Best Restaurants in Victoria Falls | Top 3 Must-Try Dining Spots

Tatenda Mhuriyengwe • September 28, 2022

Best Restaurants in Victoria Falls – Top 3 Must-Try Dining Spots


When most people think of Victoria Falls, they picture the thundering waterfall, thrilling adventure activities, and spectacular wildlife. But this vibrant town is also a rising food destination. Whether you’re craving fine dining, casual eats, or vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, Victoria Falls offers a wide range of options to suit every taste. To help you plan your trip, here are the top 3 restaurants in Victoria Falls we recommend – each with its own unique setting, flavors, and unforgettable atmosphere.


1. Lookout Café – Dining on the Edge of the Gorge


📍 2.3 km from Victoria Falls town, perched above the Batoka Gorge

The Lookout Café Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic dining experiences in the region. This semi-open-air restaurant combines incredible food with jaw-dropping views of the Batoka Gorge, Zambezi River, and Victoria Falls Bridge.


Why Dine Here?

  • Uninterrupted views of the gorge and river.
  • Watch adrenaline seekers take on the gorge swing, zip line, or flying fox while you enjoy your meal.
  • A diverse menu with international and traditional African dishes – all vegan and vegetarian friendly.
  • Family-friendly and ideal for all ages.


⏰ Opening Hours


  • Daily: 08:00 – 22:00
  • Breakfast: 08:00 – 10:00
  • Lunch: 10:00 – 16:00
  • Snacks: 16:00 – 18:00
  • Dinner: 18:30 – 22:00 (last orders 21:00)

👉 Pro Tip: Book in advance for sunset – the views are simply unforgettable.


2. MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant – Fine Dining with Wildlife Views


📍 4.7 km from Victoria Falls town, inside Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

For a truly unique African dining experience, MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant is unbeatable. Overlooking a busy wildlife waterhole, this open-air restaurant allows you to enjoy world-class cuisine while elephants, buffalo, and even the occasional lion wander nearby.


Why Dine Here?

  • Stunning panoramic views of the African bush.
  • Watch wildlife gather at the waterhole as you dine.
  • Front-row tables are limited – book early for the best view.
  • Daily vulture feeding program at 13:00 – an excellent conservation and photo opportunity.


⏰ Opening Hours


  • Breakfast: 06:30 – 10:00
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 14:00
  • Dinner: 19:00 – 22:00 (bookings essential)
  • Dress Code: Smart casual

👉 Pro Tip: Arrive early for sundowners on the deck before your dinner reservation.


3. The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar – Casual Dining in the Heart of Victoria Falls


📍 Central Victoria Falls town, near Ilala Lodge & Victoria Falls Hotel

If you’re after a lively, casual spot, The Three Monkeys is the go-to restaurant in Victoria Falls. Known for its relaxed vibe and great service, it’s especially popular for wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and signature cocktails.


Why Dine Here?

  • Central location, within walking distance of major hotels.
  • Trendy open-air dining under canvas with a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Famous for craft cocktails, pizzas, and burgers – but the menu also includes salads, vegan, and vegetarian options.
  • Perfect for lunch, dinner, or just cocktails with friends.


⏰ Opening Hours

  • Daily: 10:00 – 24:00

👉 Pro Tip: Order their signature cocktail – it’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.


Final Thoughts – Where to Eat in Victoria Falls


Whether you’re looking for romantic dining with a view, a wildlife-watching experience, or a casual bite in town, these three restaurants are the best of Victoria Falls:


  • Lookout Café – for dramatic gorge views and adventurous vibes.
  • MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant – for fine dining paired with wildlife sightings.
  • The Three Monkeys – for casual city dining with great cocktails.


No matter your taste or dietary preference, these restaurants ensure that your Victoria Falls trip is as delicious as it is adventurous.

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Discover Victoria Falls from Both Sides: Zimbabwe & Zambia Guided Tour

By Tatenda Mhuriyengwe • September 15, 2025
Zimbabwe and Zambia: Guided tour of the falls from both sides

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By Tatenda Mhuriyengwe • August 22, 2025
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Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls – Seasonal Travel Guide.

