The Elephant Cafe Experience - Zambia

A once-in-a-lifetime affair with the African elephant and an unexpected and intriguing dining experience on the banks of the upper Zambezi River

The site of the Cafe on the Zambezi River banks

An elegant fine-dining restaurant built in the vicinity of an elephant sanctuary, the Elephant Cafe is exactly what its name suggests. This award winning freshly built establishment offers guests a chance to interact with the gentle African elephant, and then enjoy unique and wild flavours sourced locally in a gourmet meal. The elephants at Zambezi Elephant Trails are hand-reared, the older ones rescued from severe droughts and culling exercises done years ago, while the younger ones came from the wild or have been born into the herd. The tented open cafe is set on a wooden deck, elevated on stilts over the Zambezi River itself, and comfortably seats up to 24 people.

The Zambian experience starts with a 20-minute cruise up the Zambezi River. You will be picked up by transfer vehicle from your lodging, and taken to the jetty where a small jetboat will be waiting for you to take you to the Elephant Cafe, 10kms upstream from the Victoria Falls. Alternatively, you can take a game drive option through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can see different kinds of game along the way.

Upon arrival, you will meet some of the rescued elephants and some of the younger ones which were born at the sanctuary. Spend some time feeding and playing with them while you hear stories of their lives.

You will be invited to the tented cafe for another once-in-a-lifetime experience - a fine-dining affair with unique meals prepared using wild ingredients infused with local Zambian foods. A champagne cocktail kicks off the dining experience.

"Guests will experience a fine wine list paired with first-class cuisine of a quality rarely found outside major urban centres" - The Elephant Cafe

The meals available depend on the trip: Early breakfast, Three-course Lunch, High Tea, or Three-course Dinner. Because a lot of the ingredients aren't available all year round, the menus are also seasonal, dependant on what is available. Below is a sample menu:
 

After your meal, spend some time listening to the sounds of the African bush, from monkeys to hippos and antelope, and take in the magic of the Zambezi River in front of you.

You will be returned to your accommodation via jetboat cruise downstream, or through the game park if that is the way you came in. Details in the table below...

What to Bring

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Dress comfortably
• Insect repellent if required
• US$10 National Park fees to be paid on entry

What you Need to Know

• There are four trips available each day and guests can arrive by boat cruise or road transfer:
• Duration: The boat rides take about 20 minutes. Road transfers can take between 20 and 30 minutes.

• Maximum group size is 24 which is the most people that can be seated at the Elephant Cafe
• Transfers from your accommodation, food and beverages are included

Children

The minimum age is 10 years of age, and children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Below is a video summary of The Elephant Cafe experience...

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