About Us
About Simba
Simba was born in Bulawayo, grew up in Gweru, and discovered his passion for the culinary arts early in life. Fifteen years ago, he embarked on a journey that took him across Africa and the globe, working with some of the most prestigious hospitality brands, including Singita, Four Seasons Hotels, and Hyatt Hotels. His career gave him the opportunity to hone his craft, explore diverse cuisines, and cultivate a deep love for creating exceptional culinary experiences.
Despite the incredible experiences, Simba’s heart always yearned for home. In 2018, after 12 years working abroad, he returned to Zimbabwe with a dream: to transform the local culinary scene and build something of his own. Victoria Falls became his new home, and for three years, he served as the Executive Chef at Africa Albida’s Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, channeling his passion into every dish.
Meeting Irina
Around the same time, Simba met Irina, a kindred spirit who shared his love for food, travel, and connecting with people. Originally from Russia, Irina had spent a decade in Spain working in sales and marketing within the tourism industry. Her adventurous spirit had taken her across the world, eventually leading her to Zimbabwe, where she continued her marketing career. Their meeting in 2018 marked the beginning of a shared journey filled with creativity, resilience, and big dreams.
The Bakery's Birth
Simba’s Artisan Bakery had long been a dream of his, and together with Irina, he brought it to life during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Victoria Falls became a ghost town, and like so many others, Simba and Irina had to reflect, reassess, and find new ways to move forward. They began making fresh pasta from their home, and word quickly spread. Before long, most of the town was knocking on their door to place orders.
They joined neighborhood markets to showcase their creations, and soon after, Simba negotiated access to the pastry kitchen at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge during the lockdown. This was a pivotal moment, allowing them to experiment with more technical products. It was here that their sourdough bread was born, quickly becoming a town favorite and the foundation of their bakery.
The Bakery Experience
Today, Simba’s Artisan Bakery is a small, family-run craft bakery located in the heart of Victoria Falls. The takeaway shop offers a wide variety of freshly baked goods, from the signature sourdough bread to savory pies, pastries, and Neapolitan-style pizzas. The bakery itself is situated in a residential area and caters to wholesale orders, special requests, and event catering.
The bakery prides itself on creating a welcoming, personal experience for every customer. Locals know the team by name, and they love getting to know tourists who visit the shop, sharing travel stories and favorite highlights of the Falls.
Ready to Order?
The bakery keeps things simple and accessible. Orders can be placed through the WhatsApp Business app or by walking into the shop. Special requests and bulk or wholesale orders are always welcome, and the team is happy to work with customers to create something unique for their needs.
