While the privacy of our high-end guests is always our priority, we can confirm that Victoria Falls River Lodge has become a popular destination for professional footballers and their partners to unwind during their holiday breaks.
John McGinn, a renowned Scottish footballer and Aston Villa’s team captain, recently visited the lodge with his fiancé, Sara Stokes. McGinn is highly regarded in Scotland, having won the Scottish Football Writers’ Scotland International Player of the Year award for four consecutive years.
During their stay at the lodge, McGinn and Stokes enjoyed various activities, including a helicopter ride over the breathtaking Victoria Falls, a tour of the Falls on foot and a boat cruise along the Zambezi River. McGinn shared these special moments on his personal Instagram account, expressing his amazement at the stunning location:
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The footballer was a great sport, always happy to interact with fans and show his playful side which was demonstrated when he attempted to keep up with traditional dancers at the curio market at the entrance to the Victoria Falls. In the video, he tagged his former Aston Villa teammate and Zimbabwean footballer, Marvelous Nakamba, jokingly saying “they must not have hamstrings in Zimbabwe”, referencing the height at which the local dancers can lift their legs while performing high-kick dance moves. Nakamba responded warmly, showing the camaraderie between the players.
The post received a significant amount of engagement from McGinn’s fans, with many expressing their admiration for his choice to spend his vacation on safari in Zimbabwe, instead of more conventional vacation spots like Ibiza. The positive comments highlight the affection McGinn holds in the hearts of his fans.
McGinn is not the only Scottish footballer to have visited Victoria Falls River Lodge. His national team teammate, Craig Gordon, also visited the lodge in June 2019 with his wife, Summer Harl, who is a TV presenter, lifestyle/fashion blogger, and social media influencer. Harl described the lodge as ‘the lodge of dreams’ further cementing its reputation as a desirable destination for high-profile individuals seeking a serene and remarkable holiday experience.
We will welcome John and Sara back to Victoria Falls River Lodge without a moment’s hesitation but until then we wish him well with his competitive season to come.