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Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

2.0 star property
Lodge with free parking, near Victoria Falls

Photo gallery for Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Outdoor pool
Teak Rooms
Fireplace
Interior entrance
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Pool
  • Parking included
The current price is AU$79
includes taxes & fees
25 Sept - 26 Sept

Explore the area

View map
12 West Drive, Victoria Falls
  • Victoria Falls National Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Devil's Pool
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Victoria Falls Bridge
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Victoria Falls (VFA)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Masasa Rooms

Masasa Rooms

Masasa Rooms

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Dome Tent

Dome Tent

Dome Tent

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
4 bathrooms
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi

Standard Shared Dormitory

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
4 bathrooms
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Teak Rooms

Teak Rooms

Teak Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Desk chair
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Mopane Dorm

Free WiFi

Mopane Dorm

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
4 bathrooms
Daily housekeeping
  • 15 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Rainfall showerhead
4 bathrooms
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

About the area

Victoria Falls

At Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar you'll be within a 10-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. .Sights within a 30-minute walk of this Victoria Falls lodge include David Livingstone Statue and Zambezi River.
View more Lodges in Victoria FallsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Victoria Falls National Park - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Devil's Pool - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Victoria Falls Bridge - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Victoria Falls Field Museum - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Zambezi National Park - 5 min drive - 4.6 km

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Victoria Falls Waterfront - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Old Drift - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Royal Livingstone Lounge - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Kubu Cafe - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Lodge with free parking, near 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. 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

Front of property

The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 549 reviews
The price is AU$130
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls

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

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
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
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.

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 23 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on 25 Sept 2025 start from AU$79.30, 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.

Reviews

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

8.0

Very good

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 47 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

6/10 Okay

zoie

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

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

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

Travelled 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

2/10 Terrible

Emily

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Happy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Constance

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

10/10 Excellent

Kabhawa

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021