At Zambezi Dusk, your wake-up call doesn’t come from an alarm — it comes from the grumbling chorus of our resident hippos. Equal parts hilarious and humbling, this blog takes you through a day in the life of our most vocal neighbours. From sunrise symphonies to moonlit returns, discover why these river giants are the real stars of the Zambezi.

They came, they grunted, they conquered.

Let’s set the record straight — while we may run the lodge, it’s the hippos who run the schedule.

Every day at Zambezi Dusk begins with their unmistakable morning chorus — deep, rolling grunts and gurgles that carry across the water like the bush’s own alarm clock. If you’ve never been woken by a hippo before, you’re in for something unforgettable. It’s not jarring — just strangely rhythmic, a gentle reminder that you’ve traded the hum of traffic for something far more ancient and alive.

Before your first cup of coffee is poured, before the sun fully crests the horizon, they’re already at it. Bellows echo from the river like distant thunder, a low and rumbling welcome to the wild. Still curled beneath your mosquito net, you might hear them chatting to each other like old neighbours — some friendly, some not so much. Either way, it’s your first true signal: you’re not in the city anymore. You’re in their domain now.

As the sun climbs, their energy shifts. By mid-morning, our hippo neighbours adopt full holiday mode. You’ll spot them lounging in the shallows, nostrils bobbing, eyes blinking slowly, barely moving — until one lets out a long, contented snort that sounds suspiciously like a snore. They might be the most relaxed residents on this stretch of river, and watching them is oddly meditative. Whether you’re on your private deck, floating in the pool, or enjoying breakfast with a view, their presence becomes a quiet, constant rhythm in your day.

Come afternoon, they slip away — silently and almost magically — leaving behind still water and mystery. Where do they go? Some say to deeper pools upriver. Others imagine secret hippo meetings beneath the reeds. We don’t ask too many questions — we’ve learned to respect their schedule.

Then, as night falls and the lanterns glow, they return. Always with flair. You’ll hear the slosh of water, the sudden splash, and then — unmistakably — that joyful, honking hippo laughter that announces: we’re back. Their grunts and bellows fill the night air, a soundtrack of the wild played just for us. It’s not noise — it’s presence. It's the Zambezi, alive and unfiltered.

At Zambezi Dusk, we’ve learned to live alongside these magnificent, occasionally mischievous creatures. We don’t tame the wilderness — we embrace it. And in return, the hippos offer us a front-row seat to one of nature’s most enduring performances. It’s a dance of respect and wonder, shared across the river’s edge.

So when you stay with us, consider the hippos part of the experience — as essential as your sundowner or the view from your tent. You’ll hear them, often before you see them. You’ll likely fall in love with their curious eyes, their ancient grace, their unforgettable sounds.

And don’t be surprised if, once you’re home again, it’s not the luxury or the landscapes you miss most — it’s the hippos. Guests have told us they do their best impressions. We politely recommend you leave it to the professionals.

Because here, the hippos don’t just live by the river. They set the rhythm for everything we do.