I recently packed my bags and headed to Zimbabwe with my girlfriend Daniela Canny, who also happens to be an incredibly talented content creator and photographer. The trip had a dual purpose: scope out some new lodges I hadn’t visited before, and capture content for both us and the properties. But honestly, travelling with a girlfriend added a whole other dimension to the experience. There’s something really special about sharing sundowners, swapping outfit options and gasping at elephants together. It made me want to plan a proper girls’ trip to the bush, and SOON.
I hadn’t been to Zim in a while, so it was really great to be back. The thing that ties all three of these lodges together is that they each offer a combo of safari and water. You’ve got game drives on one hand and boat cruises on the mighty Zambezi River on the other (we were told multiple times that you must always call it the mighty Zambezi. So there you go).
Victoria Falls River Lodge
We kicked things off at the Malachite Luxury Tented Suites, part of the Victoria Falls River Lodge family. This place is gorgeous. Located just upstream of Vic Falls town, it’s close enough that getting to the Falls and town is easy, but far enough that you’re not in the middle of the chaos (and mercifully far enough to dodge the sound of the daily helicopter flights buzzing above the Falls).
The suites are stunning and spacious, but the thing that really got me… the bed. The beautifully curved mosquito net draped around it makes the whole room feel like something out of a dream.
We did a game drive and sunset cruise here, which were both lovely. One thing worth knowing though: this is a slightly busier stretch of the reserve and river, so expect to see a few other vehicles and boats around. And I’d say don’t come here purely for the safari element (as with most Vic Falls lodges). It’s not Sabi Sands in terms of game density, but the real magic here is the water, the setting, the relaxation, with game drives as a bonus on the side.
We also popped over to their two other properties just upstream (all connected by boat): the main River Lodge and the Island Treehouse Suites. The Island Lodge honestly feels like a tropical paradise, with elevated walkways winding through the palm trees. River Lodge is bigger and more spread out with a more traditional safari lodge feel, but still modern and chic. They’ve all had a recent refurb and they’re looking fresh.
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Next stop: Matetsi.
Unlike other lodges in the Vic Falls area, Matetsi has its own private reserve, and you can tell. The area is well looked after and the game viewing was genuinely excellent. It’s a different level to the neighbouring national park. And the elephants. This place is elephant paradise. They’re so relaxed around the vehicle, and when you spot one you just know there are 30 more around the corner.
The staff here were wonderful. I was genuinely sad to leave our guide Paul and tracker Givemore behind. Those two were exceptional at what they do and went above and beyond for us every single morning and evening for us.
The sunset cruises felt very chic. Matetsi has gorgeous boats that make the whole experience feel like a stylish evening out, except you’re floating down the Zambezi watching elephants drink on the banks. On our last night, they set up a bush dinner under a giant tree with lanterns hanging from the branches and bonfires scattered all around us. That was a real pinch-me-is-this-my-life kinda moment.
Mpala Jena
And then there was Mpala Jena.
I fell in love with this place the second I arrived and felt my toes in the sand. Actual sand. Like, beach sand. On one side you’ve got this tropical, beachy paradise, and on the other, the bush. It genuinely feels like you could be on the shores of Mozambique, except with elephants rumbling in the distance.
Mpala Jena is upstream from Vic Falls River Lodge, and it’s noticeably quieter and more private up here. It’s also within the Zambezi National Park, but because it’s further from town you don’t really see other vehicles. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The food, the staff, the suites, the design. Everything here screams honeymoon, or a trip with friends. If I hadn’t already booked my honeymoon, I would be running to Mpala Jena for sure.
Mpala Jena Villas
We saved the best for last. Mpala Jena opened two villas in 2025 which operate separately from the main lodge (reached by boat or vehicle), so they’re totally private with their own dedicated staff, chef, guide, the works.
Each villa has three bedrooms, and when I say they’re huge, I mean HUGE. The vibe is the same as the main lodge but turned all the way up. One of the rooms has a giant tree growing through the roof, which really gives you that one-with-nature feel. I would like to design my future beach house exactly like this please and thank you. It feels like its own little resort. Honestly, someone call the producers of White Lotus because this is the set they didn’t know they needed.
Jokes aside, these villas are absolutely perfect for a family getaway or a group of friends. Private, beautiful, and unlike anything else I’ve seen in the area.
Final Thoughts
Zimbabwe surprised me all over again on this trip. The combination of river and bush made for a really special experience. And there’s something about being in the bush with a girlfriend that’s really fun! I’m already plotting the next one…
If you’re thinking about Zim, don’t sleep on it. I love combining places like these with a safari in South Africa or Botswana, as they complement the safari experience really well. The Zambezi lodges bring something totally different to the table, and when paired with a few nights in the bush, you’ve got a trip that covers all the bases.
If you want help planning your own trip, you know where to find me.
