1871 at Stanley & Livingstone is the historic-themed fine-dining restaurant at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, at 2R25+4XC Old Ursula’s Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Its explorer-era setting recalls the nineteenth-century journeys associated with David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, while the kitchen presents African-influenced cuisine in a polished hotel dining room. Travelers come for a celebratory dinner, an unhurried breakfast or lunch, and the artifact-filled atmosphere close to Victoria Falls.
What to Expect at 1871 at Stanley & Livingstone
The restaurant takes its name from 1871, the year Stanley located Livingstone at Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. That moment belongs to a wider period of European exploration in southern and eastern Africa; Livingstone had already reached Victoria Falls in 1855. Inside, period-inspired furnishings and historical artifacts set a more formal scene than a standard lodge restaurant, making the room particularly suited to an occasion meal after a day at the falls or on safari.
Dining runs from early morning through dinner, with breakfast, lunch and evening service available daily. Expect a fine-dining interpretation of regional culinary influences rather than a quick café format: allow time for a composed, multi-course meal and ask the team about the day’s dishes, vegetarian options and any dietary requirements when booking. The restaurant is part of the boutique hotel, so its setting feels removed from the busier central Victoria Falls restaurant strip. Review current dining information and make enquiries through the official Stanley & Livingstone food and hospitality page.
- 1871 explorer theme: The restaurant’s name and decorative approach draw on the year Henry Morton Stanley found David Livingstone at Ujiji.
- Historical artifacts: Explorer-era objects and decor give the dining room an immersive, story-led character.
- African culinary focus: The kitchen draws on the region’s diverse culinary heritage in a fine-dining setting.
- All-day service: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available from 6:30am until 10pm every day.
- Boutique-hotel setting: Dining takes place at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel on Old Ursula’s Road, outside the busiest part of town.
1871 at Stanley & Livingstone at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2R25+4XC Old Ursula’s Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe |
| Neighborhood / Area | Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel grounds, Victoria Falls area |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Sunday, 6:30am-10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; paid fine dining, $$$. Confirm current menu prices directly with the restaurant. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for lunch or dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Private road access on Old Ursula’s Road; hotel transfer or taxi is the practical option from Victoria Falls town |
| Official Website & Phone | stanleyandlivingstone.co.zw · +263 8677 000457 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for dinner, particularly if your Victoria Falls itinerary includes a sunset cruise, a late afternoon game activity or a special occasion. An early dinner is the simplest way to avoid rushing back from the falls, while breakfast is a calm start before morning excursions. The restaurant is not on a central pedestrian dining circuit, so arrange a hotel transfer or taxi from Victoria Falls town rather than planning around a public bus or rail stop. Confirm your return transport before sitting down for a long dinner.
The venue sits within the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel grounds, reached by vehicle from Old Ursula’s Road. Contact the hotel in advance for wheelchair access, step-free routing from the drop-off point and seating arrangements; this is especially useful for guests who need minimal walking or have a stroller. The hotel itself is the most immediate pairing for a drink or overnight stay. Victoria Falls National Park and the rain-forest paths opposite the falls, as well as the Victoria Falls Bridge, are better paired by taxi or hotel transfer than on foot from the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours at 1871 at Stanley & Livingstone, and when is the best time to go?
The restaurant is open daily from 6:30am to 10pm. Book dinner in advance and arrive with enough time to settle into the historical setting; breakfast works well before an early Victoria Falls activity.
Does 1871 at Stanley & Livingstone require reservations, and how expensive is it?
Reservations are strongly advisable for dinner and special occasions. There is no entry fee, but this is a $$$ fine-dining restaurant; contact the venue for current dishes, prices and dietary arrangements before confirming your table.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed lunch or dinner, especially if you choose several courses. Breakfast can be shorter, but leave a buffer if a tour operator is collecting you from the hotel.
Is the restaurant suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Families are welcome, though the refined dining-room atmosphere is best suited to children comfortable with a longer meal. For mobility needs, contact the hotel before arrival to arrange the most suitable vehicle drop-off, route and table; smart-casual attire fits the setting.
When planning your Victoria Falls travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Victoria Falls, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Art House Victoria Falls, Abseil Victoria Falls, Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, and Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel (0.2 km away).
