Image to the left of a recipe from Ngoma Safari Lodge in Botswana of Thyme Oil-Seared Beef Fillet with Pommes Paddazza – click here to see this African recipe
I’m sure you’ve seen Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods host, Andrew Zimmern, eat zebra, giant porcupine, creepy crawly bugs, and other stomach-turning delicacies whilst in Africa, but I assure you, that’s not the norm served up at Africa’s hotels, lodges, and camps! In fact, some of the best food I’ve ever had has been in Africa. And our African safari vacation clients, as well as travelers from around the globe would agree.
First, before diving into some of the dishes you may come across while on a trip to Africa, it’s important to point out where you will most likely be eating during your journeys.
Most people visiting Africa on a luxury safari vacation are going to be staying at four- and five-star camps, lodges, and hotels. Camps and lodges are typically found in more remote regions throughout southern, eastern, and central Africa, so going out to a restaurant for a meal is unlikely. You most likely will have to eat at the camp / lodge’s restaurant (but you certainly will NOT be disappointed!).
Camps and lodges typically offer a different menu each day and night so that guests can try a variety of dishes, including delectable vegetable soups, fresh salads, exceptional meats (such as beef, lamp, pork, chicken), and fresh seafood. They will also use ingredients that are in season to ensure optimal quality.
Breakfast at luxurious Africa camps and lodges often include coffee, teas, freshly squeezed fruit juices, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, pastries, and rusks (which are a mix between a scone and biscotti and are traditional to Africa). Lunch is either buffet style or a la carte.
Note that “buffet” isn’t the typical “buffet” you think of at a restaurant or on a cruise ship. It is an assortment of freshly made sandwiches, quiches, curries, vegetarian options, meats, and cheeses (to name just a few), that is displayed beautifully and not on hot plates or in big silver serving trays. Because most camps and lodges can only hold between 10 and 20 people at a time, lunch is intimate and droves of people are not bellied up at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Dinner is also either buffet or a la carte and changes each evening to ensure guests experience different dishes and flavors. Again, guests will find Western dishes, such as herb roasted chicken, beef filet, grilled vegetables, and tasty vegetable soups, as well as more traditional African dishes such as lamb curry, prawn skewers, spicy stews, etc.
In fact, you can get a better idea for what types of dishes are served by taking a look at our Africa cookbook excerpt. Our cookbook, A Taste of Africa, is a compilation of over 60 authentic African recipes that come from a variety of luxury accommodations throughout southern and eastern Africa. A Taste of Africa is also available for purchase online at atasteofafrica.hillsofafrica.com
On a recent trip to Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe, I took home some of the daily menus and have taken photographs, which I’ve posted below. This will give you a better idea of some of the dishes served at high-end accommodations throughout southern, eastern, and central Africa:
While visiting a bustling city, such as Cape Town, however, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of world-renowned restaurants, cafes, and bistros. In fact, Cape Town, as well as its neighboring Cape Winelands, are both internationally celebrated as being foodie meccas. Food lovers flock to these regions to try dishes from some of the world’s most spectacular and talented chefs.
Check out some of our favorite Cape Town restaurants and Cape Winelands restaurants.
Also, while visiting Cape Town and Cape Winelands, you can take part in a variety of highly acclaimed Africa culinary tours and ventures including the Chef Bruce Robertson Culinary Experience and Cape Malay Cooking Classes.
Click the button below to download an excerpt from our Africa cookbook, A Taste of Africa, or click here to purchase your copy online.
