As with all of its esteemed peers, perched along the banks and hovering over the water of the mighty Zambezi River, Hippo Creek Villa generously beckons you in to an earnestly African space. Stopping at nothing when it comes to dishing up the luxury safari elements that are stitched into the fabric of Victoria Falls River Lodge. This magnificent stretch of land introduces safari enthusiasts to unique encounters with the wilderness of Zimbabwe.
Its proximity to all of the walking and driving routes through the Zambezi National Park. The abundance of wildlife that frequents the banks, the river’s rapids, and the grounds around the villa. The birdlife that challenges your spotting abilities and keeps the holiday competition going. It really is an area for bird lovers to get lost in flight with their feathery friends. Then there’s all of the activities in Victoria Falls itself. Only a ten-minute drive away from your opulent bush abode. Where the thrill-seekers can tend to their bold and beautiful appetites for adrenalin.
Hippo Creek Villa comprises of a private three-bedroomed lodge, where each suite is sublimely secluded from another, allowing the whole clan to have their own retreat, all to themselves. Ideal for three couples or close friends, you’ll take a little wander outdoors and be escorted through the elegant communal dining and lounging areas, overlooking the landscape.
An expansive space, classically furnished in its dapper safari attire, that allows everything that’s going on outside, to permeate all of the rooms. So that you don’t miss out on what the wildlife are up to. Like the resident hippo pod that dwells quietly in the waters along the riverbank. As night falls, they stagger out of the shallows and onto the grass to graze. A truly unique and captivating spectacle that will make its way onto your postcards.
It’s up to you and your travelling team to decide how your days will unfold at Hippo Creek Villa. We could suggest that a typical day begins with the dawn’s rays filtering through the curtains, inviting you out onto the deck for the first brew of the day.
A quick dip into the plunge pool and a long gaze across the panoramic views of the Zambezi River. The birds singing their dawn chorus before you usher yourself off to breakfast. An early morning game drive or river cruise could also be on the cards. The wonderful thing is that you are all at liberty to flip it around, spice it up and elect which days you’d like to do what.
Where river and wilderness entwine
As guests of the villa, you get to enjoy exclusive use of the dedicated guides, that are assigned to your team during your stay. Full of fun, information, and home-grown African wit. They’re committed to tailoring every activity in accordance with your bush clocks.
Personal butlers, lead by the charismatic David, ensure every detail is flawlessly managed. When you’d like to go gallivanting in the vehicle, exploring the Victoria Falls National Park – a protected area that covers 56 000 hectares. Or doing it by foot, wandering some of the most beautiful walks in the wilderness. When you’d like to experience all of the adrenaline sports that Victoria Falls has to offer. White water rafting, gorge swinging, and dipping into Devil’s Pool, right on the very edge of the falls. Plenty of sunrise and sunset cruises on the river. It will never, ever get old.
Prior to your first gathering around the tables, you’ll meet with the villa’s chef to co-create a bespoke dining journey, guided by the freshest seasonal produce sourced locally. The menu evolves daily, whatever floats your palates’ boats. Celebrating regional flavours through themed evenings of traditional boma nights or around a spread of innovative local dishes. Having access to the main lodge allows you the freedom to dine at different destinations, whether on the island or in the villa. The culinary approach embraces a tapas-style experience. Small plates designed for sharing, infused with diverse global influences, yet rooted in authentic African feasts.
Hippo Creek Villa is a harmonious blend of luxury, nature, and personalised service, that supersedes all your safari expectations, in one of the most beautiful spots in Africa.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie