For travellers seeking a foodie escape in Africa beyond the well-known hotspots, there’s a growing range of exciting gourmet experiences to enjoy while out in the bush on safari.
Working with interesting ingredients, inspiring landscapes and the local wildlife, these remote lodges are conjuring incredible dining experiences.
From a ‘Safari Butler’ who takes guests on an off-grid road trip through Namibia to a mobile ‘Gin Bike’ set up in the Zimbabwean wilderness, explore the beauty of Africa the edible way with this trio of unique adventures.
1 See Nambia with a Safari Butler
Gin lovers, this one’s for you. Accompanied by his gourmet bush kitchen and craft gin bar on the back of a ‘Safari Butler’s’ 4×4, foodie travellers can travel through Namibia’s vast landscape, meeting locals and dining at places no person has ever dined at before.
Exclusively available through Africa specialists Mavros Safaris, travellers can explore Namibia on an off-road foodie adventure with Dean, an expert Safari Butler in a brand-new itinerary for 2019.
Accompanied by his gourmet bush kitchen and craft gin bar on the back of his 4×4, guests will travel through Namibia’s vast landscape, meeting locals and dining at unique places.
Arriving into Walvis Bay, Namibia travellers will be met by Dean and make their way to the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Along the way, Dean’s passion for Africa and bush fire cuisine will see guests enjoy entertaining stories around the campfire, while dining on delicious dishes such as thick rump steaks cooked on mopani wood kindling, freshly caught bream and traditional sadza and stew.
The expedition-style journey then ends with grand finale in Wolwedans Dune Lodge in the Namib Desert – the oldest desert on the planet, one of the most remote areas on earth and Africa’s first and only International Dark Sky Reserve. All rooms are cooled by a luxury Sky Fan.
During the three-night stay, enjoy guided nature walks and safari drives, scenic drives into the dunes and even a hot air balloon flight over the landscape.
From £5,777 per person based on two people travelling. Includes return flights from London to Walvis Bay, accommodation on a full-board basis at Wolwedans Dune Lodge and all transport with Dean. mavrossafaris.com
2 Dine with endangered giraffes in Kenya
The Safari Collection offers once-in-a-lifetime gourmet experiences across Kenya including afternoon tea with Giraffes, sundowners with Samburu warriors and picnics atop Mount Kenya.
Founded and operated by fourth-generation Kenyans, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, The Safari Collection portfolio consists of four of Kenya’s most boutique luxury lodges, each selected for their individuality.
The lodges create a circuit from Samburu in the north through to the foothills of Mount Kenya, into the heart of the Masai Mara and to Nairobi. Each offers a unique gourmet experience to try – making the most of their surroundings and individual highlights.
At the renowned Giraffe Manor, guests are invited to enjoy afternoon tea where they can enjoy a delicious spread of sandwiches and as they watch Rothschild’s Giraffe saunter to the manor, making for an extraordinary golden hour tea experience.
For those in search of a stronger tipple, the property has a dedicated gin bar which serves up artisanal Musgrave Gin featuring signature African flavours.
Further North, situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab Lodge offers a once-in-a-lifetime sundowner experience atop Sundowner Rock, led by a member of the Samburu tribe.
Soak up panoramic views of the expansive arid landscape of the Northern Frontier District, whilst your guide builds a fire to serve up local delicacies delicious refreshments alongside tasty nibbles.
Rate at Giraffe Manor start from £475, Sasaab Lodge rates start from £575 on an all-inclusive basis and per person. thesafaricollection.com
3 Feast upon a foodie safari in Zimbabwe
Brave foodies, test your test tastebuds and discover a uniquely Zimbabwean menu at Matetsi Victoria Falls. Inspired by the property’s location on the Zambezi River, dishes include crocodile ceviche, carrot risotto and smoked brisket with parsley champagne jelly.
From an early morning, pre-game-drive breakfast delivered through each suite’s butler hatch and a mobile ‘Gin Bike’ set up in the bush to accompany game drives, there’s plenty for foodies to enjoy this summer.
Just 45 minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls is a beautifully designed lodge located on a private 17km stretch of the Zambezi, where dining is a critical component of the safari experience.
Matetsi Victoria Falls rates start from US$776 (approx. £605) per night, per guest on an all-inclusive basis. matetsivictoriafalls.com