What to Eat on Safari is a topic worth planning around, and this guide covers what to know before you go.
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Why What to Eat on Safari Matters
Food on safari is better than most first-time visitors expect, ranging from hearty lodge buffets to distinctly Kenyan and Tanzanian dishes worth seeking out. Camps and lodges generally cater to most dietary needs if you let us know in advance.
Practical Tips
Let us know about any dietary restrictions when you book, since most camps need a little notice to prepare properly. If you have a free evening in Nairobi or Arusha, it’s worth trying a local restaurant before heading into the bush.
Camp and lodge kitchens across Kenya and Tanzania serve a mix of international dishes and genuine local flavour, and it’s worth seeking out the latter where you can.
Nyama Choma
Literally “roasted meat,” nyama choma is a East African staple — usually goat or beef, grilled over charcoal and served simply with a side of kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad.
Ugali and Sukuma Wiki
Ugali, a firm maize porridge, is the everyday starch across the region, typically served alongside sukuma wiki (sautéed collard greens) and a meat or bean stew.
Swahili Coast Flavours
On the coast and in Zanzibar, expect more spice and coconut — dishes like pilau (spiced rice), coconut fish curries and Zanzibar’s famous mix of cloves, cardamom and cinnamon in everyday cooking.
Bush Breakfasts and Sundowner Snacks
Many camps lay on a full breakfast in the bush after a morning game drive, or snacks alongside sundowner drinks — a nice way to sample local flavours in an unusual setting.
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If you would like help planning What to Eat on Safari or any other part of your trip, browse our Kenya and Tanzania safari packages or get in touch with Eastern Voyage Safaris directly.
Every safari with Eastern Voyage Safaris is arranged around a private vehicle and an experienced driver-guide, so your pace and stops can flex around what interests you most.
We can adjust any itinerary that touches on What to Eat on Safari to fit your travel dates, group size and budget, whether that means adding a day, dropping one, or changing the route.
Accommodation on our itineraries ranges from comfortable tented camps to more upscale lodges, chosen for their location relative to the parks and activities you care about most.
Every safari with Eastern Voyage Safaris is arranged around a private vehicle and an experienced driver-guide, so your pace and stops can flex around what interests you most.
We can adjust any itinerary that touches on What to Eat on Safari to fit your travel dates, group size and budget, whether that means adding a day, dropping one, or changing the route.
Accommodation on our itineraries ranges from comfortable tented camps to more upscale lodges, chosen for their location relative to the parks and activities you care about most.
Weather and road conditions can vary by season, so we always check current conditions before finalising an itinerary that includes What to Eat on Safari, adjusting timing where it helps.
Most of our guests booking a trip involving What to Eat on Safari also ask about combining it with a beach extension or a stop in Nairobi, both of which are easy to add on.
If you are travelling with a family or a larger group, let us know when discussing What to Eat on Safari so we can recommend accommodation and vehicles suited to your group size.
Feel free to get in touch before booking if you have questions about What to Eat on Safari or want a second opinion on timing, routing or which lodges suit your budget best.
We keep our itineraries flexible right up until departure, so details around What to Eat on Safari can still be adjusted if your plans change or new information about conditions comes in.
