1,170 reviews
From
$37West Drive 12, Victoria Falls, 0000, Zimbabwe
1,170 reviews
1/79
Restaurant
Outdoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Bar
Tour desk
Private entrance
Parking On Site
Welcome to Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, a cozy gem nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! Just a quick 0.5mi stroll from the vibrant city center, this 2-star haven is the ideal base for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. With prices starting as low as $25 a night, you'll be well on your way to exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World without breaking the bank!
Our lodge boasts an array of amenities to keep you comfortable and entertained. Dive into our refreshing outdoor swimming pool after a day of exploring, or unwind with a drink at the bar while enjoying live performances that bring a bit of spice to your evenings. Got a bit of wanderlust? Our tour desk will help you arrange unforgettable excursions around the majestic falls and beyond. And for those looking to savor local flavors, our on-site restaurant has got you covered!
With over 1,000 glowing reviews, guests rave about the vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality that Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge has to offer. Whether you're sharing stories with fellow travelers or indulging in some well-deserved relaxation in our garden or picnic area, you’re bound to make memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and join us at West Drive 12 for an unforgettable adventure in Victoria Falls!
At Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, there's never a dull moment! Get ready to make a splash at our outdoor swimming pool, where you can soak up the sun and cool off after an exciting day of sightseeing. With a designated shallow end, it’s a great spot for unwinding, adult-style, while you sip on a refreshing cocktail from our bar. And don't miss out on our live performances in the evenings that will have you tapping your feet and singing along, making for the perfect end to an adventurous day!
When it’s time to refuel, head over to our delightful on-site restaurant, Shoestrings Cafe. With a family-friendly vibe, it’s a fantastic setting for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're craving international cuisine or eager to sample local delights, our menu has something to satisfy every palate. From hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, the café combines mouth-watering dishes with an inviting atmosphere that encourages friendly conversations among travelers and locals alike.
Cashing in on the charm of Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, you’ll discover a community of vibrant globetrotters eager to share their tales and experiences. With idyllic spots in our garden and picnic area to relax and meet fellow wanderers, you're not just visiting; you're becoming part of our backpacking family. So grab your sense of adventure and a sense of humor, and prepare for an unforgettable experience at Shoestrings. We can't wait to welcome you!
Closest airports
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
7.3miVictoria Falls Airport
11.7miKasane Airport
44.7miRestaurant
Outdoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Bar
Tour desk
Private entrance
Parking On Site
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Beach umbrellas
Beach chairs/Loungers
Garden view
Patio
Playground
Picnic area
Garden
View
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Show 8 photos
Standard Room
1 Double Bed
130 sqft
Free wifi
x4
+
x3
More details
The twin/double room features a private entrance, a dining area, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The twin/double room provides a tiled floor and garden views.
Show 11 photos
Tent, 2 Bed, Shared Bathroom
95 sqft
Free wifi
+
More details
The tent offers a private entrance, a dining area, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Show 4 photos
Dormitory, 10 Bed
1 Bunk Bed
160 sqft
Patio
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Shower
+
More details
This bed in dormitory features a dining area.
Show 11 photos
Tent, 2 Twin Beds, Single Use, Shared Bathroom
2 Twin Beds
95 sqft
View
Private entrance
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Shower
+
More details
Show 4 photos
Dormitory, 6 Bed
1 Bunk Bed
110 sqft
Patio
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Shower
+
More details
This bed in dormitory has a seating area, patio and dining area.
