Description: "Boma" is a Swahili word meaning "armed enclosure"; an open gathering place where there is a burning fire; meals are prepared and guests are seated in a circle, under open skies. The Boma in Victoria Falls fits this description perfectly.
The Boma will bombard your senses with tastes, smells, sights and sounds of its very unique gastronomic adventure and African entertainment. Much more than a meal, it is a cultural experience.
It begins with a pre-dinner hand washing. Our attendant poured warm water over our hands (into a bowl) as we passed a towel around the table for drying. Our meal began with a small cup of traditional "beer" followed by a tray of "finger snacks" such as peanuts and cooked slices of sweet potato.
In the center was the Boma Braai, a large open pit fire. There was lamb on a spit slowly roasting and also a large black pot simmering a cream vegetable soup. As each one of us was ready, we approached the young woman serving the soup and was served a generous portion in a small cash iron pot with a lid, which we carried back to our table to enjoy. The soup was "out of this world".
A buffet of salads was next. But, be sure to leave plenty of room for the braai (barbecue). Again, buffet style, we chose our meat dishes and had them grilled to perfection. It included lamb, ostrich kabobs, warthog, Kudu, and Impala steaks, as well as fish, beef, chicken and meat stew. There were also potatoes, vegetables and different sauces to compliment the meats. One of the "delicacies" offered was deep-fried Mopani Worms (not for the squeamish). Desserts included an incredible chocolate pudding, egg custard, and a cream cake.
At intervals during our meal, we were entertained by Shangaan dancers and singers, and also by the Sangoma, a storyteller, relating the country’s folklore, culture and heritage through wonderful stories. There were also two witch doctors offering to tell our fortunes by "throwing bones".
This experience was an entire evening of total enjoyment, good friends, beautiful surroundings, great entertainment, delicious food and a new appreciation of the culture of Zimbabwe.
The Boma is located adjacent to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Complex. The dress is always casual, and it is suggested that you bring a light jacket during May through August (the Zimbabwe winter). Serving begins at 7:00 p.m. 365 days a year.
Bon appetite !
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