The Guidebook to Culinary Adventures in Southern & Eastern Africa
Southern and East Africa offer an extraordinary blend of cultures and ethnicities, creating a rich mix of traditions and flavours. The region is full of opportunities to experience its unique heritage through local cuisines and culinary traditions culinary adventures. Here are our recommended culinary adventures to consider when going on safari.
Southern Africa
Explore the Tastes of the Cape Winelands
Discover all that the Cape Winelands in Cape Town, South Africa, have to offer with this optional half-day or full-day tour. Start your day at the famous Babylonstoren Wine Farm in Franschhoek, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the beautifully maintained gardens, learning about the farm’s sustainable practices. This culinary adventure continues at Spice Route in the Paarl Wine Region, where you can sample a selection of wines, artisanal chocolate, and Grappa. For beer lovers, there’s also an opportunity to visit Cape Brewery Company, offering a range of craft beers. Finally, round off your day with a sparkling wine and nougat pairing at Villiera Wine Estate before heading back to your hotel.
Have a Romantic Dinner on the Zambezi River
Experience the charm of dining on the Zambezi River with the Sampan Dinner at Tongabezi in Zambia, where each course is brought to you by boat while you relax on a floating sampan. Surrounded by the gentle flow of the river and the peaceful sounds of the African wilderness, this culinary adventure is perfect for those looking to enjoy a memorable evening. As you savour carefully prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, you’ll find yourself immersed in the serene beauty of the Zambezi.
This unique dining experience is dependent on river levels and weather, so it’s advisable to book in advance to ensure your evening is as special as possible. For an early start to your day, a sunrise boat cruise can also be arranged. Enjoy snacks and hot drinks as you glide along the river, watching the sun rise and light up the landscape, offering a peaceful start to your morning.
Experience an Authentic Cultural Evening
The Boma Restaurant located in Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls offers an immersive Dinner & Drum Show making an evening of entertainment and cultural immersion, providing a vibrant and fun experience for you. The event features traditional dance performances, face painting, fortune telling, and an interactive drumming session that invites you to join in. A culinary adventure awaits with a four-course meal, starting with shared starters, campfire soup, and an array of salads. The main course is a barbecue buffet that includes a selection of game meats and vegetarian dishes, finished off with a variety of desserts. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the local flavours and culture.
East Africa
Discover an Inactive Volcano
Enjoy a gourmet meal in one of Africa’s most breathtaking locations. After a memorable day discovering the wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, unwind at a private picnic spot on the crater floor. Tables, dressed in crisp white linen and set with fine silverware, await you, offering a selection of delicious dishes. This refined culinary adventure, surrounded by the stunning natural landscape, perfectly complements your day of exploration. Finish your meal with a glass of wine as you take in the beauty of your surroundings, making it a truly special experience.
Photo credit: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the Origins of Coffee
Explore the fascinating journey of coffee with a guided tour of a working coffee plantation, located on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee estates. Learn how the beans are nurtured, grown, harvested, and dried, before being blended to create a variety of distinct flavours and aromas. This experience is ideal for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a culinary adventure. The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can savour freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee and discover its unique characteristics.
Taste the Gardens of the Masai Mara
Sarova Mara in Kenya boasts incredible organic gardens offering seasonally fresh ingredients, with various chefs available to create a personalised menu for any occasion, as well as cater to most special dietary requirements and meal preferences. Whether it’s breakfast with Champagne, sundowners by a log fire, or a private deck dinner, each meal is designed to suit your tastes. Boma dining is also an option for a unique culinary adventure. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes at the Isokon Restaurant, followed by a refreshing drink at the Oloip Bar, completing a memorable dining experience while on safari.
Looking to embark on a culinary adventure? Start planning your safari today, contact us.