Show 7 photos
Room, Single Use
2 Twin Beds
1 Double Bed
130 sqft
Garden view
Private Bathroom
Private entrance
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
+
More details
Show 8 photos
Room - 2 Twin, Single Use
2 Twin Beds
150 sqft
Garden view
Private Bathroom
Private entrance
Patio
+
More details
Show 10 photos
Tent, Shared Bathroom
More details
Show 5 photos
Acacia Dormitory
More details
Dormitory, Bunk
1 Bunk Bed
More details
Double Room, Private Bathroom
Private Bathroom
More details
Apartment 3 Room
More details
8.1
1,170 reviewsCategories of assessments
Cleanliness
Comfort
Location
Facilities
Staff
Value for money
WiFi quality
Featured reviews:
Hadiya
9.1
May 2025
The location is great, it's in the center of town, a couple of mins away from a supermarket and restaurants, and most importantly 20 mins from the waterfalls. The staff were great, very accommodating. Many activities you can book through them. The dorms were good, you had plugs in your bank and a curtain. The shared bathrooms were okay.
Many people come to the bar to hang out, so it's not a "quiet" backpackers, but that's a great opportunity to meet locals and other travelers! They charge 3% in the reception for the booking if you pay by card. Make sure you have USD with you, because withdrawing from the ATMs has a ridiculous commission of 10$.
Carrie
8.2
November 2024
Adequate for our stay. The toilet flushed, and the bed came with mosquito net. Good location in town, walking distance from grocery stores.
We knowingly chose a room with no A/C (just a fan), so be aware that if you book this option, it WILL be hot. Probably worthwhile to pay for the A/C next time.
Ian
8.2
October 2023
Angela dealt with my booking requests. I requested a transfer from the airport and that worked perfectly. I requested a quiet room and got a quiet room. Angela responded to my emails promptly. Very impressive. She knows what she is doing. The hotel is in a good location just a short stroll from the centre. All the staff were polite and friendly. A limited meal menu but the food was good. Full English breakfast every morning. Good coffee. A interesting place to stay. Value for money and a mixed clientele from old ex backpackers like me to young backpackers and everything in between.
Take small change/banknotes with you. They never have any change but don't worry, you will get your change even if it's the next morning. Don't stress. No air con. It was HOT when I visited and the floor standing fan in my room just about coped. It was 40C during the day!!!!
Teresa
8.2
October 2024
First of all, the staff is great, very amicable and attentive. The restaurant is open every day all day which is very comfortable and there are many food options. I would really recommend this place.
Just a note, on Fridays they do parties until 2am.
Jia
9.1
November 2024
Central location in Vic Falls, friendly staff, great hostel atmosphere, relaxed with a variety of room options, highly recommend!
They do have DJs playing (on the weekends) if you're sensitive to music beats
Howard
9.1
October 2024
Great atmosphere. Enjoyed the pool and sitting areas. Best is its location. You can walk into town and to Victoria Falls Park.
Kevin
9.1
June 2025
Central location within walking distance to most anything in/around Victoria Falls town. Bed was very large, comfortable in the private room, hot water was hit/miss depending on time of day. Food selections were ok, no more over-priced than anywhere else in the area, and with ease of using credit card (which is not possible in most other places nor can anyone ever make change if using cash!) However, best part was the people - whether staying in the facility, locals hanging around, or staff. Anne was especially very helpful with communications and I should have booked all activities through her rather than the run-around I got with a package deal through another agency. Thabani was also very helpful as the on-site person coordinating taxi and transfer services. Even if priced a little higher, it's worth it just for their trustworthiness and your peace of mind!
I stayed over a 4-day weekend, so yes - I expected loud as other reviews suggest. If only the WiFi worked as well in the rooms as the courtyard sound systems do!
Melissa
10
May 2023
The management at this place is great. Due to delays with my bus from Bulawayo, I arrived at Shoestrings at 2:30 am and was unable to inform them in advance due to lack of cell network. Luckily when I arrived, they were kind and understanding and were still able to quickly check me in. I stayed in the tent ("dome") and the beds were very comfortable. The wifi reached the tents and there were ports to charge my devices. The shared showers were clean, which is not always the case in other backpacker accomodations. The restaurant prices were also extremely reasonable and accessible for the low budget traveler. This place is very well located close to the falls and the bridge.