By Tatenda Mhuriyengwe • May 27, 2021
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a year-round destination, but the experience you’ll have depends greatly on the season you choose to visit. From the thunderous spray of the rainy season to the exposed geological beauty of the dry months, every time of year offers something unique. Here’s a detailed seasonal guide to help you plan your 2025 trip. January – March: Peak Rainy Season During these months, Victoria Falls receives heavy rains, swelling the Zambezi River. The Falls are at their most powerful, creating dramatic cascades and a mist that can be seen kilometers away. Highlights: Witness the full force of the Falls; lush green landscapes; excellent birdwatching. Considerations: Visibility may be reduced by the spray; some activities like white-water rafting may be closed due to safety concerns. Waterproof gear is essential. April – June: High Water Season By April, the Zambezi River is still high, and the Falls are spectacularly full, often covering the entire width of the gorge. This is one of the most popular times to visit. Highlights: Magnificent flow, rainbow sightings, dramatic photography opportunities, and a chance to truly feel the “Smoke That Thunders.” Considerations: The spray can still be intense, making it difficult to see the base of the Falls clearly. However, walking trails are cooler and lush. July – September: Dry Season & Best Safari Months As the water level drops, the spray subsides, allowing clearer views of the Falls. By August and September, parts of the rock face are visible, showcasing the geological structure of the gorge. This is also peak safari season in nearby parks like Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Chobe (Botswana). Highlights: Clear panoramic views; excellent safari experiences; warm, dry weather ideal for outdoor activities. Considerations: The Falls are less dramatic than in peak season, but this is the best time for combining waterfalls and wildlife. October – Early November: Lowest Water Levels This is when the Zambezi River is at its lowest, and large sections of the Falls may dry up, especially on the Zambian side. However, this season offers unique perspectives. Highlights: Exposed rock formations; thrilling adventure activities like white-water rafting and Devil’s Pool (on Livingstone Island, Zambia); fewer crowds. Considerations: Some visitors may be disappointed by the reduced water flow, but adrenaline-seekers will find this the most adventurous time to visit. Late November – December: Start of the Rains With the first rains, the river begins to rise again, bringing fresh energy to the Falls. The landscapes turn green, and wildlife viewing remains rewarding. Highlights: A balance of lower spray with growing water levels; beautiful photography with greenery returning; fewer tourists compared to peak months. Considerations: Occasional afternoon showers, but temperatures remain warm and pleasant. Best Overall Time in 2025 For Full Impact of the Falls: April – June For Clear Views & Safari Combinations: July – September For Adventure Activities: October – November Final Tip: Since Victoria Falls is a cross-border destination between Zimbabwe and Zambia, consider visiting both sides to experience different perspectives. Planning your 2025 trip around your preferred balance of water flow, visibility, and activities will ensure an unforgettable journey to this natural wonder.

Hwange vs Chobe National Park – Which Safari is Best? | Zimbabwe & Botswana

By Tatenda Mhuriyengwe • May 27, 2021
🌍 Location & Size Hwange National Park: Located in western Zimbabwe, near Victoria Falls. Covers 14,650 km², making it Zimbabwe’s largest park. Chobe National Park: Located in northern Botswana, close to Kasane and Victoria Falls. Covers 11,700 km². 🐘 Wildlife Hwange: Famous for having over 45,000 elephants, one of the largest populations in Africa. Rich diversity: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, sable antelopes, buffalo, over 400 bird species. Known for large, remote, less crowded game-viewing areas. Chobe: Nicknamed “Land of the Giants” – home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants (over 120,000). Incredible herds of buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards. The Chobe Riverfront is a hotspot for wildlife viewing, especially in the dry season. 🚤 Activities Hwange: Mostly game drives (morning, afternoon, night) and walking safaris. Strong emphasis on eco-tourism and authentic wilderness. Chobe: Offers both land and water safaris. The Chobe River boat cruise is world-famous – excellent for photographing elephants swimming and vast birdlife. 🛎️ Accessibility & Accommodation Hwange: 2–3 hrs drive from Victoria Falls. Wide choice of lodges, from luxury to rustic camps. Less crowded, giving a true “untamed wilderness” feeling. Chobe: Easily accessible from Kasane (with an airport) and Victoria Falls (~1 hr transfer). Range of lodges, luxury riverfront hotels, and mobile safaris. Can be busier, especially along the riverfront. 🌿 Atmosphere Hwange: Remote, wild, and less commercialized. Perfect for travelers who love authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experiences. Chobe: More developed and busier, but offers spectacular river-based game viewing. Great for first-time safari-goers who want dramatic sightings in a short visit. 🏆 Best Suited For Hwange National Park: Wildlife enthusiasts who want a quieter, more exclusive experience. Photographers looking for raw landscapes and fewer vehicles around. Chobe National Park: Travelers with limited time who want guaranteed wildlife sightings. Families or first-time safari travelers wanting comfort and dramatic close-ups of elephants, hippos, and predators. ✅ Summary: If safari were football ⚽ — Hwange is like Real Madrid (prestigious, powerful, authentic, full of history), while Chobe is like Barcelona (vibrant, dramatic, stylish, full of flair). Both are top-class, and combining them with Victoria Falls makes for the ultimate safari circuit.