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Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

A swimming pool with people around it, benches, and umbrellas.
A bar with a wooden counter and a sign indicating no cash tickets only.
A tent with two beds, a bedside table with a lamp, and a fan.
An outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, umbrellas, and a colorful mural.
An outdoor area with a paved walkway, a covered seating area, and a variety of plants.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a 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

View all photos for Masasa Rooms

A room with a bed under a canopy, white bedding, and two bedside lamps.

Masasa Rooms

  • Garden view
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Teak Rooms

A bed with a canopy, a window with a view of greenery, and a bedside table with a lamp.

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

A dormitory room with bunk beds numbered 3 to 9, wooden walls, and a fan in the corner.

Mopane Dorm

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

View all photos for Acacia Dorm

A dormitory room with bunk beds numbered 3 to 9, wooden walls, and a fan in the corner.

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

A tent with a bed inside, a fan, and a window.

Dome Tent

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

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory

A compact room with a bunk bed, a small window, and a wooden wall.

Standard Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

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A neatly made bed with white linens, a dark headboard, and a large window with curtains.

The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.2 out of 10, Very good, 678 reviews
$74 nightly
The price is $87
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls

About the neighborhood

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls National Park is a short stroll from Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar, and other popular attractions like Victoria Falls are within a mile (2 km). 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
  • Victoria Falls - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • David Livingstone Statue - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Victoria Falls Bridge - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Zambezi National Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sea Spice - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Travelers Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Lookout Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪S'lo Lounge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Boma - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

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. 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.

Similar properties

A neatly made bed with white linens, a dark headboard, and a large window with curtains.
The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.2 out of 10, Very good, 678 reviews
$74 nightly
The price is $87
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
The N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls

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

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

  • Shared kitchen access

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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
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
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

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 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on Nov 2, 2026 start from $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.

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

This lodge is located in Victoria Falls within a short 14-minute walk of Victoria Falls National Park. You'll also find Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

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

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.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have connecting rooms available?

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 11.9 mi away (49 minutes by car). Another top airport is Victoria Falls (VFA), which is located 12.9 mi away (23-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar that offer a balcony.

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 64 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You will love this property if you like music playing for most of the day. You will also like this property if you enjoy a lot of socialization. The beds are comfortable. The bathrooms in the private rooms are functional, and the staff is generally helpful. The avocado toast with poached egg was good the day I had it. If you enjoy very, very, very loud music on Friday and Saturday nights until 2 AM you will love this Hostel. When I was there, they also had a market on Saturday and Sunday that took up all of the space in their very lovely manicure line. There was no room to sit because of the market. Without the market, the grounds are absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Shoestrings has a laid back casual vibe. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The meals were well prepared and tasty. A walk with the lions was arranged by the hostel and went very smoothly. There was a football watch party and a sing along. Altogether a pleasant experince.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Be careful of misguided information from the office and taxi drivers.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Disliked: Amenities
I have mixed feelings about this place. If your younger and like to stay up late boozing this is an awesome spot. On the weekends the bass from the bar kept me up till past 1 when they finally shut down. The bar pool area is also outside and there are many smokers. The bed was great, had mosquito nets which u will need. And of course the price was decent .
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wirklich tolles Hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
レストランやスーパーに近く過ごしやすかったです。 Wi-Fiは共用部では問題なかったです。部屋だと弱いです
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
yyy
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

4/10 Poor

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
近くにスーパーマーケットがあってよかった。シャワーもちゃんとお湯が出て良い。
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023