Katherine
8.2
September 2024
The location was fantastic - just a short walk away from the town. The bedroom en-suite was spacious and clean and the beds were extremely comfortable with mosquito nets surrounding them. The shower room en-suite was large and clean - just a little tired but certainly serviceable and there was plenty of hot water. The bar area was manned from about 7 am and breakfast served from 6.45 am - ideal for those early morning trips. The food was amazing - lovely breakfasts and snacks were served all day into the evening including burgers and pizza's. The swimming pool was most welcome. Ann in the reception booked trips for us and she was so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
There was nothing we didn't like!
Sonja
8.2
August 2022
This is an excellent location and premises BUT I was never informed that at night this turns out to be a Disco/Night Club with exceptional load music into the morning hours. the young manager is very rude with no people skills. The rest of the staff was brilliant, friendly and helpful. He however, was a bad experience. According to the law music/noise must stop at midnight. he ignores this and are very arrogant and rude. It's a pity as the rest of the staff were awesome!
Attractions
Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm
0.5miVictoria Falls National Park
0.8miLivingstone Island
1.3miVictoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
1.4miDevil's Pool
1.4miVictoria Falls Bridge
1.5miMosi-oa-Tunya National Park
1.9miVictoria Falls Private Game Reserve
2.4miZambezi River
4miLivingstone Museum
5.6miBatoka Gorge
28.6miAttractions
Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm
0.5miVictoria Falls National Park
0.8miLivingstone Island
1.3miVictoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
1.4miDevil's Pool
1.4miVictoria Falls Bridge
1.5miMosi-oa-Tunya National Park
1.9miVictoria Falls Private Game Reserve
2.4miZambezi River
4miLivingstone Museum
5.6miBatoka Gorge
28.6miAirports
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
7.3miVictoria Falls Airport
11.7miKasane Airport
44.7miShoestrings Cafe
Cuisines
Ambiances
Location
Features
Age restrictions
Availability
Restaurant
Outdoor swimming pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Bar
Tour desk
Private entrance
Parking On Site
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Beach umbrellas
Beach chairs/Loungers
Garden view
Patio
Playground
Picnic area
Garden
View
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Accessibility
Entire unit located on ground floor
Activities
Bicycle rental
Bike tours
Canoeing
Cycling
Fishing
Golf course
Happy hour
Hiking
Horseback riding
Live music/Performance
Live sports events (broadcast)
Pool table
Temporary art galleries
Tour or class about local culture
Walking tours
Bathroom
Private Bathroom
Shared bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Linens
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Laundry
Common Areas
Shared lounge/TV area
Entertainment & Family Services
Babysitting/Child services
Evening entertainment
Outdoor play equipment for kids
Playground
Food & Drink
Bar
Coffee house on site
Fruit
Kids' meals
Packed lunches
Restaurant
Special diet meals (on request)
Wine/Champagne
Food & drink safety
Breakfast to-go containers
Front Desk Services
Baggage storage
Invoice provided
Lockers
Tour desk
General
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Family rooms
Hypoallergenic room available
Mosquito net
Non-smoking rooms
Private entrance
Tile/Marble floor
Internet
Free wifi
Living Area
Dining area
Sitting area
Outdoors
BBQ facilities
Garden
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Picnic area
Terrace
Parking
Free Private Parking
Parking On Site
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available
Room Amenities
Fan
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
24-hour security
CCTV in common areas
Fire extinguishers
Safe
Safety features
Access to healthcare professionals
First aid kits available
Spa
Beach chairs/Loungers
Beach umbrellas
Massage
Outdoor swimming pool
Transportation
Airport drop-off
Airport pickup
Airport shuttle
Shuttle service
View
Garden view
View
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
There's no age requirement for check-in
Come and go whenever you want
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
0 - 2 years
3+ years
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
The maximum number of cribs, extra beds, and children allowed in existing beds can vary depending on the option booked.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
Cash
Mastercard,
Visa,
Cash only
This property accepts cash.
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