Seven of the best places to have high tea

Seven of the best places for high tea at Vic Falls.

The colonial influence on the Victoria Falls region, in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is still very apparent, from preserved Victorian buildings to the legacy of David Livingstone and the other explorers who played a key role in the area's history. .

High tea is one of those traditions left behind from a bygone era. Tourism Update looks at some of the best places to relax and enjoy afternoon snacks and drinks in and around the Falls.

1. The River Club Guests can enjoy high tea, served al fresco on the main veranda overlooking a wide bend of the Zambezi River, with views of hippo pods and the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank.

The River Club places a special emphasis on excellent quality dining and afternoon tea is no exception. Served every afternoon, guests are treated to a variety of freshly prepared snacks to enjoy whilst observing the passing wildlife.

2. The Royal Livingstone Hotel Royal Livingstone Sun International in Zambia serves traditional high tea every day of the week from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A selection of cakes and patisseries is served, which guests can enjoy on one of the hotel's sun terraces against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.

The hotel is particularly known for its carrot cake and the eight-textured chocolate cake. The dress code is smart casual.

3. The Victoria Falls Hotel The Victoria Falls Hotel, arguably Zimbabwe's most famous high tea destination, serves traditional high tea daily between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM on Stanley's Terrace, overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge.

The silver service tea offers a wide selection of traditional sweet treats, including scones and cucumber sandwiches, served with tea, champagne or a choice of cocktails. The hotel's high tea is also available to guests not staying at the accommodation.

4.Toka Leya Camp High tea is served outside on the terrace overlooking the Zambezi River, and guests at Wilderness Safaris' Toka Leya Camp are offered a selection of freshly baked savoury and sweet treats, along with their signature iced coffees and teas.

Toka Leya is located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, and its bushveld setting means that guests enjoying high tea are likely to regularly spot wildlife, including elephants, as well as the camp's resident hippo, nicknamed Moto Moto.

5.Victoria Falls Safari Club The Victoria Falls Safari Club in Zimbabwe offers complimentary afternoon tea every day between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM on the terrace, exclusively for its guests. From the deck, you can enjoy views of the surrounding bushland and the game-rich waterhole.

Freshly prepared sweet pastries are on the menu, as well as a huge selection of flavoured teas and speciality coffees. Victoria Falls Safari Club offers Tanganda teas from Zimbabwe and imported options, such as Arabian mint with honey, Italian almond, white tea and pomegranate, and Darjeeling.

6. Livingstone Island High Tea Located in the middle of the Zambezi River, Livingstone Island is situated right on the edge of the Victoria Falls. After a short boat trip to the island, visitors can enjoy views of both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls, much as David Livingstone first saw them, while a local guide provides information on the area's history, geology, flora, and fauna.

High tea is served in the afternoon, with drinks and freshly prepared snacks. Access to the island is dependent on the water levels of the Zambezi and is usually available between July and March. The tour departs at 3:30 PM and returns every day at 5:30 PM.

7. Elephant Camp The Elephant Camp Victoria Falls is situated in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park on a concession bordered by two gorges and offers guests a special high tea experience. They take a short game drive to a spot overlooking the Masuie Gorge and the surrounding bushveld. You can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, prepared by the camp’s chef.