I was there in April 2016. The place is excellent, good service, close to Ushaka Marine World with bars and restaurants. The Peoples Mover bus stop is also near and the placid Indian Ocean just a few minutes walk. I hope to go back. (Eduardo from Ecuador)

Nice clean bedding and showers. Friendly staff. All rooms open into an open lounge. Community kitchen complete with cups & pots etc. Lovely rooftop garden and bar area. Safe parking inside the locked garage. Value for money and safe! Will visit again.

Is super cool hostel were all ages are welcome. They have events happening on the rooftop during the week or weekend. They have fantastic parking. And is very affordable to visit and explore the country. I would not overlook this as it is a fantastic experience. The only sad thing is that theres so much load shedding in Durban that it gets a bit hot sometimes. But the hospitality and services provided make up for everything

I find myself gravitating to this awesome backpackers every year I visit Durban. The accommodation is neat and tidy. A lot of travellers seeking a peace of mind. Usually meet a lot of great people over here.Theres a rooftop with good music, a laundry service and it very close to Ushaka Marine and a reliable transport system. Check it out!

Wow... What a clean and friendly environment my friend refered me to. The reception stuff are very welcoming and friendly. Will be coming back again in December. Thank you happy hippo crew. I love the hotel so much that I cant wait to check in again. 😘

This hostel is filled with families which leads to being filled with kids running around. Most rooms have no abilities to have the doors locked which was the most uncomfortable part of the stay. The main person we saw regularly that was working seemed very unwelcoming and as if she had an attitude with us the moment we knocked on the door. The other two receptionist we saw were great but seemed to be more of a back up. This place literally just feels as if your staying in a huge families house that doesnt really want you there, staring at you any time they get the chance, with a bunch of kids running around day and night. Good things is nothing was found to be missing even though we had anxiety about no locks. Also they do have a security guard that sits in the lobby once reception closes at 10. A positive thing is that it is pretty close to the beach but more on the end of where the strip ends and also very close to Shaka Marine World.

This place is within walking distance of ushaka marine world. The place was always clean and the staff was helpful, friendly and kind. Thanks for making our stay a pleasant one.

Scenic views from the rooftop, excellent entertainment on offer daily and very clean toilets and area. Well priced bar and convenience of uShaka Marine less than 200m away and the beach 500m. Durban couldnt be enjoyed any better for this price!

Beautiful hidden gem in Durban cant believe I never knew about this place.

Great place to be, beautiful decor, friendly staff, beautiful views on the balcony, the area is safe (police are patrolling). The problem was wifi, theres no connection at all upstairs, its good for people who need to interact more but not for business travellers who need to check their emails. Looking forward into visiting again very soon

Had a great stay here. Nice to be in the city. Secure parking for my car 🚗 great vibe on the rooftop bar. Loads of space in the living area with the coolest decor to get up to anything. A must stay if backpacking through durban.

Its clean, friendly, beautiful, big. BUT HAS some mosquito or insects that wouldnt quit biting. I hope its not bed bug. Seems clean enough. i love the privacy coz its Huge. perfect place to be a hermit. Ive never seen a more antisocial hostel ever.

So receptive and lovely... Thanks happy hippo, shall come again

A popular backpackers hostel, but in the wrong part of town. Expect to get very little sleep. We did not complete our stay after a drunk local managed to reverse their car into Reception at 4 AM. Management also failed to disclose that The Happy Hippo was not only a hostel but also a nightclub.

They accommodated my last minute change of plans and helped me book tours. All in an inviting setting which is close to lots of stores and shops

Happy hippo is a very Dope accommodation. Situated close to everything including Durban north beach, Shaka marine world and the boat hobour. However the service from the people working there was very poor and thats one of the reasons we are not going back there the next time we in Durban. I also liked the rooftop bar, thats where we took the picture

The view from their balcony just in the Bar areaLovelyI wish to go there all over and over againNot forgetting about sleeping arrangements

Very african space which is cool and peaceful ... place of tranquility and fun with friends and family

Lovely accommodation, friendly staff, great vibe

Best clean backpackers anyone could ask for in Durban. Our stay is very exciting to its best and all the reception stuff are very friendly especially the Dumi and her parter Zoe they are welcoming and very assisting. Thank so much for the hospitality. Looking forward to seeing the same stuff again this year 2018. Keep up the good work.

