Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THE re-opening of the iconic, fire devastated Wild Horizons run Lookout Café has been rescheduled for this September.
In a statement, Wild Horizons noted that due to circumstances beyond its control the re-opening of the café had to be shifted to September this year.
“When flames engulfed and devastated the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, it was a searing loss for the town of Victoria Falls. While we have been working tirelessly on the reconstruction of this iconic restaurant, due to circumstances beyond our control, the process has encountered numerous hindrances along the way. For this reason, we have regretfully had to postpone the opening date to 1 September 2019,” read part of the statement.
Lookout Café was gutted down by a fire last Christmas Eve, due to a suspected electric fault.
Property worth thousands of dollars was completely destroyed. Fire fighters from the Victoria Falls Municipality were called but could not salvage the wooden and grass thatched structure. The café was one of the leading tour operating companies in the country.
Wild Horizons chief executive Mr Gary Archer in a report said the fire broke at around 4:20am on Christmas Eve 2018.
Mr Archer had said tourism activities such as highwire activities were not affected and would continue to operate as usual.
These activities include gorge swing and gorge view, zip line and flying fox.
Tourists preferred Lookout Café to other eateries because it is strategically positioned facing the gorge. Perched on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, Wild Horizons Lookout Café is a fusion of spectacular views and exquisite food.
The African Contemporary styled restaurant is designed to emphasise its unique panoramic view of the Victoria Falls Bridge and Batoka Gorges, which form part of the spectacular backdrop. Recycled and eco-friendly material has been used throughout the rebuild of the Lookout, ensuring it is infused with the Wild Horizons conservation ethos.
With a mouthwatering menu, a lively selection of cocktails and the best view in Victoria Falls, the dining experience promises to be a sensory overload.