Safari Cuisine: What kind of food should you expect on an African safari?
You’ve booked an African Safari and might be wondering what kind of food to expect on your trip of a lifetime. We assure you that you will have a fantastic safari gourmet experience wherever you go in East Africa.
What Locals Eat Every Day in Tanzania?
Are you curious about what Tanzanians eat daily? Dive into the rich culinary culture shaped by tradition, geography, and local ingredients. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, Tanzanian cuisine reflects the vibrant flavors of East Africa. Start your day with tea, mandazi (sweet buns), or chapati paired with eggs. Lunch and dinner often feature staple dishes like ugali (a maize-based dish similar to polenta), rice, or plantains served with beef, chicken, or green vegetables.
If you’re exploring local eateries, here are Tanzania’s top five must-try meals:
- Ugali Nyama: A beloved staple, ugali is often paired with meat stew, beans, or spinach and is a go-to meal in homes and schools.
- Pilau: This spiced rice dish, infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves, is a must at special occasions.
- Nyama Choma: Tanzanian barbecue is popular at social gatherings. It features grilled meats like beef, goat, and chicken, often served with fried bananas or chips.
- Ndizi Nyama: A traditional Chagga dish from Kilimanjaro, this meal combines green bananas and meat in rich coconut sauce.
- Wali Maharage: A perfect vegetarian option, this dish pairs rice with beans cooked in a coconut sauce. It is a simple yet flavorful meal found in many local spots.
African Safari Cuisine
You are about to book an African Safari and might be wondering what kind of food to expect on your trip of a lifetime. We assure you that you will have a fantastic safari gourmet experience wherever you go in East Africa.
Most lodges and camps grow organic fruits and vegetables and love cooking and sharing exciting local cuisine with their guests, so you can expect to be genuinely spoilt while in the wilderness.
We received regular feedback from our guests on how amazed they were that they ate a wide variety of exotic dishes in the middle of the African bush or had spectacular dining experiences.
Most safari lodges cater to dietary requirements, so you need not worry whether you have intolerances or allergies, are gluten-free, or follow a special diet! It is always advisable to let the camps or lodges know of any dietary requirements when booking, mainly if they are located in remote areas, so they can prepare for this beforehand.
From the time you start your day, you can expect biscuits, tea, and coffee to fuel you for an adrenalin
rushed early morning game drive before returning to your lodge for a delicious breakfast buffet, or you may pack your picnic breakfast on the go and have the once-in-a-lifetime experience in the bush.
Most lodges have buffet restaurants on-site, so you can expect a lovely variety of dishes for lunch or dinner, complete with decadent desserts and fresh fruit. There is going to be something to suit everyone. Cuisines tend to be a mix of local, Western, and Asian.