You’re Invited: Dinner On The Zambezi

When on holiday in Victoria Falls, allow dinner to become an occasion; scenic, slow and interspersed with enriching conversation. It helps, of course, when your table is set up next to the mighty Zambezi River…

When it comes to location, we know how fortunate we are, being situated a few kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, and so, we found a way to embrace our natural surroundings even further, by dreaming up a dinner offering that combines the beauty of the river with all the luxury you’ve come to expect from The Palm River Hotel.

Below we’ll explore everything you can anticipate from our unique Victoria Falls dining experience!

There’s something special about the Zambezi. It’s not just one of Africa’s great rivers; it’s also deeply woven into the culture and landscape of Zimbabwe. Flowing gently past the edge of our grounds, there can be no denying the effect this large body of water has on the overall atmosphere of your stay.

At every time of day, the river will be your constant companion, shifting in appearance with the changing of the light. As the sun sets and we prepare for your dining experience, the light softens and the air cools. Tables are set up on the banks, surrounded by trees, bird calls and the occasional splash and grunt of a hippo in the distance. If you’re lucky, you might even see elephants and buffalo approach the opposite bank to drink.

Later, as darkness descends, the stars come out – emboldened by the lack of light pollution. We do add a little extra magic to the night with candlelight and live entertainment.

It’s not just dining with a remote and pretty view – it’s dining in the middle of it all, immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of our beautiful country.

The Riverside Dining Experience is all about flavour, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place. The menu is inspired by traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, but with a refined touch. Think perfectly grilled meats, colourful salads, seasonal vegetables, and warm, welcoming dishes cooked over open coal fires.

Everything is freshly prepared right beside the river, and whether you’re sipping a crisp white wine, a local craft beer, or a signature cocktail from the well-stocked bar, there’s always something to pair beautifully with your plate. As is the custom at Palm River Hotel, the service is relaxed but attentive – staff are always nearby, ready to make a recommendation or bring you a second helping of something delicious.

And finally, what’s a memorable meal without a touch of live entertainment? As the sun dips below the horizon, the rhythmic beat of African drummers fills the air, bringing an authentic cultural flair to the evening. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Zambezi River and the glowing evening sky, this light yet evocative performance strikes the perfect note to complement your experience.

Without giving too much away, it’s worth mentioning a few traditional favourites that will more than likely find their way on to your menu for the evening. As the seasons change, so too do our menus, owing to our commitment to provide guests with fresh, seasonal produce, but some items are year round!

Your starter will most likely be a soup of some kind, served with beautiful, fresh corn bread.

Afterwards you will move on to mains, which will be cooked over the fire in front of you. Options will likely include flame-grilled chicken, ribeye steak, barbecued crocodile, grilled veggie skewers and a traditional potjiekos, which is essentially a stew cooked for hours over the coals in a cast iron pot. Delicious!

For sides:

• Open fire baked potatoes with cream cheese and chives
• Couscous salad with chickpeas, roasted broccoli, cauliflower and mixed herbs
• Herbed cabbage and carrot slaw
• Caesar salad with green beans, croutons and bacon
• Sadza – traditional polenta
• Chomolia – African kale

After feasting on mains – and we hope you’ll eat a lot – it’s time for dessert.

Guests can look forward to sweet bites like lavender shortbread, candied citrus, pannacotta and lemon curd.

The Riverside Dining Experience is only available to in-house guests of The Palm River Hotel and our sister property, Ilala Lodge Hotel. This exclusivity keeps it intimate and personal, so every evening feels like a special event!

This offering is available throughout the year (weather-permitting) with limited spots, so booking in advance is a must. If you are staying at Ilala Lodge Hotel, there is a shuttle service available between the properties for your use.

If you have any additional requests – like the mention of a birthday or an extra romantic setup – feel free to talk to our team and we’d be happy to make accommodations to suit your needs.

The Riverside Dining Experience is available by advanced booking only. To reserve your spot, email fnb@palmriverhotel.com or call +263 867 719 6873.

To truly make the most of your time in Victoria Falls, we invite you to stay with us.

With elegant rooms, lush gardens, and a front-row seat to the Zambezi River, we are the ideal base for exploring one of Africa’s most iconic destinations. (And enjoying some of its finest food, even if we do say so ourselves!)

Contact onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com for reservation assistance or secure your own dates via our online booking platform.

We look forward to welcoming you to the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River!