riverlodge Backpackers offers mixed dorm rooms, including an 8-bed dorm and a 4-bed dorm, double rooms, family units, and two secure campsites for vehicles and tents. Rooms include personal lockers, reading lights, and linens.

Q: How far is Riverlodge Backpackers from Cape Town International Airport?
A: Riverlodge Backpackers is approximately 15 kilometres from Cape Town International Airport, roughly a 10-minute drive. This makes it convenient for guests arriving on late-night flights.

Q: Is Riverlodge Backpackers a Baz Bus stop?
A: Yes, Riverlodge Backpackers is an accredited Baz Bus stop, making it easy for backpackers travelling the Baz Bus route to add it to their itinerary. It also offers its own on-site shuttle service.

Q: Does Riverlodge Backpackers have a kitchen guests can use?
A: Yes, Riverlodge Backpackers has a large, spacious self-catering kitchen along with BBQ facilities and a braai area. The lounge also has DSTV, a bar, and a pool table.

Q: Can you camp at Riverlodge Backpackers?
A: Yes, Riverlodge Backpackers offers two secure campsites for vehicles and tents within its gardens. Riverlodge Backpackers describes itself as the only backpacking lodge in Cape Town offering this camping option.

Q: Is alcohol allowed at Riverlodge Backpackers?
A: No, alcohol is not permitted on the premises at Riverlodge Backpackers. Guests should plan accordingly if this is part of their travel expectations.

Q: Is there parking at Riverlodge Backpackers?
A: Yes, Riverlodge Backpackers offers free self parking on site. The hostel is also close to a bus stop for guests without their own transport.

Q: What is check-in time at Riverlodge Backpackers?
A: Check-in time at Riverlodge Backpackers is 14:00 local time. Guests can contact the hostel directly on +27 21 448 0526 to confirm arrangements for early or late arrivals.

For more backpacker accommodation and budget-friendly stays in Cape Town, browse our Cape Town event venues directory, or explore all Western Cape event venue listings on Event Venues SA for venues across the province.