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Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

2.0 star property
Lodge with free parking, near Victoria Falls

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

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

  • 161 sq ft
  • 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
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Mopane Dorm

Free WiFi

Mopane Dorm

  • 161 sq ft
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Dome Tent

Dome Tent | Free WiFi

Dome Tent

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi

Standard Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

Victoria Falls

Within a short walk of Victoria Falls National Park, Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar is within a mile (2 km) of Victoria Falls. This 12-room lodge has a restaurant along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi.
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
  • Devil's Pool - 2 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Victoria Falls Bridge - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Zambezi National Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Boma - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Shungu Pool Terrace - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Victoria Falls Waterfront - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Royal Livingstone Lounge - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Lodge with free parking, near Victoria Falls
Guests of Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and laundry facilities. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Additional amenities include a garden and barbecue grills.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Relax with a rainfall shower. Dining areas and sitting areas are also standard.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

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

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 elevator

More

  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

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
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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Nov 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on Nov 22, 2025 start from $42.74, excluding 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.

What's there to see within easy reach of Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

This lodge is located in Victoria Falls within a short 6-minute walk of Victoria Falls National Park. You'll also find Victoria Falls and Devil's Pool within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar include a casino?

No, Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this lodge, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this lodge.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar serves a cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar.

Are there connecting rooms at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

The closest major airport to Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar is Livingstone (LVI), which is 12 mi away (46 minutes by car). Another top airport is Victoria Falls (VFA), which is located 13.1 mi away (20-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar.

Reviews

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

8.0

Very Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 51 reviews

Reviews

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

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 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

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

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

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