Victoria Falls River Lodge Interview with Marnix Breitbarth

What makes this hotel—and its surrounding destination—different from anywhere else in Africa?

Marnix Breitbarth

We sit on the banks of the Zambezi, close enough to Victoria Falls that you can hear it on a still morning. What sets this destination apart isn’t just the Falls themselves, but the extraordinary combination: one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a river teeming with wildlife, and a genuinely wild bush environment, all within minutes of each other.

Victoria Falls River Lodge has the privilege of sitting right at the heart of it. The lodge embraces the best of indoor-outdoor living, with architecture that feels part of the landscape rather than separate from it, while still offering all the comfort and beauty you would expect from a luxury stay. But what truly brings it all together is our team, whose warmth and genuine care mean they consistently go above and beyond to make every guest’s experience feel personal.

Few places in Africa allow you to watch elephants crossing the Zambezi between two countries from your veranda in the morning, stand in the spray of one of the world’s great waterfalls by lunchtime, and return to a place that feels entirely at home within the wilderness around it. That combination of location, wildlife, thoughtful design and deeply personal hospitality is what makes Victoria Falls River Lodge so special.

What local traditions, ingredients, art, or experiences do you incorporate into the guest experience?

Marnix Breitbarth

We showcase Zimbabwean and Ndebele craft throughout the lodges, from basketry and stone carving to textiles, sourced directly from artisans in Victoria Falls town so that our connection to local craft also supports the community around us. In our kitchens, local produce and seasonality shape our menus, bringing Zimbabwean ingredients and flavours into a contemporary dining experience.

That sense of place extends to conservation too. Through our Anti-Snare Bush Walk, guests can directly support the work of the Zambezi National Park in protecting the wildlife and wilderness around us. We also partner with local artisans who transform recovered snares into jewellery, turning something once used to harm wildlife into something meaningful and beautiful.

Can you share a memorable story about a guest, employee, or community member that captures the spirit of this hotel?

Marnix Breitbarth

A guest once lost their phone during a game drive. Find My Phone showed it was still out there, but pinpointing it proved difficult. Five of our team members spent hours retracing the drive’s route, again and again, without luck. The guests eventually departed the next morning without it.

But our team didn’t give up. Some of our staff went back out and kept searching, and by chance, while driving towards the phone’s last known location, they spotted it. We then arranged for other guests flying to the same destination the following day to carry it with them and hand it over in person.

It was a real team effort, but more than anything, it captures the spirit of our team: once someone becomes our guest, we will always go that extra mile for them.

Which is your favorite room in the hotel, and what makes it special to you?

Marnix Breitbarth

Rapids View Villa. It has stunning views over the rapids and the mighty Zambezi, with the sound of the water creating an incredible sense of calm. There’s something very special about being so close to the river and feeling completely immersed in the landscape. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

What is the first thing you want guests to feel when they walk through the door?

Marnix Breitbarth

Amazement. Although there isn’t literally a door to walk through, we want that first moment to stay with our guests. The genuine warmth of being welcomed by our team, combined with the sheer scale and beauty of the setting around them, should create an immediate sense that they have arrived somewhere truly special.

How do you balance international hospitality standards with an experience that feels genuinely local?

Marnix Breitbarth

We hold ourselves to international standards on everything guests shouldn’t have to think about, from safety and service consistency to the fundamentals of comfort. But the experience itself is unmistakably Zimbabwean. It comes through in the food, the craftsmanship, the surroundings and, above all, the warmth and genuine care of our team. That is what takes the experience from simply professional to deeply personal, while giving guests a true sense of the place they have come to discover.

What is one nearby experience visitors often overlook but absolutely shouldn't?

Marnix Breitbarth

Cataract Pool. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it. The experience allows you to sit right on the edge of Victoria Falls itself, surrounded by the sheer power and beauty of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. It is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that deserves a place on bucket lists around the world.

What is your ideal day in the area, from morning until evening?

Marnix Breitbarth

Start with an early morning visit to Victoria Falls, before the crowds arrive, when you can really take in the scale and beauty of the Falls. Head back to the lodge for a proper breakfast overlooking the Zambezi, then venture out to Cataract Pool for the unforgettable experience of being right on the edge of the Falls themselves.

Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch before spending the afternoon on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi, watching wildlife along the riverbanks as the day winds down. Round off the evening with a drink at the bar and a delicious dinner, before retreating to your luxury tent with the sounds of the bush around you.

What inspired you to build a career in hospitality?

Marnix Breitbarth

Looking back across my professional life, I’ve always been drawn to work that allows people to escape reality, even if just for a few days. I love the idea that hospitality can create a world of its own, where people can simply enjoy where they are, feel looked after and experience something outside of their everyday lives. That has always been what draws me to this industry.

What do you do to help employees grow into future leaders?

Marnix Breitbarth

We have a fairly young management team, both on the ground and in the office, and we’re all focused on moving the company forward together. A big part of that is giving people the opportunity to grow with the business. Our managers work closely with heads of department, encouraging them to take on more responsibility, develop their skills and step into leadership roles. That mindset extends across the wider team, and we also run internships throughout the year to give new talent the opportunity to learn, develop and grow through the ranks.