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Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Property class: 2
Lodge near Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls

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Photo gallery for Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Outdoor pool
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine
Interior entrance
Dome Tent | Free WiFi

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
12 West Drive, Victoria Falls
  • Place, Victoria Falls National Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, David Livingstone Statue
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Zambezi National Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Victoria Falls (VFA)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Masasa Rooms

Masasa Rooms | Free WiFi

Masasa Rooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Teak Rooms

Teak Rooms | Free WiFi

Teak Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Mopane Dorm

Free WiFi

Mopane Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Acacia Dorm

Free WiFi

Acacia Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Dome Tent

Dome Tent | Free WiFi

Dome Tent

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi

Standard Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

Victoria Falls

In Victoria Falls .Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Victoria Falls lodge, you'll find Victoria Falls National Park and Victoria Falls. David Livingstone Statue and Zambezi River are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Lodges in Victoria FallsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Victoria Falls National Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • David Livingstone Statue - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Victoria Falls Bridge - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Zambezi National Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Boma - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Three Monkeys - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Rainforest Cafe - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Lodge near Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar. Free self parking is available.

This Victoria Falls lodge is smoke free.

  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offers 12 accommodations. Accommodations offer separate dining areas. This Victoria Falls lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads.

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Separate in-room dining area

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 5 to 10 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Separate dining area

More

  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests booked in the "Campsite" room type are required to bring their own tent and bedding. Tents, beds, and linens are not available for rent or purchase onsite.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 10 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Shoestrings Backpackers Bar Lodge Victoria Falls
Shoestrings Backpackers Bar Victoria Falls
Shoestrings Backpackers Bar
Shoestrings Backpackers Bar V
Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Lodge
Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Victoria Falls
Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Lodge Victoria Falls

Frequently asked questions

How close is Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar to the airport?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar is 11.9 mi (49-min drive) away from the Livingstone (LVI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

As of Apr 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on Apr 24, 2026 start from $45, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have an airport shuttle?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offers an airport shuttle.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 5 and 10 per person. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a pool?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar features an outdoor pool.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar to downtown Victoria Falls?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar is 0.9 mi away from Victoria Falls.

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 54 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Rutendo, Harare

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Tent was good. Staff were very good. Amenities were ok. Shared toilets need to be checked more often and disinfected to maintain good hygiene. The place had very good ambience. It is safari right in the middle of CBD. I enjoyed my stay and I recommend it to other travellers.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I picked this one out of the two hostels in the area, because you could pay for it upfront when you booked (so on your credit card in your own currency) and the fact you could pay for stuff with the credit card too. In fact other than the taxi from the airport, I never used cash in Victoria Falls. Everything I went into, including the nearby supermarket was in US dollars though. Shoestring does the main things you want in a hostel. Has a comfortable bed (I was in the six bed dorm, although the bar is behind the room, you could here music but it wasn't so loud it stopped you going to sleep or anything. The only thing I didn't like about the dorm room was you couldn't lock the door (you don't get a key). There are small lockers outside the dorms (outside area) where you can put your own lock on to lock anything valuable, but it doesn't fit anything bigger than a daypack. The cleaning and ground staff were all really friendly whenever I came across them. Showers were good and toilets clean. The only thing missing though is some soap, so you've got to have your own. Likewise towels. The falls are within easy walking distance of the hostel, likewise Clearwater where G Adventure and other tour companies start their tours to other parts of Africa.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

ANNA LOUISA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely stay. Amazing, helpful and Friendly staff. Walking distance to Victoria falls and town. Will definitely advise if you like casual travelling.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Other than a couple of bugs in our room (somewhat expected), we had a great overnight stay at Shoestrings. Staff was nice, location was great (walkable to the falls!), and the restaurant/bar were great additions.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

heather

Liked: Staff & service
You get what you paid for It’s reasonable Close to all the Downtown main event
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yamashita

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fun in Victoria Falls

I had a fantastic stay at Shoestrings Backpackers. The accommodation, staff, and atmosphere were all excellent. My stay was so enjoyable that I decided to stay three extra nights. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

ALEX, OLD GREENWICH

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Straight forward Hostel with extra amenities like swimming pool, bar, little restaurant and the friendliest staff ever
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy Duckett

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff are very nice and helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Eurico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very safe and quiet area. Good vibes. Clean and the workers were friendly and helpful all the time. Will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved, loved, loved it!

If you're a hostel traveler, this place is amazing!! We loved it... from the accomodations to the central gathering place, the food and friendly staff, the ambience and security measures, plus walkable to Vic Falls. As with most anywhere, could use some upgrades, especially in the few ensuite bathrooms (and maybe some pop-in screens for the windows to allow enjoyment of the cooler night air), but even the least-best about this place was acceptable... and the best-best more than made up for slight shortcomings. Obviously, anyone used to upscale hotels probably should not stay here, but if Motel6, hostels, camping, etc., are an acceptable mode of travel for you, I cannot imagine you would not also love Shoestrings Backpackers. We would absolutely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Noemi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Love the food and the staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

zoie

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness
Shoestrings is a property that is in the heart of Victoria Falls, which is a touristic town, but many locals live there too so you get a mix of both vibes. We chose the hostel due to its location. We were given an orientation when we first came, which was good, so we knew where things were. Upon entering our twin private ensuite room, there were two mosquito nuts, but I didn’t realise until later from the evening that there were holes in them, so we got bitten. We were also not made aware that there were parties happening that evening and the evening after, so the music was loud for a good while. It is a hostel, so it is expected for it not to be quiet, but a heads up would have been good. The quality of the room was somewhat okay. However, the sheets did have stain from them and we did find a hair in our bed, so I do think they need to be more far in their cleaning. But when we bought it to their attention, things were change quite quickly. The breakfast is reasonably priced from around $5. However, I ordered something where the main component of the dish was not available but wasn’t told until I got my breakfast and I wasn’t offered a refund in anyway shape or form. Would I stay there again, probably not there are other places, that are slightly more expensive, but you get more. But if you are looking for a central hotel, like to party then this potentially might be the place for you.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Docile

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Arlene Estelle

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had an awesome stay. I travelled with my friend staff was friendly and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Karin

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Phil

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay at shoestring

We absolutely loved staying at shoestring. The staff was wonderful and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Ann made sure we had some great adventure booked and was happy to arrange them for us. The food was good. We are vegan and they were able to modify some meals that worked for us. I would definitely recommend shoestrings to friends and family.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Inexpensive but every friendly and helpful. Superm

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abigail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed in one of the tents with beds in. It was super comfy and great value for money. I had dinner and breakfast which were both lovely and great value for money. The staff were friendly. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023