What it’s Like to Stay at an Exclusive-Use Villa in Victoria Falls

From the moment we stepped onto the boat to be transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge, we felt happily disconnected from the world. Staying at their Hippo Creek Villa is one of my fondest African travel memories. Spacious and serene, this exclusive-use villa is right on the banks of the famous Zambezi River, and you can see Zambia on the other side. The large body of tranquil water steadily making its way to Victoria Falls, 20 minutes downstream, is simply mesmerising. Here's a taste of what you can expect when staying here...

A Riverside Sanctuary

Built on stilts, the Hippo Creek Villa is slightly elevated to provide a panoramic view of the river and its banks. Wildlife roams freely around the villa, and warthog, hippos, and elephants often visited during our stay. The exclusive villa also sits next to a creek, a favourite among hippos, hence the name Hippo Creek. You can often hear their deep grunts, which sounds like laughter.

The surrounding tall trees provide abundant shade – a warm welcome (pun intended) when the sun’s out. Hippo Creek is just a short drive away from the main lodge, and Victoria Falls is only 20 minutes by car. This location felt wonderfully secluded – yet close enough to explore the main attractions.

Places to Gather 

The villa's layout allows for privacy whilst also having plenty of communal space, making it perfect for multi-generational families and groups of friends. The three-bedroom thatch roof villa is tastefully decorated with natural colours and textures, blending with the abundant natural surroundings.

Everywhere you look, there are places to gather and socialise. The villa leads onto a shaded wooden deck, treating you to unobstructed river views. There's also a large boma and firepit, providing the perfect space for sundowners. The lounge offers ample seating on leather coaches and cosy armchairs. Our favourite? The large stacker doors in the lounge remove the barrier between indoors and outdoors, opening up the space entirely.

Private Pockets 

The communal area is flanked by one suite (sleeping two adults) to the right, with an outdoor bath and shower. On the left, you'll find another spacious suite (sleeping two adults) and a family suite (sleeping two adults and two children).

Large windows allow maximum natural light to filter through, while the sliding doors let you float onto your private deck where you'll find lounge chairs, a plunge pool, and an outdoor shower. Each suite is open-plan with space to hide your luggage. It has a bathroom with a generous "stay in here forever" bathtub, a shower, and vanity. All the modern finishes wrap you in luxury, making you feel like you're in your own private cocoon.

Tailored to You

The service at Hippo Creek is world-class. You'll have a dedicated butler, chef and guide at your beck and call. When you arrive, your butler will discuss your meal and drink preferences and preferred meal times and activities for the next day.

The personalised service is rooted in their attention to detail. They remember every detail of what you like and dislike. "Miss Hanli, would you like another glass of white wine?" 

Meals That Taste Like More 

We enjoyed al fresco breakfast and dinner on the patio. Our chef prepared a delightful five-course dinner, starting with spicy lentil soup, followed by a palate cleanser. We were treated to a classic Zimbabwean vegetarian dish with tomato relish and rice, followed by a delicious chicken roulade with spinach, feta cheese, peppadews, carrots, and broccoli for the main dish. Our dinner concluded with soft chocolate mousse.

You usually have two breakfasts. The first is enjoyed on the Zambezi River during a sunrise cruise (if you wish), with freshly brewed coffee or tea with rusks. When you return to the villa, you'll be welcomed by a delicious breakfast feast with freshly baked croissants, muffins, and a colourful platter of seasonal fruit.

But of course, abundance is the name of the game at an exclusive-use villa like Hippo Creek Villa. So, when you're ready, your chef will also take your order for your warm breakfast. Our menu included a classic English breakfast, eggs benedict, a soufflé omelette, and berry pancakes. You can also request anything else your group's taste buds may desire, even cereals. Breakfast is complemented by freshly squeezed juices, as well as speciality coffees.

Activities and Adventures

As a Hippo Creek Villa guest, you'll have access to their fitness centre. It's certainly the best view I've had from a treadmill! You can expect luxury finishes with a large mirror, refrigerated water, clean towels, and well-maintained equipment.

Victoria Falls River Lodge also offers game drives, tours of Victoria Falls, and Zambezi bird watching. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are various daring activities you can choose from (at an additional cost but well-worth it), including helicopter flips, gorge swings, white water rafting, canopy tours, and bungee jumping. More relaxed land activities include walking safaris and fishing from the riverbanks.

Out on the water, you can enjoy sunrise and sunset cruises. I highly recommend opting for both as they are two different experiences. The sunrise cruises feel delicate as the world is slowly waking up, and it's quieter than the sunset cruise. The latter, however, gives you a better chance of spotting wildlife, and sunsets are heavenly.

A Stay Like No Other

Staying at an exclusive-use villa like Hippo Creek provides the ultimate luxury experience. You're in your private bubble of bliss, and your every need is taken care of. You also have much more flexibility and don't have to share your facilities. It's the perfect way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the people you love while making memories in one of the most iconic destinations in the world.

Let's make your dreams come true! Contact our Travel Experts to start planning your trip to Victoria Falls, and discuss your accommodation preferences and bucket list travel experiences.