Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Outdoor pool
Masasa Rooms
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Interior entrance
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
The current price is AU$42
includes taxes & fees
20 June - 21 June

Explore the area

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

Room options

Masasa Rooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Teak Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Mopane Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Acacia Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Dome Tent

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Victoria Falls

At Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Victoria Falls National Park and 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from Victoria Falls. Highlights at this lodge include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .The lodge's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy access to bike hire and a playground. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 11 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .In proximity to this Victoria Falls lodge you'll find Zambezi National Park.

What's nearby

  • Victoria Falls National Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Victoria Falls - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • David Livingstone Statue - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Victoria Falls Bridge - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Zambezi National Park - 5 min drive - 4.6 km

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Travelers Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Royal Sun Deck - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Golden Leaf - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Three Monkeys - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Dusty Road Township Experience - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

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. This accommodation offers separate dining areas. This Victoria Falls lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 11 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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are 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 on-site.

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 14 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on 20 June 2026 start from AU$42, 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.

Is parking available at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Yep, Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar has a free self car park.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a pool?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar has an outdoor pool.

What makes Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus rainfall showerheads in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar serve breakfast?

Yeah, cooked-to-order brekkie is available daily from 7:30 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 56 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rutendo

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Noemi

Liked: Amenities
Love the food and the staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ALEX

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Arlene Estelle

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy Duckett

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

10/10 Excellent

Joakim

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good place to a person who want to meet new people and can accept a hostel setup with simple but clean water toilets and showers. Some weekends music until late, and some guests might talk at night, can be a problem in the tents. Fantastic staff who go the extra mile for you. The service get an extra star, so my experience was six stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It's a very popular place and good for the evening and night life
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service

Exactly what you’d expect at a backpackers

Great staff. Close to town and the Falls. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pune

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

Highly recommended and good value

This place is such a green oasis for a very reasonable price. The staff were friendly and helpful. The pool area was very comfortable but could be bigger and have more lounge chairs.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Yukino

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great place to walk around the city and Victoria falls. There’s loud music and song/shouts until midnight every night, so it may be not good for people who want to be calm, or sleep well for early morning activities. Using washing machine is expensive(us$10).
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Constance

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The doom tent was classic and adventurous.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Elisa

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

Chill and Fun

A great hostel to hang out and relax while in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Was an easy walk from the petrol station where I dropped on the Intercape bus. Was easy to organize tours and activities and conveniently located walking distance to shops and grocery stores. Also, about a 15-20 minute walk to the entrance to Victoria Falls. Has a self-serve kitchen and good vibe with a bar, pool, and pool table.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jorge Fernando

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Poor accommodation, dirty showers, poor food.... No further comments....
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mia

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
overall experience was very average with breakfast being the redeeming feature. the shower was broken and the hot water tap didn’t work, and it was barely more than a trickle. room was smaller than it looked. kinda glad i only stayed one night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Marion

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Poor comfort, nice outdoors

More care is given to the garden than the comfort of the rooms. Beds and dorms are poorly maintained, mattresses are way too thin. Bathrooms are outdated and in poor condition. But staff is pretty friendly and the outdoors are nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Mosquitos in room, algae in pool

The dorm was not worth the price. More like camping for high price. Mosquitos get inside room . Shower and toilet are basic. Pool is unusable - algae. WiFi only in bar area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019