A wild taste of Kenya – safari dining in East Africa

Take your taste buds on an adventure on a safari in Kenya.

When traveling, food becomes more than just food. It is an experience to add to your memories. Meals are an integral part of celebrations, holidays and family gatherings – and a safari in Kenya is no different. There are few better ways to connect with your loved ones and make new contacts and friends than by sharing a meal. That is why we believe that every good safari should be accompanied by equally good food.

The wild and elusive spirit of Kenya always captures the hearts of travellers. Known as one of the best destinations in Africa for a safari, Kenya not only offers a wealth of wildlife and wilderness to enjoy, but is also a place where magical and memorable dining experiences are on the menu.

Many of the best safari lodges have taken their dining experiences to the next level to take guests on a culinary journey where one can enjoy Kenya’s rich and flavorful culinary diversity, interpreted with fresh, modern twists. This is no mean feat given the remote locations where many of these establishments are located. For the most authentic dining option, look for lodges that source their produce ethically and support regional farmers and artisans.

From traditional fare to five-star cuisine, savor the flavors of Kenya while surrounded by the wild beauty of East Africa with these culinary safari delights:

Abundant forest breakfast

Breakfast in the bush should be on every foodie traveler’s bucket list. Eating outside against the scenic backdrop of the Masai Mara makes for one of those surreal squeezing moments that won’t soon be forgotten. After an early wake up call you will be driven to your bush breakfast already set up in a scenic spot where you can watch the sun rise and enjoy the enchanted hours of early morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand .

A selection of fresh and seasonal continental breakfast items will keep you entertained while the chef prepares a hot buffet breakfast. Witnessing this spectacular feat of remote bush cooking is an experience in itself. The chefs and their team use resourceful and creative methods to prepare wholesome, restaurant-quality meals in the midst of vast and remote wilderness areas.

Some of the local Kenyan delicacies found on the menu include Mandazi, a fried dough that resembles doughnuts but can taste different depending on the ingredients used. Mahamri, which is like Mandazi, is another breakfast item except it is hollow and usually used to eat mbaazi (pigeon peas) in coconut milk. Vibibi is another delicious breakfast item to look out for – these are sweet fluffy pancakes made from coconut and rice and are most popular in the coastal areas.

Lazy lunches

Lunch is notoriously lazy time of day on a safari. Early mornings and late evenings mean that by the middle of the day you’ll probably want to rest and take it easy, maybe even enjoying an afternoon siesta. Before heading into the afternoon, you can look forward to multi-course meals usually prepared on sundecks, pool pavilions or anywhere in the camp where you can enjoy the sun and the view.

Bush picnics are another popular option for guests who want to leave the confines of camp to enjoy lunch. This activity offers a sense of ‘rustic glamour’ where you can enjoy a selection of pre-packaged snacks in picnic baskets, while also being looked after by dedicated staff.

Eat like our ancestors

Besides the various glamorous gastronomic affairs, Kenya also offers you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and eat as our ancestors once did – by foraging. In Kenya, the Il Torobo tribe, or Ndorobo as they are sometimes called, meaning “a man without cattle”, actively practice foraging as a traditional way of life.

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Accompanied by a guide, this immersive activity offers you the opportunity to learn directly from experienced hunter-gatherers about the natural and wild food resources available in the Masai Mara, as well as the medicinal properties of the plants.

After you return to camp with your seasonal bonus (which may include ingredients such as wild asparagus, edible flowers and berries), the chef will prepare a tasting for you to enjoy – a rewarding highlight at the end of an educational and enlightening experience!

This type of “conservancy-to-cuisine” is the safari equivalent of “farm-to-fork” and is an activity not to be missed by those wanting the most authentic taste of Kenya.

sunsets

When talking about exceptional dining experiences in Kenya, it would be wrong not to mention sundowners as this is perhaps the most quintessential safari experience. After an exciting day of safaris and adventures, you can always count on a sunset drink.

Whether enjoyed from a scenic vantage point on an afternoon game drive, or from the comfort of camp, sunsets mean that another wonderful day in the wild is drawing to a close and it’s time to relax and enjoy the to enter the evening. While a G&T may be the classic choice, it’s also a great time to experiment with some of the local favorites. The Dawa, for example, which consists of Absolut Vodka, Lime, Honey, is Kenya’s de facto signature sundowner cocktail and is an absolute MUST on safari.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails, a wild culinary adventure awaits in Kenya that your taste buds will never forget.

Calvin Cottar is a director and owner of Cottar’s 1920s Safaris. Cottar’s 1920s Safaris is an award-winning 1920s luxury safari camp and private bush villa located in the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and owned and operated by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa.

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