Victoria Falls: Night Game Drive and 3-Course Bush Dinner

Travelers looking to add a dash of adventure and a touch of magic to their Victoria Falls visit might find this Night Game Drive combined with a bush dinner to be a compelling option. While it’s not a typical daytime safari, this evening excursion offers a rare glimpse into the bush’s nocturnal world—something most travelers miss out on. You’ll get to see the bush come alive after sunset, spot predators on the prowl, and relax under the stars with a delicious meal.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who share insights about the animals and environment; second, the stunning views of wildlife at night—especially predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas; and third, the atmosphere of dining around an open campfire, listening to the sounds of Africa’s nightscape. However, one consideration is the relatively short game drive duration, which might leave some hoping for more hours in the wild.

This tour will appeal most to travelers who love wildlife and are eager to see a different side of the bush—after dark. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good food, engaging guides, and a more intimate safari experience away from large crowds.

Key Points

• Unique Nighttime Safari: Offers a chance to witness nocturnal animals and predators active under the stars.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with fascinating facts and local insights.
• Stunning Bush Vistas: The tour takes you through scenic landscapes of basalt plains, Kalahari sands, and teak forests.
• Relaxing Dinner Setting: Enjoy a 3-course BBQ meal around an open campfire with wine and cold beer.
• Group Size: Small-group experience with a maximum of 9 people, ensuring a more personalized adventure.
• Timing & Convenience: Pick-up from Victoria Falls town around 4:00 PM, ending back at your hotel around 10:00 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Transport

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup at approximately 4:00 PM, giving you time to settle in and get ready for a memorable evening. The transportation is comfortable and includes a scenic drive to a private reserve located about 7 miles from Victoria Falls. Small-group sizes (up to 9 travelers) mean you’ll likely get a more personal experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and share the adventure with fellow travelers.

The Afternoon Game Drive & Sunset Stop

Once on the reserve, you’ll enjoy a late afternoon game drive in an open, well-equipped 4X4. The landscape here is diverse, with plains, sands, and forests, making for engaging scenery and wildlife spotting. Your guide, often praised for their expertise—like Nicholas, who was commended for his knowledge—will navigate the terrain and share insights about the flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of this vibrant ecosystem.

The highlight of this segment is the sunset stop, which offers a chance to relax, sip drinks, and soak in the breathtaking views. The reviews echo the magic of this moment—“The sunset stop was perfect,” one traveler remarked—highlighting the importance of timing and scenery in creating a memorable experience.

Night Safari: Spotting the Nocturnal Wildlife

As dusk turns to night, the spotlight comes into play. The guided safari lasts around 1.5 hours, and your guide will use a spotlight to reveal animals in their night routines. Expect to see species like lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, jackals, hyenas, civets, servals, genets, and honey badgers. The chance to see large predators in action—possibly on the hunt—makes this the core thrill of the tour.

While it’s not guaranteed that you’ll spot all these animals, reviews suggest that most guests have great sightings. One traveler even mentioned the possibility of seeing a lion “on the prowl under the cover of darkness,” which underscores the unpredictability but excitement of night safaris.

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The Bush Dinner: Dine Under the Stars

After the safari, you’ll be led to a traditional open-air enclosure for your 3-course BBQ dinner. The setting—under a star-studded sky with wildlife calls in the background—creates an atmosphere that’s both romantic and authentic. The dinner includes wine, cold beer, and light refreshments, making it a relaxing way to end the adventure.

Reviewers describe the food as “really delicious,” praising the quality of the BBQ and the overall ambiance. Sitting around an open fire, with wildlife drinking at a nearby waterhole and listening to the sounds of the bush, offers an experience that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.

Return to Your Hotel

Once the group has finished dinner and the animals have settled in for the night, your guide will drive you back to Victoria Falls town. The whole experience wraps up around 10:00 PM, leaving you with lasting memories of a different side of Africa’s wilderness.

What We Loved and What to Consider

The guides are clearly a highlight, with many reviews praising their knowledge, patience, and ability to spot animals—notably, “Aaron was an excellent game driver, patient and respectful of both animals and guests.” Their insights add depth to the safari, turning a simple drive into an educational experience.

The scenery, combined with the sounds and sights of active predators, makes the night safari particularly captivating. Plus, the dinner around the campfire is more than just a meal—it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of African bush life.

However, the relatively short duration of the game drive means some guests may wish for longer or more frequent safaris to increase their chances of seeing elusive nocturnal predators. Also, since the tour is around 6 hours, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with evening outings and cooler winter temperatures, as suggested.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $200 per person, the experience is quite competitive when you consider the included pickup, guide, dinner, drinks, and the intimate setting. The value lies in the combination of wildlife viewing, authentic dining, and the storytelling guides provide. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or seeking a special, off-the-beaten-path activity, this tour offers a memorable and reasonably priced way to connect with the bush after dark.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love wildlife and want to see animals at their most active—at night, under the stars. It suits those who enjoy thoughtful guides, good food, and intimate group settings. If you’re after a quick, well-organized adventure that combines game viewing with a cultural dining experience, this tour hits the mark.

People less suited might include those with mobility issues (though it is wheelchair accessible with notice), children under 4, or those expecting very long game drives. It’s a perfect fit for adventurous, curious travelers eager to experience Victoria Falls from a different perspective.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting with hotel pickup around 4:00 PM and returning around 10:00 PM.

What animals can I expect to see?
You might see lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, jackals, hyenas, civets, servals, genets, honey badgers, and more. Sightings depend on the animals’ activity levels and luck.

Is the game drive suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 4 years. The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is recommended in winter since temperatures can dip in the evening. Dress comfortably for sitting around the fire and walking in the bush.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the dinner features wine, cold beer, and light refreshments, all included in the price.

Do I need to pay additional fees?
Yes, the $15 National Park fee is payable upon arrival.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but please advise at booking for assistance.

What is the group size?
A small group of up to 9 people ensures a more personalized experience.

How do I book or cancel?
Booking is flexible—reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In essence, this Victoria Falls Night Game Drive and Bush Dinner is a carefully curated experience blending wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and authentic African dining. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the bush after dark and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere under the vast African sky. If you’re after a unique way to connect with nature and indulge in a delicious meal, this adventure is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: