The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
As the appetiser is served, you may notice a lion’s curious eyes watch over you from the dense brush. And then, before you can reach for your wine, it gets distracted by a passing herd of elephants crossing the dimly-lit orange landscape. Yes, this is definitely better than having dinner whilst watching tv. In Africa, the dining table acts as a front-row seat to some of the continent’s supreme wild: it’s like being on a safari, but indulging in a delicious meal at the same time. From Zambia’s Luangwa floodplains to Botswana’s elephant corridors, this curated list of dining destinations from Africa’s Eden proves that in the bush, the best meals aren’t always about what’s on the plate. In fact, dinner often comes with a side of spectacle and breakfast might be shared with a zebra. Here are some restaurant views you’ll only find in Africa’s Eden.
As a classic Zambian safari lodge, golden hour at Kafunta River Lodge showcases the Luangwa floodplain in a movie-like way. As the sun sets over the horizon, the lodge’s dining deck becomes a stage for one of Africa’s most vivid natural spectacles. Here, a table for two isn’t just romantic, it’s a ticket to Mother Nature’s finest moments, with sweeping views of untamed wilderness and curious hippos casually wallowing below the deck by their hot spring-fed hot tub. The ambience is equal parts serene and exhilarating, especially given as your soup might come with a side of hippo-watch. The best part is that’s not even the main course.
Tucked between Chobe National Park and the Kasane Forest Reserve, Elephant Valley Lodge gives guests the opportunity to dine with giants. Literally. The Boma is the lodge’s open-air dining area and faces a flood-lit watering hole that lures elephants, buffalo, wild dogs, and even lions. The winter months don’t stop the majestic wildlife, which is all the more reason why you shouldn’t either.
Sitting near the crackle of the fire with a cosy blanket, and a locally plated meal is all that is needed to watch in awe as more than 200 elephants pass through the valley (on a busy day). Here, wildlife often outnumbers the guests.
Zambia’s wild ruggedness blends peacefully with luxury at Nkonzi Camp, an old-world authentic bush camp where you can dine barefoot in a dry riverbed under some of Africa’s darkest skies. After a day of walking safaris and an evening sundowner, guests can gather for an open-air meal accompanied by some of the world’s best celestial wonders. Imagine gazing at the Milky Way stretching overhead whilst hyenas laugh in the distance, only to be gently pulled back to reality by the inviting aroma of a warm meal. This is a sensory celebration at its finest.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Zambezi Sands is an all-inclusive luxury tented camp that delivers one of the most cinematic meals in Africa. As you dine right on the edge of the roaring river, expect hippos to grunt below and crocodiles to patrol the current. The open-air deck restaurant is framed by ancient trees and riverine bush, where elephants are known to stroll past during lunch. As the sun sets, golden light shimmers across the water while fish eagles call overhead. The food is elegant, the setting sublime, and the drama of the wild unfolds right in front of your eyes as you dig into the next course.
The Dove’s Nest is a 3-tier romantic treehouse with 360-degree views across Hwange National Park. As one of The Hide’s accommodation options, couples can choose to spend the night in a wildly immersive experience. After an afternoon game drive, guests are dropped off at this tree hideaway where dinner is served beneath the stars, with uninterrupted views of the vlei below.
As buffalo, giraffe, and zebra graze in the distance and the occasional owl hoots above, you’ll toast to each other with wine and absolute awe. It is probably one of the only beds in the world which is still within earshot of Africa’s nocturnal life.
At Kauluzi House, Africa’s claim to infamous sunsets makes itself known as guests dine on the deck. Located at the confluence of the Luangwa and Kauluzi Rivers, this opulent house sleeps 12 people and has a private dining space that offers a quiet and soulful atmosphere. Made for families and groups of friends, picture everyone having a drink in hand and nibbling on an aperitif while wildlife starts making its way to the water’s edge; a more cosy kind of restaurant view from Africa’s Eden.
For those who prefer their dinner earned after a day of galloping through some of Zambia’s most remote wilderness, Zambian Horseback Safaris offers a truly off-the-grid culinary experience. Located deep within ancient floodplains and reachable only on horseback, this remote camp strips travel back to its wildest form. The multi-day itinerary starts at sunrise with coffee shared alongside wildebeest and zebra, and ends under starry skies with hearty, locally-inspired fare. From a bush kitchen hidden inside a humble shipping container comes a surprising array of nourishing meals. It’s definitely a reward after riding through landscapes teeming with over 22 wildlife species.
Dining among some of Africa’s Eden’s most luxurious lodges and experiences isn’t just about the white tablecloths and silver domes in pristine dining rooms. It’s about communion between nature, people, and places. These seven restaurant views from Africa’s Eden all have one thing in common: they prove that the best meals are not just savoured with your palate. Bon appétit and don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
