3 Hours Braai/BBQ Safari Game Drive in Zambezi National Park

If you’re searching for an authentic safari experience that combines game viewing with local flair, the 3 Hours Braai/BBQ Safari offered by Savannah Adventures might pique your interest. This tour promises not just a chance to spot wildlife in Zimbabwe’s renowned Zambezi National Park but also to enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean Braai (barbecue) amidst the wilderness.

While it’s a shorter option compared to longer safaris, it packs a punch with early access to the park and a unique cultural touch. However, potential visitors should note that, based on reviews, the BBQ quality can vary, and wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. This experience appeals best to those who enjoy a mix of wildlife, local cuisine, and a compact, well-organized adventure in the wild.

Key Points

• Early Access Advantage: Savannah Adventures departs before most other safari operators, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife without the crowds.
• Authentic Bush Experience: The tour takes place in genuinely unfenced wilderness, offering an authentic safari feel.
• Cultural Flare: Enjoy a Zimbabwean-style Braai with local meats and sides, adding a unique culinary element.
• Group Size & Comfort: Small groups (4 to 10 guests) allow for more personalized interactions and a better viewing experience.
• Price & Value: At $125 per person, the tour is reasonably priced, though the quality of the BBQ and wildlife sightings can vary.
• Guided Experience: Licensed guides ensure informative and safe game viewing, though animal sightings are never guaranteed.

Introduction: Practical, Authentic, and Adventurous

This tour is a fantastic option for those wanting a glimpse of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and culture in a single, manageable package. The promise of early morning or late afternoon game drives combined with a traditional Zimbabwean Braai makes for an experience that’s both exciting and culturally enriching.

What makes this safari stand out is the fact that it’s run by Savannah Adventures, the only company offering this particular combination in Victoria Falls. The tour’s emphasis on unfenced wilderness means you’re truly in the wild—no zoo enclosures here—just nature in its raw form. Plus, the small group size boosts the chances of seeing more animals and engaging closely with your guide.

One point to consider is that, based on user feedback, the quality of the BBQ isn’t always consistent. A reviewer noted that “the barbecue was terrible,” which might disappoint if you’re expecting a gourmet meal. That said, the focus here is on the experience—game viewing and the cultural aspect—so the meal should be viewed as an added bonus rather than the main attraction.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy wildlife, seek an intimate bush experience, and are open to trying local cuisine in a natural setting. It’s particularly appealing for those with limited time but who still want a taste of the African wilderness.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Pick-Up and Departure

The adventure starts at 3:00 pm, with pickup included, which is convenient for visitors staying in Victoria Falls. The tour’s early departure makes a difference—you’ll arrive in the park before larger groups, giving you a better shot at animals like giraffes, elephants, buffalos, hippos, and possibly lions or other big cats.

Game Drive in Zambezi National Park

The highlight here is the game drive in an open four-wheel-drive vehicle, which offers unobstructed views and a feeling of being right in the middle of the bush. The guides are licensed and knowledgeable, aiming to maximize wildlife sightings, but, as with all safaris, animals are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The guide will point out various species and interpret the bush’s ecosystem, making the drive both educational and entertaining. The timing—mid-morning or late afternoon—means you experience cooler, more comfortable weather, ideal for wildlife activity.

The Bush Experience

Because the park is unfenced and wild, your group will experience the bush as it is—no barriers, no enclosures. This makes for a more authentic experience but also requires patience and, occasionally, luck with animal sightings. Reviewers mention that guides do their best to find lions and other elusive animals, but nothing is promised.

Break & Braai/Cultural Experience

The tour pauses for a Zimbabwean-style Braai, which is a significant highlight. You’ll enjoy delicious local meats, ash bread, and a Braai salad, served with soft drinks and beer. Savannah Adventures prides itself on offering this unique feature, which you won’t find with other operators in Victoria Falls.

One reviewer, Timothy_S, mentioned, “The barbecue was terrible,” indicating that the meal quality might be inconsistent. If you’re expecting a gourmet feast, adjustments might be needed in expectations. Still, the chance to enjoy a meal in the bush with wildlife sounds like a memorable cultural highlight.

