Night Game Drive and Bush Dinner from Victoria Falls

Travelers dreaming of spotting nocturnal wildlife in Zimbabwe’s bushlands will find the Night Game Drive and Bush Dinner a compelling option. This tour promises an evening filled with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and a delicious barbecue in a private reserve. While it’s not a full-blown safari expedition, it offers a unique chance to see animals that come alive after sunset, paired with a memorable outdoor dinner.

We love how this experience combines wildlife spotting with cultural flavor, has small-group intimacy, and provides hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience. On the flip side, some might find the timing of the drive a bit earlier than expected for nightlife — it feels more like an evening safari than a true night adventure. This tour is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, wildlife-rich evening combined with good food and a cozy campfire vibe.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see lions, hyenas, leopards, and other nocturnal animals in a private game reserve.
• Open-Sided 4×4: The best way to spot animals while feeling connected to the wilderness.
• Gourmet Bush Dinner: Enjoy a 3-course barbecue meal with drinks around a campfire.
• Transport & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics easy.
• Small Group: Limited to a maximum of 9 guests, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Review Highlights: Guides like Brighton Marwofa are praised for their knowledge, and guests love the views and quality of the dinner.

Overview: What to Expect from the Night Game Drive and Bush Dinner

This tour takes about 5 hours, starting with a pickup from your hotel in Victoria Falls. You’ll board an open-air 4×4, which enhances your ability to see wildlife without glass barriers obstructing your view. The open-sided design is key to feeling immersed in the bush environment, especially as animals start to come out after sunset.

The drive moves through a private game reserve, chosen specifically for its seclusion and focus on nocturnal animals. Expect to see lions, hyenas, and possibly elusive predators like leopards. A guide, who’s first aid qualified and well-versed in animal behavior, will lead the game drive, sharing insights about the animals and their habits. One guest noted, “Getting close to elephants was a highlight,” although the tour does prioritize safety and animal behavior, so close encounters are managed carefully.

The drive is more akin to an early evening safari rather than a late-night escapade, with some reviews suggesting it feels more like a late afternoon activity. This is worth considering if your idea of a night safari involves deep darkness and moonlit hours; here, the focus is on sunset wildlife and early evening sightings.

After the game drive, you’ll settle around a campfire for a 3-course barbecue dinner. The experience is relaxed, with drinks like wine, cold beer, and light refreshments included. Guests have raved about the quality of the meal and the convivial atmosphere, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting with a Drive through Victoria Falls Town

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive through Victoria Falls town, giving you a chance to see local sights and get a sense of the area before heading into the bush. While not a major sightseeing component, it helps set the scene for the adventure ahead.

Private Game Reserve and Wildlife Encounter

Once in the reserve, the open-sided 4×4 is your window into the wilderness. Expect the guide to be attentive, using their knowledge to spot animals and interpret their behavior. The reviews emphasize the skill of guides like Brighton, who often ensures guests get the best possible viewing opportunities.

Wildlife Highlights

Guests have seen lions, hyenas, and leopards in action, with one noting, “Getting close to elephants was a real thrill.” The time of day allows for sightings of animals that prefer cooler, darker hours, giving you a better chance to witness natural behaviors. The guide’s expertise helps ensure safety, especially when animals are on the hunt.

Bush Dinner & Campfire

As the drive concludes, you’ll gather around a campfire for a gourmet barbecue, complete with wine, beer, and refreshments. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, perfect for exchanging stories of the sightings and enjoying the bush’s sounds. Guests have appreciated the quality of the meal, often describing it as “wonderful,” and the guidance of the staff, who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

Ending with Return to Your Hotel

The tour wraps up with hotel drop-off, making it simple and stress-free to conclude your evening.

Transport, Group Size, and Pricing

The open-sided 4×4 offers excellent visibility, making it ideal for wildlife viewing. The small-group nature (maximum of 9 people) ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, and guides can give more personalized attention. The $250 per person price includes the game drive, dinner, drinks, pickup, and drop-off, which is a fair value considering the experience.

Note the $15 park entry fee is payable at check-in, and additional pickup fees outside Victoria Falls town are $10 per person. The well-organized logistics mean you won’t need to worry about transportation arrangements or navigating the reserve alone.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Based on reviews, guides like Brighton are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, making wildlife sightings more meaningful. Many travelers appreciated the quality of the dinner and drinks, which elevates the experience beyond just a game drive. A guest mentioned that the guide stayed with them during border crossings, showing the tour’s focus on personalized service and safety.

If you’re traveling during winter, consider dressing warmly, as evenings can get cool. Also, inform the tour operator about any dietary restrictions beforehand to ensure your meal is tailored to your needs.

While not a full-scale “night safari,” this tour offers a genuine chance to see animals in their natural habitat as the sun sets, combined with a warm, social meal that captures the essence of outdoor African hospitality.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife lovers who want a more intimate, guided encounter with Africa’s nocturnal animals. It suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, social evening rather than a strenuous or late-night adventure. Families with children aged 4 and up, along with couples or small groups, will find the small-group setting both comfortable and engaging.

Those interested in good food, local guides, and authentic bush ambiance will appreciate the quality of the dinner and the immersive nature of the drive. Conversely, if you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled, late-night action-packed safari, this tour might feel a little tame.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

The Night Game Drive and Bush Dinner from Victoria Falls offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, cultural authenticity, and comfortable dining. The open-sided 4×4 ensures clear, up-close animal sightings, while the small-group size fosters a convivial atmosphere. The inclusion of a well-prepared barbecue and drinks enhances the overall value, making this a memorable evening experience.

If you’re after a relaxing yet engaging way to see Zimbabwe’s nocturnal wildlife and enjoy a hearty outdoor meal, this tour delivers. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided insights, good company, and a chance to witness animals in their natural environment as night falls.

While it may not be a full-blown night safari, it offers enough excitement and authenticity to satisfy wildlife enthusiasts and food lovers alike. For a well-rounded, intimate adventure near Victoria Falls, this tour earns a solid thumbs-up.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Victoria Falls, simplifying your logistics and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, from pickup through dinner and return to your hotel.

Do I need to pay any additional fees?
Yes, a $15 park fee is payable at check-in, and pickup outside Victoria Falls town costs an extra $10 per person.

What animals might I see during the drive?
Guests have seen lions, hyenas, leopards, and elephants. The guide’s expertise helps maximize wildlife sightings, especially during early evening hours.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4 and older can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly in winter is advisable, as evenings can get chilly. The tour is conducted in open-air vehicles, so layers are recommended.

Can I request special dietary requirements?
Absolutely, you should inform the tour operator at the time of booking to ensure your meal meets your needs.

How many people are in each group?
This is a small-group tour, with a maximum of 9 guests, providing a more personal experience.

What is the quality of the guides?
Guides like Brighton Marwofa are highly praised for their knowledge, attentiveness, and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience.

In essence, if you’re after a relaxed yet authentic night wildlife experience combined with great food and expert guiding, this tour is a fantastic choice. It offers genuine moments of spotting animals in their natural environment, balanced with the comfort of a well-organized, intimate outing.