Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar

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.

Lovely stay. Amazing, helpful and Friendly staff. Walking distance to Victoria falls and town. Will definitely advise if you like casual travelling.

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.

You get what you paid for It’s reasonable Close to all the Downtown main event

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.

Straight forward Hostel with extra amenities like swimming pool, bar, little restaurant and the friendliest staff ever

The staff are very nice and helpful!

Very safe and quiet area. Good vibes. Clean and the workers were friendly and helpful all the time. Will come back.

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!

Love the food and the staff

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.

We had an awesome stay. I travelled with my friend staff was friendly and helpful

Good location, friendly staff

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.

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.

The doom tent was classic and adventurous.

Poor accommodation, dirty showers, poor food.... No further comments....

More care is given to the garden than the comfort of the rooms. Beds and dorms are poorly maintained, mattresses are way too thin. Bathrooms are outdated and in poor condition. But staff is pretty friendly and the outdoors are nice.

The dorm was not worth the price. More like camping for high price. Mosquitos get inside room . Shower and toilet are basic. Pool is unusable - algae. WiFi only in bar area.

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.