Shoestrings Backpackers

We stayed six nights at Shoestring Backpackers in January 2025. It’s quite close to Victoria Falls centre, you can therefore walk almost anywhere. We choose the tent accommodation, which was most affordable and it met our expectations. The cleanliness was reasonable. They mopped the tent floor and offered fresh towels. At the reception there was always someone to help us and they can help you arrange pickups and excursions. The food is good for a backpacker place. We tried the pizza and also had a few breakfasts, all reasonable priced. They also have a pool which was nice. But the sun loungers were often quickly occupied.

It used to be a grimly, dirty joint with some fairly dodgy looking characters hanging about. It's now a vibrant place with great service and a good vibe Food menu well thought out . We had a great time. Well done to the new management

"I had an amazing stay here in December 2024! The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. The teak rooms were immaculately clean, and the swimming pool was spotless. One of the highlights of my stay was the market they hosted, featuring local vendors selling unique African ornaments. The evening party was fantastic, with a lively atmosphere that made for an unforgettable experience. My only suggestion would be to review the food prices, as they were quite steep. However, overall, this is a fantastic place to stay, and I would highly recommend it!"

This review was challenging to me... I understand the push for sales, but this was way too expensive for what we got. Not worth the price at all. And I saw the sizes and food and... Seems too expensive for me. My main pet peeve for me was that I saw a review from 4 months ago complaining about the pool and even though I visited low season they still didn't manage to paint the pool to make it look less messy. They sell the cheap backpacker hippie vibe but at premium prices and this is where it's not good... As of today 3.8 stars isn't great and they respond here which is fine but words are cheap and actions speak louder than words. A buddy managed to withdraw 40$ while paying. I was told I couldn't by reception. A barman said yes but now my cashing machine is closed ask the next guy tomorrow and the next guy tomorrow said I can't. A lot of contradictory stories that just made me give up on they place. One says something the other says no... Music blasting on weekends so take a room far away, but not too far otherwise you won't get wifi ! I'm giving 3 starts for ; +1 welcoming, +1 accepting card, -1 contradictory information+bad wifi in room, -1 holes in mosquito net (musasa 11), -1 always trying to sell something which I understand is business but no outside food when you live there is like paying for them to have monopoly.

Shoestrings offers unbeatable value in Vic Falls. It's rough around the edges, but full of character & relaxed, friendly vibes. It's also in a great location for everything you need.

overall pretty reasonable experience, only thing was my mosquito net had a hole in it and the room was full so I couldn’t move beds. mosquitoes are present here.

Great hotel. The Service was extremely good, particularly for the Reception. The staff the Reception has been very helpful and supportive. Definitely a cool place where to chill, dance and relax. You will meet plenty of people from different countries. I highly recommend this place 👌

Worst stay ever, the rooms were dirty and didn’t even have an aircon as offered, they had a small fan for a 8 people room. The swimming pool was dirty and there were late party’s with people very unrespectfull that won’t allow me to pass to my room cause we’re drunk and flirtish. Also location wasn’t that central and they told me was not safe to walk by my own at 8 pm