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Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

2.0 star property
Travelers cool off in the outdoor pool or challenge each other to billiards at this social hostel, where on-site dining makes it easy to fuel up for adventures

Choose dates to view prices

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with practical comforts. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool and dine at the on-site restaurant. The helpful staff receives praise, and free in-room WiFi keeps everyone connected.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
The current price is AED 156
AED 184 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Mar - 8 Mar

Room options

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Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Masasa Rooms

Masasa Rooms | Free WiFi

Masasa Rooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Daily housekeeping
  • Garden view
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Mopane Dorm

Free WiFi

Mopane Dorm

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Separate bedroom
Rainfall showerhead
Daily housekeeping
  • Garden view
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
4 bathrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Dome Tent

Dome Tent | Free WiFi

Dome Tent

Highlights

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

About the neighborhood

Victoria Falls is home to Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls National Park, while Victoria Falls Field Museum and Maramba Cultural Museum are cultural highlights. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Victoria Falls travel guide
View more Lodges in Victoria Falls
Map
12 West Drive, Victoria Falls

What's nearby

  • Victoria Falls on Zambezi River, view from Zimbabwe, Africa
    Victoria Falls National Park
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls Bridge
    Victoria Falls Bridge
    3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Victoria Falls, waterfall on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Africa
    Zambezi National Park
    5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • David Livingstone Statue
    2 min drive - 1.6 km
  • Devil's Pool
    2 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Livingstone (LVI)
    49 min drive

Restaurants

  • Shungu Pool Terrace
    5 min drive
  • The Boma
    5 min drive
  • Victoria Falls Waterfront
    14 min drive
  • The Lookout Café
    4 min drive
  • The Three Monkeys
    10 min walk

About this property

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

Lodge near Victoria Falls
A garden, a playground, and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a bar.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Smoke-free premises, tour/ticket assistance, and barbecue grills
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar include thoughtful touches such as separate sitting areas and separate dining areas, as well as amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Separate sitting areas and separate dining areas

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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 584 reviews
The price is AED 262
AED 311 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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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
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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

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

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

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

As of 6 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar on 7 March 2026 start from AED 156, 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.

Is Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Does Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar located?

Situated in Victoria Falls, this lodge is within 1 mi (2 km) of Victoria Falls National Park and Victoria Falls. David Livingstone Statue and Zambezi River are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar Reviews

8.0

Very Good

7.4

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 54 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Rutendo

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

10/10 Excellent

ANNA LOUISA

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

10/10 Excellent

Joakim

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

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

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

10/10 Excellent

ALEX

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

8/10 Good

Arlene Estelle

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy Duckett

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

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

Pune

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

James

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

6/10 Okay

zoie

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

10/10 Excellent

Laura

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

8/10 Good

Noemi

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

4/10 Poor

Yukino

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It's a very popular place and good for the evening and night life
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Exactly what you’d expect at a backpackers

Great staff. Close to town and the Falls. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Constance

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

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

8/10 Good

Elisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Chill and Fun

A great hostel to hang out and relax while in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Was an easy walk from the petrol station where I dropped on the Intercape bus. Was easy to organize tours and activities and conveniently located walking distance to shops and grocery stores. Also, about a 15-20 minute walk to the entrance to Victoria Falls. Has a self-serve kitchen and good vibe with a bar, pool, and pool table.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

4/10 Poor

Jorge Fernando

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Poor accommodation, dirty showers, poor food.... No further comments....
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Mia

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
overall experience was very average with breakfast being the redeeming feature. the shower was broken and the hot water tap didn’t work, and it was barely more than a trickle. room was smaller than it looked. kinda glad i only stayed one night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018