Blessing Nduku
As the sun dipped into the Zambezi River a warm orange glow over the Victoria Falls, I made my way to the Boma Dinner very eager to experience a night of tradition.
Zimbabwean cuisine and vibrant culture. And as it turned out, it was a night that would leave an indelible mark on my memory.
As I entered the Boma Dinner venue, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The sound of drums and traditional African music filled the air, and the smell of sizzling meat wafted from the braai area.
The staff, dressed in traditional Zimbabwean attire, welcomed me with warm smiles and led me to my seat.
The dinner began with a traditional African welcome ceremony which is complete with a libation ritual and a performance by a local dance troupe.
Upon arrival I got dressed in a “ntsaro/chitenge.
The energy was infectious that I found myself clapping along to the beat as soon as I get my seat.
Once seated, the staff invited me to take part in a hand washing ceremony as well as to taste the local brew before the four-course feast begins with a shared starter platter featuring specialities such as smoked crocodile tail.
The food was a highlight of the evening, with a wide range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes on offer.
I sampled everything from braaied meat to stews and relishes, all of which were delicious.
The standout dish for me, however, was the mopani worms(madora/mancimbi), which were surprisingly tasty.
Throughout the evening, I was treated to a range of entertainment, from live music to dance performances, even a few magic tricks and not forgetting the drum show when everyone participated playing a drum.
After dinner we had an energetic interactive drumming show and in addition to all that there was a fortune teller, hair braider, face painters, accapella singers and souvenir sellers.
As the night drew to a close, I felt grateful for the experience.
The Boma Dinner exceeded my expectations in every way, offering a unique and unforgettable glimpse into Zimbabwean culture.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the diversity of the local cuisine offerings at Boma.
I expected a lack of authenticity from the food at the buffet-style meal and that is not what I got.
The show was also more enjoyable than I had imagined with excellent drumming and dancing that was fun to witness.
As I left the Bom Dinner and Drum Show I felt grateful for the unforgettable experience that I got from the vibrant energy, the delicious food and the infectious rhythms.
If you’re looking for a truly African experience in Vic Falls, the Boma Dinner and Drum Show is an absolute must.