Without a doubt, Awesomely funky, modern and Clean.I have traveled to many backpackers, Happy Hippo is without a doubt the Cleanest and most organized.They have their own wel managed Tourist Info/reception area.The Staff are friendly, the rooftop area is very cool, looking over Ushaka Marine World.I will always come back to Happy Hippo for my stay over in Durban.

Amazing place spent two weeks at this place and I already miss it

Centrally based you are in close proximity to all the touristic spots, its easy on the pocket with very reasonable priced yet set amongst some of the pricest hotels - so for bargain hunters its ideal! Neat clean rooms.

Such an interesting venue, everything is recycled and so tastefully decorated. Very close to UShaka Marine World as well as the Harbour. Enjoyed my stay there

Venue is really nice, roof top loved the view. The show was lovely I really enjoyed

Happy hippo is the perfect no frills accommodation. Its clean and simplistic. Public transport is readily available. Ushaka SeaWorld is literally meters away, and the beach as well. Well recommended.

Great get away destination, received excellent service, I definitely recommend happy hippo

Great backpackers. Clean, safe, good vibe and really comfy beds.

Super clean I love it. Staff looks very smart

Best place to be lots of places to see including Kruger Park

Great place with great staff that welcomed us warmly. Best rates and prices you could ever find near the beach.

Great Backpackers that is conveniently located. Rooms are well decorated, spacious and private. The rooftop is also amazing

One of the best Backpackers Ive stayed at. Love thier roof top bar and comfy beds.

Nice place. Stayed a week. Large Bar area up top and large kitchen and common rooms. Lots of accommodation. Best part is the quick easy walk to the ushaka marine world area and the beach with plenty of restaurants and shops.

The workers need a strong customer service training esp the dreadlocked receptionist. The owner help us... Thumbs up to the garage man.👏👏👏

It is a great place to stay, friendly staff and helpful too. This place has a great view, totally neat and clean too.

Great place to stay and affordable. Its next to Shaka Marine World and good for family holidays

Nice place, but a little too big and impersonal for my taste

I came from Pretoria centurion to Durban for vacation with my patner for 5 days an this accommodation is very affordable an friendly staff ,,,,,,, they know how to treat their customers an waaaaw Im speechless but I would recommend anyone to happy hippo ,,,,

Its nice place we enjoyed our stayed there

All ladies that work at this places front desk are very friendly, help full and well informed.Our room was spotless and comfortable including their beds.Located very close to the beach and next door to Ushaka Marine World.I will be coming back soon.

Great place for a good experience and getaway. The wifi just needs a bit of work but other than that its a good environment

Good beds, good location and great building.Horrible wifi, no oil/salt or pepper in the kitchen and the staff is not really talkative :/ could be much better with only small things :)

Colourful and trendy with an added rooftop bar.This place is really cool,each room is given a unique name and the staff are very welcoming.Totally enjoyed my stay here.

A convenient and central budget accommodation for travelers on the go. Closest to great coastal parts of Durban.

First class spot . Michelle and Micky are great hosts. The rooftop bar is awesome.

Very clean facilities and friendly staff, a truly South African experience.

Im excited ill be there in few weeks time, my first time and I hope im gonna have an awesome time.

Excellent holiday accommodation. Utilised by international tourists and local tourists. Ideal back packers, clean. Close proximity to Ushaka & Addington beach. Highly recommended.

Great rooftop / bar setup. Spacious open / communal areas. Small internet cafe setup going as well. Quite upmarket for a backpackers hostel. Hosts small events and parties on the rooftop. Close to ushaka

Friendly staff, save place and staying here was good. It is closer good restaurants.

