Feel the experience

The full experience has a fixed price so guests can sit back and relax over the delicious bush gourmet cuisine unique to this restaurant including wild edibles and locally sourced fresh and organic ingredients. The Elephant Café is proudly rated the #1 Restaurant in the country and has won many awards since inception in 2016.

The trip departs just upstream of Victoria Falls departing from The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa from where clients will be observing game on the way through the National Parks in Zimbabwe on one side and the Zambian park on the other. Several rapids need to be negotiated on the way up (depending on river conditions) and shallow basalt rock channels avoiding hippos and crocodiles.

The jetboat experience to The Elephant Café is approximately 30 minutes per way. On arrival clients will be met by members of a magnificent herd of rescue elephant for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting. Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these gentle giants and a hosted informative viewing of the herd around the vicinity of the venue. Once the herd retire to forage in the bush, clients are welcomed into The Elephant Café overlooking the Zambezi River for a unique dining experience. Road transfers are also available to the venue and advance reservations are essential.

Please note that all clients will be asked to sign an indemnity form before proceeding on the trip. Clients will be asked to provide an email address in order to receive a Dropbox link to complimentary photographs of their experience should the on-site photographer be available – this is not guaranteed.

AGE RESTRICTION

Regrettably children under 4 years are not permitted at the venue. Whilst the minimum age to participate in the elephant interaction is 10 years, Guardians of Minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors.  A Guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the activity.  There is no child rate. All visitors must be able to obey safety instructions and to keep calm and quiet at all times.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The Elephant Café is a very exclusive venue that is ideal for a special occasion or private booking.

Exclusive-use of The Elephant Café is permitted for min pay 20 guests (applicable for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner experience) and min pay 30 guests for High Tea experience.

Birthday cakes can be arranged at additional cost.

Please contact us directly for wedding enquiries / photography and film crew requests / other.

PRIVATE JETBOAT TRANSFERS

Guaranteed private expeditions are available on request.

Min Pay requirement applies.

DRESSCODE

Neutral-coloured clothing is preferred for clients participating in the elephant interaction.

Warm clothes are required for winter months.

WHAT TO BRING

Hat and Sunglasses

Sunscreen Lotion

A cool, long-sleeved shirt is advised for sun protection on the jetboat experience.

Camera

Feeding only

K2000 Per Person

Times

The Elephant Cafe meal timings are set as follows – please note that advanced reservation is essential!

BREAKFAST (by jetboat)

Min 6, Max 24

US $220.00

*JETBOAT OPTION ONLY

Pick-ups from Livingstone town are at 07:15/07:30 and Avani/The Royal Livingstone at 07:30 to transfer to The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Jetboat departs 07:45, arriving for the Elephant Interaction and breakfast at 08:45. Return jetboat departs 09:30, arriving at the Lodge at 10:00, with drop-offs at accommodation by 10:30.

LUNCH (by jetboat)

Min 2, Max 24

US $260.00

Pick-ups from Livingstone town are at 10:15/10:30, and Avani/The Royal Livingstone at 10:30, to transfer to The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Jetboat departs 10:45, arriving for the Elephant Interaction at 11:15, followed by lunch at 12:00. Return jetboat departs 13:45, reaching the Lodge at 14:15, with drop-offs by 14:45.

LUNCH (by road)

Min 2, Max 24

US $205.00

Pick-ups from Avani/The Royal Livingstone at 10:30, followed by Livingstone town at 10:45/11:00, transfer to The Elephant Café. Elephant Interaction at 11:15, lunch at 12:00, and return to Livingstone by 14:15.

HIGH TEA (by jetboat)

Min 6, Max 36

US $210.00

Pick-ups from Livingstone town at 14:15/14:30 and Avani/Royal Livingstone at 14:30 to The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Jetboat departs 14:45, arriving for Elephant Interaction and High Tea at 15:30. Return jetboat leaves 17:00, reaching the Lodge at 17:30, with drop-offs by 18:00.

HIGH TEA (by road)

Min 6, Max 36

US $160.00

Pick-ups from Avani/The Royal Livingstone at 14:30, followed by Livingstone town at 14:45/15:00, transfer to The Elephant Café. Elephant Interaction and High Tea at 15:15, returning to Livingstone by 17:30.

DINNER (by jetboat)

Min 2, Max 24

US $260.00

*RETURN BY ROAD

Pick-ups are at 15:45/16:00 from Livingstone town and 16:00 from Avani/Royal Livingstone. The jetboat departs at 16:15 for the Elephant Interaction, Sundowners, Canapés & Dinner, arriving at 16:45. Return transfers leave at 19:30/20:00, with drop-offs by 20:30.

DINNER (by road)

Min 2, Max 24

US $205.00

Pick-ups from Avani/Royal Livingstone are at 16:00, followed by Livingstone town at 16:15/16:30, for transfer to The Elephant Café. Elephant Interaction, Sundowners, Canapés & Dinner start at 16:45. Return transfers to Livingstone depart 19:30/20:00, with drop-offs by 20:30.

Main

The Seared Beef Fillet is served with caramelized garlic, red wine, and truffle oil, accompanied by Mongu rice, native quinoa, peppery leaves, mixed nuts, and cranberries. It is complemented by fire-roasted butternut squash and a refreshing minted yoghurt. The Bondwe, Basil and Wild Mungongo Nut Ravioli (V) features delicate pasta filled with bondwe, basil, and wild mungongo nuts, served with a rich, lemon-infused brown butter.

Dessert

Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte served with Strawberry & Basil Ice Cream. Drinks included with The Elephant Café Lunch Experience are sparkling wine, red and white wine, beer, local spirits, soft drinks, and water, all available during the meal. Any additional beverages ordered after tea or coffee will be for the guest’s own account and payable directly at the Café. The Elephant Café’s signature cocktails are also available at an additional cost.

PLEASE NOTE!

We offer a Set Menu – therefore it is essential that we are notified of any dietary requirements in advance. Menus are subject to change with the season

The origins of Zambezi Elephant Herd are six elephants that were left orphaned after extreme drought led to culling operations in Zimbabwe in the 1960’s and 70’s. Raised with pioneering positive reinforcement techniques – these are elephants that have grown up with safe human support.

During the height of the political uncertainty in 2002, the herd and many of their familiar handlers were transferred to the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park under the care of Safari Par Excellence. There is an extremely strong bond between members of the herd and their handlers.

This love and respect is generously extended by the elephants to all the humans they meet. The herd receive regular visits from an advisory committee of veterinary specialists, who have assisted in all aspects of the herd dynamics including emotional and physical wellbeing – and the all-important dental check-ups

All content & images: Safari per Excellence