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8.1

1,170 reviews

Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

West Drive 12, Victoria Falls, 0000, Zimbabwe

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Bar

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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

7.3mi

Victoria Falls Airport

11.7mi

Kasane Airport

44.7mi

Most popular amenities

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)

Rooms

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.

Single Bed in 10-Bed Dormitory Room in Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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.

Tent with Shared Bathroom - single occupancy in Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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.

Double or Twin Room - single occupancy in Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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

Double or Twin Room - single occupancy in Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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

Guest reviews

8.1

1,170 reviews

Categories 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!

Points of Interest Around Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

Attractions

Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm

0.5mi

Victoria Falls National Park

0.8mi

Livingstone Island

1.3mi

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)

1.4mi

Devil's Pool

1.4mi

Victoria Falls Bridge

1.5mi

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

1.9mi

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

2.4mi

Zambezi River

4mi

Livingstone Museum

5.6mi

Batoka Gorge

28.6mi

Restaurants

Shoestrings Cafe

Cuisines

  • International

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Shallow end

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

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)

Stay rules - Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property