RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE ON THE EDGE OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

This trip will especially appeal to passionate foodies with a spirited sense of adventure. In a magical setting just four kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, Palm River Hotel offers guests a fully-immersive “Riverside Dining Experience” in Zimbabwe on the banks of the Zambezi River.

“Under a twinkling canopy of stars,” says the hotel, “and illuminated by lanterns, guests are treated to an authentic barbeque-style dinner, perfectly positioned within the hotel’s lush gardens, alongside the palm-fringed banks of the tranquil and serene river.”

The experience includes a three-course dinner of locally sourced barbecue-style options, enhanced with a touch of traditional Zimbabwean flavours, with delicacies such as crocodile and kudu steaks also found on the menu – all of which are grilled al fresco on open coal fires. “Fresh and flavourful salads, side options and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages further elevate the experience.”

Light entertainment of gentle rhythms played by local musicians on handheld drums and traditional instruments – known locally as the “mbira” – create a calming ambience, with a background of birdlife and wildlife chatter. As the dinner is set up alongside a wildlife corridor, there are frequent sightings of native animals.

“The magic of the Zambezi River is treasured by all who are fortunate enough to experience it,” says group hospitality manager Heather Kay, “and our hope is for every guest to leave Victoria Falls with a vibrant memory of our wild surroundings and this iconic river. With this in mind, the ‘Riverside Dining Experience’ perfectly encapsulates the enchanting river setting, paired with our most loved Zimbabwean flavours, light entertainment and a soothing ambience under the African night’s sky.”

The “Riverside Dining Experience” takes place between 6pm and 8.30pm and is available to all in-house guests of the Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel throughout the year, weather conditions permitting.

The experience costs US$45 per person and includes a three-course barbecue dinner, a welcome drink, return transfers within Victoria Falls town centre (not applicable to groups) and local entertainment. The experience can also be booked as a group activity available to guests from external hotels.

In addition, the Palm River Hotel offers indoor dining in the hotel’s grand dining hall and on the restaurant terrace – a part-immersed setting within the indigenous surroundings of the hotel. Both options are complemented by the hotel’s sweeping gardens and views of the Zambezi River. The restaurant offers a separate à la carte menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to hotel guests and day visitors.

Officially opened in 2021 by the family-run Palm Hospitality Group, which also operates the more longer established (over 30 years) Ilala Lodge Hotel, the five-star Palm River Hotel comprises 73 river-facing rooms and suites “delivering unparalleled luxury with a sense of home comfort”.

Riverside Dining Experience reservations: fnb@palmriverhotel.com

Tel (+263) 867 7196873 www.palmriverhotel.com