Its lovely place and the staff as well they make you to feel home

Nice place self catering bt mmmm the WiFi never worked

The staff was very helpfull to us on the stay, had no complaints the kitchen and the hallway was very clean all the time i loved the bar on the roof top....employees should have name tags, one reception lady was very rude as we struggled with a taxify thing and thought she will help, but she threw it back in our faces speaking her own language....was very disappointed , but all in all Great service

I had an excellent stay! Clean and everything works. Friendly staff and an awesome rooftop Bar!

One of the best Backpacker in the whole South Africa I had a great time, fantastic bar, fantastic receptionist,Fantastic guests fantastic kitchen and nice location

Better than what I had expected. Value for miney

All basics covered for a backpackers. Clean and very close to uShaka Marine world

It was fine and clean..soft onda pocket...night duty guy needs customer training..

They have an amazing customer service and also a vibrant night club.

The service its very awesawesome wouwouldnt mind to come back again

I stayed for a day only but its was great experience I had and make some Germans friends, staff very helpfull and friendly and the rooms are all ubique and nice, I stayed at the sheeben so iam definitely coming again in 10 days. I recommend it because its close to all most durban attraction and wont spend a fortune on transport

Attended a rooftop party here. It was a great set up. Suitable for parties, baby showers and bachellorette parties. Bar available and accommodation too. Very close to Engen garage and uShaka Marine World.

Was here for comedy! Great vibe

Clean facilities and helpful staff, situated just a few minutes walk Ushaka. Lively rooftop bar where a few cold beers can be enjoyed

Very will laid out Backpacker!! Comfortable, neat and clean

The rooftop bar is amazing, great atmosphere! I had a great time!

Great service and value for money. Well situated

Wish I had known about this long time ago such a beautiful place

Amazing place to for a relaxed vibePool table and wide range of drinks

Happy hippo it is a best place to be clean very good staff

Loved the unique dorm names, very clean space as well as bathrooms . Didnt get to explore much as I arrived late , not much interaction with staff . Upstairs bar area nice and spacious.

I love the place . Its clean, quite and great . Have used it twice and will still use it .

We had an owesome stay.the place is great and close to ushaka marine

Cozy hostel in Central Durban with roofttop bar. Just a 5 min walk to the beach

Service was great en a nice view

Staff is friendly place needs upgrading though.. And its a bit stuffy!! Love the bar upstairs though

The hostel has many rooms and is quite unpersonal. It was clean and tidy but nothing special.

Cozy hostel even though its huge! The staff was not really talkative but except for that its a nice place!

Love it and verry close to ushaka and secure parking

The place is ok, it is very clean, staff is ok but not very friendly, noisy street. Pls note: the Location is not very save! Its ok if u know the south African safety rules (of how to avoid triggering a robbery). But definitely not a good place to walk in with luggage after sunset or after a night out! If u have no clue or just landed in SA get a taxi to drop u right at the door!

My hubby n i had great stay and we definately coming back

A comfortable place to be at

The best backpacker in Durban....friendly staff ..clean bathrooms and your kitchen is tidy.I had the best time with my family

Perfect place stay especially when you on team building

It is everything it says it is. Great place with basic facilities that is clean and neat with friendly staff.

Clean rooms an bedding, security very tight, free WiFi, communal kitche with free coffee and sugar

Lots expensive and not worth the price. The attitude toward the workers is contemptuous and does not care There is almost no Internet at all

No TVs....no air-conditioning.in the Rooms...the furniture is old.

Only good thing it was clean they did nit make an effort to put a double bed for my partner and also no 24 hout scurity guard damn please buy a brand new kettle that kettle looks disgusting!

Beautiful space i would recommend it!!

Best vibe in the area

Not far from uShaka Marine World and the beach.

Its near all the places one would wanna visit

Great place

Love this place, such a happy place lol.

I really cannot wait to leave.The noise levels?Jesus I cant!

Clean ,great staff members and beautiful rooms

Place to enjoy with friends or family

Safe, affordable and clean.