Gorge Dinner

Perched high up on the sheer edge of the Batoka Gorge above the rapid number 7, this is an astounding dinner site. The rocky landscape and thorny trees lit up by strategically placed lights and lanterns, and the silvery moonlit sparkle of the Zambezi white water, crashing through its course 100m below provide the setting for an unforgettable Bush Dinner. The very nature of dining out in open air, wild country surrounds and firelight brings out the basic human in all of us. All we’ve done is romanticise this with elements of the recent past. Add to this the age-old customs of the tribal dancers, the melody of their ancestral songs, the ancient beat of the African drums, and you have a potpourri of African magic in the palm of Mother Nature. Tasty and tantalising cuisine, cool beverages and excellent service make up the rest of what is regarded as the ultimate in Bush Dinner experience.

Table décor comprises of selected hand carvings of crouching cheetah, hand crafted palm tree candle centrepiece, stone carved candleholders and hand made Kubu mats. The tables are circular with a 1.8m diameter seating up to eight diners comfortably. Seating is a comfortable teak and green canvas director chair. Surrounding décor comprises of Zebra hides on the ground, taxidermy Lions and other animals and life-size Mkishi dolls. Highlighting these features, paraffin lanterns and flares are strategically placed to create a warm and inviting ambience. Pot plants of natural forest flora surround the encampment, blending in with the surrounding bush. Some spotlights are used to accentuate certain natural features at our various sites. The buffet and bar areas have décor to match and are placed away from the main seating area to allow for privacy and comfort.

There is an option to enhance the décor for the Gorge Dinner. Costs are dependant on which extras are chosen for the enhancements. These can include enhanced table décor such as Ostrich Egg centrepieces and silver/white table settings. For a Gala Dinner Theme we would recommend White Mischief which is white and silver with Ostrich Egg centrepieces.

On arrival, guests are met by a group of Shangaan Warriors and their women folk dressed in their traditional attire. Warm songs of welcome with the beating of drums and the mystical sounds of the Mbira Gourd greet guests. During the evening the warriors can entertain with songs and dances of African folklore performed for centuries by the forefathers. And upon departure sing songs of warm wishes and safe travel.

We would highly recommend the enhancements of Marimba Band, Makishi Dancers as well as a Saxophanist or Violinist for the early part of the dinner (especially Gala Dinner).