Shoestrings Backpackers

Shoestrings Backpackers is Victoria Falls' well-known budget hostel and social hub, sitting in the heart of town about 1.2km from the Falls Rainforest entrance walk, with the town centre itself just 5-10 minutes on foot. It's part of The Bayete Collection's self-catering arm, though positioned very differently from the group's B&B lodges — this is squarely a budget, party-hostel proposition rather than a boutique stay. TripAdvisor rates it 4/5 from 58 reviews, ranking #11 of 44 specialty lodging in Victoria Falls, with reviewers praising affordability, location and a lively social atmosphere, tempered by some noting the rooms show wear and showers could use upgrading.

Accommodation spans a wide budget range: 3 mixed bunk-bed dormitories with communal ablutions — Mopane Dorm (6 beds), Acacia Dorm (10 beds) and Baobab Dorm (10 beds) — plus 22 dome tents also using communal ablutions, 7 twin/double rooms, 4 double rooms, and a single 4-sleeper family room for those wanting more privacy. On site, Shoestrings Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and an evening menu including pizza, and the fully stocked bar — open to non-guests and running until midnight — has become one of the more popular spots in town to meet fellow travellers and locals, with regular entertainment from traditional African dancers, singers and musicians. Also on site: an outdoor swimming pool, a braai/BBQ area, and a self-catering kitchen.

Note on sourcing: the property's own site could not be directly accessed during research, so detail here leans on TripAdvisor and third-party aggregator listings. Guest reviews note the wifi access code changes daily, a minor but real inconvenience for longer stays. Part of The Bayete Collection's self-catering portfolio, positioned as Victoria Falls' classic budget and social hostel rather than a boutique lodge.