Dining Under the African Sky: A Foodie’s Surprise on Safari

Before my first safari, my expectations for food were, well, practical. I imagined hearty, but basic, fuel for a day of adventure. I was prepared to forgo culinary delights for wildlife sightings. I have never been so happy to be so wrong.

The level of cuisine I experienced at my lodge was nothing short of astonishing. It was a gourmet journey that perfectly complemented the wild beauty outside.

It starts with the settings. One morning, after an exhilarating game drive, our guide pulled over to a secluded spot by a river. There, a full breakfast was laid out on a table with a white linen cloth. We ate scrambled eggs and fresh pastries with the sound of hippos grunting in the background. That’s a breakfast scene no five-star hotel can replicate.

But the pinnacle was the “bush dinner.” As the sun began to set, we were led to a clearing a short distance from the lodge. A roaring bonfire crackled in the centre, and hurricane lamps illuminated a long table set with crystal and silver. The entire Milky Way was stretched above us, a breathtaking canopy of stars. We dined on perfectly seared fillet of beef, fresh vegetables, and a decadent chocolate tart, all prepared in a remote kitchen that would put many city restaurants to shame.

The chefs are true magicians. They work with limited resources to create dishes that are both sophisticated and satisfying, often incorporating fresh, local produce. The service was equally impeccable; attentive, warm, and always one step ahead. A waiter remembered I loved a particular Kenyan tea and had a pot waiting for me every morning without being asked.

This seamless fusion of five-star culinary artistry with the raw, untamed spirit of the African bush was a revelation. It’s an experience that engages all the senses. For any food lover wondering if a safari is for them, the answer is a resounding yes. This delicious surprise was a highlight of my trip, expertly facilitated by tour partners at Visit Kenya.