High Tea in Victoria Falls

11/7/2015

The colonial influence on the Victoria Falls region, both in Zambia and Zimbabwe, is still very much evident, from Victorian buildings that have been sensitively preserved, to the legacy of David Livingstone and the other explorers who played a key role in the history of the area. High tea is one of the traditions left behind from this bygone era and there are several terrific places to enjoy this gracious repast. 

1. The Victoria Falls Hotel

Arguably the most famous and authentic destination for high tea in Zimbabwe, the historic Victoria Falls Hotel serves traditional high tea daily between 3:00-5:30pm on Stanley's Terrace, overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge. The silver service tea features a wide selection of traditional confectionary, including scones and cucumber sandwiches, served with tea, champagne or a choice of cocktails. The hotel's high tea is also open to guests not staying at the property. After marvelling at the view over tea, you may use the private pathway for a ten-minute walk that leads from the gardens directly to the Victoria Falls.

2. The Royal Livingstone

The Royal Livingstone hotel in Zambia serves traditional high tea every day of the week from 3:00-5:00pm. A selection of cakes and pastries are served, which guests can enjoy on one of the hotel's sun decks against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The hotel is particularly well known for its carrot cake, as well as its eight-texture chocolate cake.

3. Toka Leya Camp

High tea at Toka Leya is served outdoors on a deck overlooking the Zambezi River and guests are offered a selection of freshly baked savory and sweet treats, along with the camp's signature iced coffee and tea. Toka Leya is located inside Zambia's Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and the bushveld setting means that guests enjoying high tea are likely to encounter wildlife, such as elephant and hippo.

4. The River Club

Further downstream, guests can enjoy high tea at the River Club - served outside on the main veranda overlooking a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River, often filled with pods of hippos. The River Club places a special emphasis on a quality dining experience and high tea is no exception -  every afternoon guests are treated to a variety of freshly prepared delicacies to enjoy while observing the wildlife resident across the river in the Zambezi National Park.

5. Livingstone Island High Tea

Located in the middle of the Zambezi River, Livingstone Island touches the lip of the Victoria Falls. After a short boat trip to the island, visitors can imbibe views of both the Zambian and Zimbabwe side of the Falls, just as David Livingstone first saw them, while a local guide explains about the local history, geology, flora and fauna. High tea is served in the afternoon from 3:30-5:30pm, with a variety of traditional and innovative goodies on offer. Access to the island depends on water levels in the Zambezi and is usually available between July and March from Tongabezi.

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