Return and Drop-Off

After the meal and some downtime, the tour concludes its 3-hour adventure, returning to your accommodation or designated drop-off point. The timing is perfect for those wanting an afternoon safari, leaving you with the evening free to explore or relax.

The Wildlife & Cultural Highlights

Wildlife Viewing

While the guides do their best to spot animals like giraffes, buffalos, hippos, elephants, and antelopes, there’s no guarantee. Reviewers note that sightings can be hit or miss, especially with big cats. The early departure aims to improve your chances, as animals are generally more active during cooler parts of the day.

Cultural & Culinary Experience

The Zimbabwean BBQ adds a local flavor, offering a taste of traditional cuisine in a natural setting. This element is ideal for travelers interested in seeing local culture rather than just observing animals.

Authentic Bush Feel

Being in a genuinely wild, unfenced park is an important aspect. Unlike zoo-like experiences, this safari provides a sense of real wilderness, perfect for those craving an unfiltered outdoor adventure.

Transportation, Group Size, and Practical Details

The tour uses open four-wheel-drive safari jeeps, which are well-suited to navigating the park’s terrain and providing excellent views. The group size ranges from 4 to 10 guests, allowing for more personalized interaction with guides and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

The tour is priced at $125 per person, which balances affordability with the unique experience offered. The cost excludes the $15 national park entry fee, a standard expense for park access.

Since the tour departs at 3:00 pm, travelers should plan to arrive on time. Pickup is offered, making it convenient for those staying in Victoria Falls. The tour’s approximate duration of 3 hours makes it a manageable option for day-trippers or those with tight schedules.

Authenticity and Value: Weighing the Experience

This safari’s main selling point is its early access and the chance to enjoy a traditional Braai amidst wildlife. Though the game viewing isn’t always spectacular—some reviews mention less-than-stellar animal sightings—the experience of being in an open vehicle in a pristine wilderness is rewarding in itself.

The cultural element, combined with a manageable length and small group size, adds to the overall value. You’ll gain insight into local cuisine and wildlife without the expense or commitment of a full-day safari.

However, the mixed reviews about the BBQ quality suggest that this part of the experience can vary. Travelers should approach it with flexible expectations—it’s about the whole adventure, not just the meal.

This tour suits travelers who want a quick, authentic safari with the bonus of local flavor, especially if they appreciate small-group experiences and early morning or late afternoon wildlife encounters.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Safari?

This safari is best for adventure seekers who are content with a shorter game drive and want to enjoy an authentic bush experience. It’s well-suited for small groups looking for personalized attention and a cultural twist. If you value early access to wildlife and are intrigued by combining a game drive with a traditional Zimbabwean BBQ, this tour offers a compelling package.

However, if animal sightings are a top priority or if you’re expecting gourmet food, you might want to consider other options or longer safaris. The experience’s charm lies in its intimate atmosphere and cultural touch, making it a worthwhile choice for those who appreciate these aspects.

Overall, Savannah Adventures’ 3 Hours Braai/BBQ Safari offers a genuine taste of Zimbabwe’s wilderness and local hospitality, perfect for travelers keen on a quick, meaningful outdoor adventure.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easy to start the safari without worrying about logistics.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including game drive and the Braai.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes range from 4 to 10 guests, allowing for a more personal experience.

Do I need to pay the national park fee separately?
Yes, the $15 USD park fee is not included and must be paid on arrival.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate; however, young children should be supervised, as it involves wildlife and outdoor excursions.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 3:00 pm, with pickup included in the arrangement.

What should I expect from the BBQ?
The meal features Zimbabwean meats, ash bread, and salad, served with soft drinks and beer. Be aware that some reviews mention variable quality.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

This safari offers a compact, culturally rich experience that combines wildlife, local cuisine, and the thrill of being in the wild. While it may not guarantee every animal sighting, it provides a genuine slice of Zimbabwe’s wilderness with the added bonus of a traditional Braai, making it a memorable addition to any Victoria Falls visit.