Shoestrings Backpackers
About Shoestrings Backpackers
Popular budget accommodation in the heart of Victoria Falls with a lively social atmosphere.
Victoria Falls' Favourite Backpackers
Shoestrings Backpackers has been welcoming travellers to Victoria Falls since the early days of Zimbabwe's adventure tourism boom. Tucked away on a quiet street just minutes from the town centre, this laid-back hostel delivers genuine African hospitality without the price tag of the big lodges.
Accommodation Options
Dormitories — Clean, airy dorms with sturdy bunks, individual reading lights, power sockets at every bed, and lockable storage. Fans keep the air moving in summer; thick blankets handle the cooler winter nights.
Private Rooms — Double and twin rooms with en-suite or shared bathrooms offer a step up in privacy while keeping the social backpacker vibe. Crisp linen, mosquito nets, and daily housekeeping come standard.
Camping — Pitch your own tent on the shaded lawn. Campers have full access to hot showers, braai facilities, and the communal kitchen.
Why Travellers Love It
- Location — A 10-minute walk to the Falls entrance and the craft market, 5 minutes to most tour operator pick-up points
- Pool & garden — The splash pool and hammock-strung garden are perfect for swapping stories with fellow travellers
- Communal kitchen — Well-equipped and always buzzing; the nearby Spar makes self-catering easy
- Free Wi-Fi — Reliable enough for planning your next move
- Tour desk — Staff book everything from bungee jumps to sunset cruises at competitive rates
The Backpacker Experience
Shoestrings isn't trying to be a luxury lodge. It's the place where solo travellers find instant friends, where budget-conscious adventurers stretch their dollars further, and where the braai area turns into an impromptu party most Friday nights. The staff — many of them locals who grew up in Vic Falls — share insider tips you won't find in any guidebook.
"We stayed three nights and ended up staying ten. The vibe is infectious, and the staff helped us organise every activity at way better prices than we found online." — Recent guest review
Practical Details
- Check-in: From 14:00 (early check-in on request)
- Check-out: By 10:00
- Transfers: Airport shuttle available at extra cost
- Payment: Cash (USD/ZAR) and card accepted
- Security: 24-hour security, CCTV, and secure parking