
Africa is a continent with diverse cultures, landscapes, and, unknown to many, exceptional cuisine. With its wide range of indigenous ingredients, age-old cooking techniques, and innovative chefs, Africa is home to some of the most exciting restaurants and dining experiences in the world. Enjoy our curated list of some of Southern Africa’s exceptional food and safari experiences that we weave into our clients’ private journeys.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Singita Sweni Lodge’s glass-walled kitchen, developed with chef Liam Tomlin, introduces innovative cooking techniques and sustainable practices. The menu features artisanal dishes, including char-grilled, smoked, and fermented options, paired with unique wine selections. With flexible dining, guests can enjoy snacks from self-serve deli fridges or cocktails at the bar, creating a relaxed, first-class dining experience.
Singita Sweni Lodge is an intimate, riverside retreat nestled within the private Singita Lebombo concession in Kruger National Park. Comprised of seven secluded suites, including a family suite with a private pool, the lodge offers a harmonious blend of contemporary design and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy exceptional safari experiences, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa treatments, all while immersed in the tranquil ambiance of the Sweni River.

Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Led by Executive Chef Mxolisi Ndiweni, Matetsi’s culinary team has taken dining to world-class heights. The culinary experience is key to your stay, offering a variety of curated menus featuring regionally sourced produce. Expect dishes like roast kudu fillet with fondant potatoes, red wine bone jus, and blackberry gastrique, or white wine-steamed mussels with dill and garlic grilled ciabatta. For dessert, indulge in white chocolate and vanilla mousse with sweet melon sorbet.
Matetsi Victoria Falls is a luxurious lodge situated on a 136,000-acre private game reserve along a 15 km stretch of the Zambezi River, just 40 minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls. The lodge offers 18 spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool and river views. Guests can enjoy safari experiences including game drives and river cruises, tour of the iconic Victoria Falls and scenic helicopter flights.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Start your day with an unforgettable morning game drive, featuring a special stop for fire-brewed coffee, where you can savour the unique Amarula-spiked coffee paired with freshly baked treats. Dining at Lion Sands Ivory is a true culinary adventure, offering you the freedom to choose your dining spot. Indulge in a variety of new flavours, with dishes and wines designed to surprise and delight. From tapas-style lunches to venison tastings, Lion Sands ensures a memorable experience for all.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge offers an ultra-luxurious safari experience in South Africa’s renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve. With just nine exclusive villas, each featuring private plunge pools and expansive decks overlooking the Sabie River, guests enjoy unparalleled privacy and comfort. The lodge provides bespoke safari adventures, including game drives and bush walks, guided by expert trackers, ensuring intimate encounters with the Big Five in one of Africa’s most game-rich areas.

Okavango Delta, Botswana
At Xigera Safari Lodge, dining is an elegant fusion of African flavours and international sophistication, curated by Executive Chef Ziyaad Brown. Guests enjoy seasonal, locally sourced cuisine in extraordinary settings, from intimate bush dinners to al fresco meals overlooking the Okavango Delta. With a world-class wine list and private chef’s table experiences, every meal becomes a refined celebration of place and palate.
Xigera Safari Lodge is a sanctuary of luxury in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offering stunning suites designed to immerse guests in nature without sacrificing comfort. From private game drives and mokoro excursions to spa treatments and art-filled spaces, every moment at Xigera is crafted to inspire awe, relaxation, and deep connection to the wild.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Singita Volcanoes National Park’s farm-to-table vegetable garden is a vibrant showcase of fresh Rwandan flavors, inspiring the healthy dishes on the menus. With bright carrots, crisp green rocket and more, the garden offers a visual and culinary feast. Guests also enjoy personalised wine tastings in the unique ambiance of the lodge’s temperature-controlled cellar, adding another memorable experience to their stay.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, set on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, offers a gateway to the rare experience of mountain gorilla trekking. With just eight elegantly designed suites and a private villa, each featuring heated plunge pools and panoramic volcano views, the lodge blends sustainability with refined comfort.

Kalahari, South Africa
Dining at Tswalu celebrates local heritage and sustainability, with every dish reflecting the rich flavours of the southern Kalahari and Northern Cape. Led by Executive Chef Marnus Scholly and Michelin-starred Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, meals are crafted using ethically sourced, regional produce. From picnics during game drives to fine dining at Klein JAN, every experience is a celebration of the region’s bounty, with an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality. Dining is an integral part of your Tswalu adventure, often enjoyed outdoors with breathtaking views.
The Motse Tswalu is a secluded luxury lodge set in South Africa’s largest private game reserve, offering nine elegant suites with sweeping views of the Kalahari. Guests enjoy fully personalised safaris, including private game drives, horseback rides, and meerkat encounters, amidst rare wildlife and dramatic landscapes. After a day of adventure, unwind with gourmet dining, spa treatments, or by the infinity pool in total tranquility.

Stretching from Victoria Falls to the sands of the Kalahari, Southern Africa offers a culinary journey as varied as its landscapes. These must-try food and safari experiences blend flavour, culture, and wildlife into an unforgettable adventure.
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e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
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