Siya Kolisi has welcomed the new year far from the pressures of elite rugby, choosing the calm and beauty of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for a well-earned break.
The Springboks captain shared glimpses of his getaway on Instagram, giving fans a quiet window into his time away from the field. One moment shows him on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, the sky softening as day turns to evening. In another, he stands close to the thundering Victoria Falls, smiling as the cool spray from the Mosi-oa-Tunya drifts through the air.
In a lighter moment, Kolisi is seen wrapped in a chitenga, beer in hand, with the Amapiano anthem Asibe Happy by Ami Faku, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small playing in the background. The scene feels unforced and relaxed, a reminder that even global sporting figures need space to breathe and reset.
While Kolisi has visited Victoria Falls before, this trip appeared especially laid-back. There were no packed schedules or public appearances, just time to enjoy the landscape, the river and the slower pace of life that defines the resort town.
Away from rugby, Kolisi has also been the subject of quiet speculation about his personal life. He is rumoured to be dating Rachel John, a Dutch-Nigerian model and author. John recently marked her 25th birthday in Jeffreys Bay after spending Christmas with her family in Amsterdam, and reports suggest Kolisi was in the area at the same time and joined the celebrations.
Victoria Falls continues to draw high-profile visitors from across the world, and Kolisi’s visit adds to its growing reputation as a destination for rest and reflection. The town has long attracted international athletes, entertainers and business leaders, all drawn by the power of the falls and the sense of escape they offer. Recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls remains a jewel of African tourism.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has been steadily gaining ground, with more visitors arriving each year for both leisure and business. At the centre of that growth is Victoria Falls, where natural beauty meets expanding hospitality and adventure experiences.
For Kolisi, the trip seems to be about balance. As a new year begins, his time in Zimbabwe reflects the quiet appeal of a place where the noise of competition fades, replaced by nature, stillness and perspective.
