Budget-friendly hostel offering dorms and private rooms close to Victoria Falls town center. Relaxed vibe, helpful staff, and affordable rates for backpackers.
Victoria Falls Backpackers sits on Gibson Road close to Victoria Falls town center, putting guests within easy walking distance of the falls entrance, the craft market, and the town's restaurants, in a residential-feel setting slightly removed from the busiest strip. Housed in a converted property with a relaxed, no-frills backpacker character, it has long served independent travelers and overlanders moving through the region on a budget. Accommodation is split between mixed and female dorms and simple private rooms, with shared bathroom facilities and a self-catering kitchen for guests who want to cook their own meals; a campsite area is also available for those traveling with tents. There is no restaurant or spa, but an on-site bar and common area provide a social space for guests to swap travel stories, and free WiFi and laundry facilities cover practical needs. Staff run a tour desk that books the area's main activities, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, sunset cruises, and game drives, and can arrange shared transport to nearby Zambia or Botswana border crossings, making the hostel a convenient, low-cost base for travelers prioritizing activities and social atmosphere over hotel-style comfort. The communal lounge and bar area double as an informal meeting point for travelers piecing together onward routes through southern Africa, and the relatively quiet residential street keeps the property calmer at night than hostels closer to the main strip.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- WiFi
- bar
- camping
- tour desk
- common area
Location
357 Gibson Road, Victoria Falls
-17.9367, 25.8161 View on map
Highlights
- Close to Victoria Falls town center on Gibson Road, walking distance to the falls and craft market
- Mix of dorms, private rooms, and camping for different budgets
- Self-catering kitchen and on-site bar with a social, backpacker atmosphere
- Tour desk for booking rafting, bungee jumping, and sunset cruises
- Affordable base popular with overlanders crossing to Zambia or Botswana
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead during the July-September peak season when dorm beds fill quickly
- The self-catering kitchen helps keep costs down compared to eating out for every meal
- The tour desk can bundle activity bookings at competitive rates versus booking each separately in town
- It's a short walk to town, but a torch is useful for the unlit return walk after dark