A topic that often gets discussed with prospective clients is the food that will be served during their trip, so thought I would address it here!

• What is the food like on safari?

Guests on safari are often surprised at the variety and sheer deliciousness of the meals served at the lodges while they are on safari, as well as their familiarity with commonly served items such as fresh fruit and vegetables,  chicken, beef, lamb and fish.  If one is conjuring up images of seeing zebra or wildebeest on the menu, that would be inaccurate to say the least!

A typical dinner at many lodges/camps will consist of approximately 3-4 courses. You’ll be able to order a la carte off of a menu most of the time, and have a choice of an appetizer, soup or salad, main course (consisting of baked or grilled chicken, beef, lamb, or fish) often served with delicate sauces, vegetables and a starch (baked potatoes or cooked rice, etc.), followed by dessert such as a fruit torte or tiramisu and tea or coffee.

The buffets are also very good. For example, the international dinner buffet at Serena hotels usually consists of many (many) items. Salad bar with salads and vegetables such as fresh avacados; fresh fruits such as mango, watermelon, pineapple and passion fruit; fresh breads and cheeses; sliced meats or baked or grilled entrees (such as those listed in the first paragraph above), and a dessert bar with an assortment of fresh fruits, pastries, cakes, tortes, pies, etc.

Hot lunches may be lighter than dinners, but you’ll still have a variety of many of the various items listed above to choose from. Hot breakfasts usually consist of eggs cooked to order along with a breakfast meat such as sausage or bacon, along with a cold buffet of cereals, yogurts, breads, fruits and sliced meats.

You will always have the option of eating a hot breakfast and lunch at the lodge, but we do recommend going out early in the morning on most days and maybe even staying out all day on some days… in these cases we do recommend bringing a picnic breakfast and/or lunch with you. Usually the boxed meals feature items like roasted chicken (served cold), sandwiches, hardboiled eggs, bread, fruits, cheeses, coffee, tea, etc. If you want to enjoy an early hot breakfast at the lodge, they can usually be arranged around 7am or even earlier at some if requested ahead of time. Or you can go out for an early morning game drive at say 6am, and then come back to the lodge for a hot breakfast mid morning maybe around 9am. The options are endless!

• I have a special diet (ie. Vegetarian, gluten-free, food allergy, etc.) Will that be a problem?

Special diets are not usually any problem, as long as we know about them ahead of time. On our “Reservations Booking Form”, which you’ll fill out and return to us when you book the safari, there is a question that asks you to note whether or not you have a special diet. Please make a note there so we’ll be sure to alert the lodges ahead of time, so they are well prepared before you arrive with the right ingredients to make delicious meals for you that still fall within your dietary requirements.