Behind the Scenes
Safari Food & Dining
What to expect at every meal — and why camp cuisine is better than you think.
Safari food is better than most first-time visitors expect. The camp kitchen is typically run by trained chefs who understand that hungry safari clients are unhappy clients. The food is freshly prepared, the ingredients are fresh, and the settings are extraordinary. Eating a three-course dinner by candlelight with hyenas calling nearby, or breakfast in the wild with the sun rising over the plains, makes every meal an experience.
This guide covers what to expect at each meal, the bush breakfast experience, how dietary requirements are handled, and what drinks are available. Read it before your trip — and arrive ready to enjoy the food as much as the wildlife.
A Day of Meals
What to Expect at Each Meal
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Breakfast
After the morning game drive — typically 8:30–9:30am
A substantial cooked breakfast after the morning game drive. Typically includes eggs cooked to order (scrambled, fried, omelette), toast with butter and jam, bacon, baked beans, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea. At some camps, you may also get fresh fruit juice, cereals, yogurt, and pastries. The post-drive breakfast is one of the pleasures of safari — you are hungry from the early start, the food is freshly prepared, and the conversation centres on the morning's sightings.
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Lunch
Usually served around 1:00–2:00pm
Lunch is typically lighter than breakfast and dinner — a buffet or set menu meal. Common options include salads (fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, lettuce), cold meats, cheese, rice, pasta, or a light soup. At luxury camps, lunch may be a more elaborate affair. At budget camps, it may be simpler. Either way, you will not go hungry. Lunch is usually followed by a rest period before the afternoon game drive.
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Dinner
After the afternoon game drive — typically 7:30–8:30pm
Dinner is the main meal of the day. At mid-range and luxury camps, expect three courses: a soup or starter, a main course (typically meat or fish with vegetables and starch), and a dessert (cake, fruit, custard, ice cream). The quality of camp cuisine at luxury properties is genuinely excellent — trained chefs using fresh local ingredients. At budget camps, the food is wholesome and well-prepared but less elaborate.
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Morning tea and coffee
Before the game drive — typically 5:00–5:30am
Before the first game drive departs, the camp staff bring tea, coffee, and a light snack (biscuits, muffins) to your tent. This is a ritual of early morning safari — sitting in the dark with a cup of tea, waiting for the sky to lighten, then climbing into the vehicle as dawn breaks. Do not skip this. You will be grateful for the caffeine before a 3–4 hour game drive.
The Experiences
Bush Breakfasts & Sundowners
The bush breakfast experience
A bush breakfast is one of the great experiences of an African safari. The camp sets up a table in a scenic location — perhaps a clearing with a view of the plains, or a spot near a waterhole. The food is prepared on-site: eggs cooked to order, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee. You eat surrounded by the landscape, watching the birds, and occasionally the wildlife passes nearby. It is a morning you will not forget.
Served in the wild, surrounded by the African landscape, often with wildlife nearby
When does it happen?
Bush breakfasts are typically arranged on one or two mornings during a multi-day safari. They are usually arranged by the camp based on the itinerary — your guide will mention when a bush breakfast is planned. They are a highlight of the safari experience and are included in most mid-range and luxury safari packages. At some budget camps, the equivalent is a packed breakfast eaten in the vehicle or at a viewpoint.
Usually once per 3–4 day safari — coordinate with your guide for timing
What is served
A proper bush breakfast includes: eggs cooked to order (your choice), bacon or sausage, toast and butter, fresh fruit (banana, mango, papaya, watermelon), coffee and tea, and sometimes pastries or muffins. The food is transported from the camp kitchen and prepared on-site over a gas stove or charcoal brazier. It is always excellent — the combination of appetite, setting, and fresh air makes everything taste extraordinary.
Freshly cooked eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, coffee — eaten in the wild
The sundowner tradition
The bush breakfast has a counterpart at the other end of the day: the sundowner. As the afternoon game drive approaches dusk, the guide stops at a scenic location — a kopje, a riverbank, a clearing with a view — and sets out drinks (beers, soft drinks, juice) and snacks (nuts, crisps, sometimes canapés). You watch the sun set over the African bush with a drink in your hand. It is one of the classic images of a Tanzania safari, and it is included in most mid-range and luxury packages.
Sunset drinks in the wild — included at most camps as part of the experience
Dietary Needs
Dietary Requirements on Safari
Most dietary requirements are accommodated on safari — but advance notice is essential. Inform Safari Kilimanjaro of your requirements at the time of booking, and confirm again at least 2 weeks before departure.
Vegetarian
How it is handled
Most camps can accommodate vegetarian meals with advance notice. Breakfast typically has eggs, cereal, toast, and fruit (already vegetarian). Lunch and dinner may require advance notice for the chef to prepare a vegetarian main course. Inform Safari Kilimanjaro at least 2 weeks before departure.
Practical tip
Specify clearly whether you eat eggs and dairy (lacto-ovo vegetarian) or avoid them entirely (vegan).
Vegan
How it is handled
Vegan meals are possible at most camps but require advance planning. The camp kitchen needs to be informed so they can source appropriate ingredients and prepare separate dishes. Breakfast may be simpler (fruit, toast without butter). Lunch and dinner require specific instruction. Budget an extra week of notice beyond the standard dietary requirement notification.
Practical tip
Bring some vegan snacks (energy bars, nuts) as backup for between meals.
Halal
How it is handled
Halal-compliant meals can be arranged at most camps. The key requirement is that no pork products are served and that meat is slaughtered according to Islamic law. Most camps that serve meat will specify whether it is halal — confirm this when booking. At Muslim-owned or Muslim-run camps, halal food is the default.
Practical tip
Confirm the halal status of all meat dishes with the camp manager on arrival.
Gluten-free
How it is handled
Gluten-free meals are accommodated at most camps, though the ingredient range may be limited. Gluten-free bread alternatives can be sourced with advance notice. Eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, rice, and potatoes are naturally gluten-free. The challenge is sauces, gravies, and processed foods — confirm with the camp kitchen.
Practical tip
Bring gluten-free snack bars as backup. Cross-contamination is unlikely but possible in camp kitchens.
Kosher
How it is handled
Fully kosher meals are difficult to guarantee at most safari camps. The logistical challenge of providing certified kosher food in remote locations is significant. Options include: bringing your own pre-packaged kosher meals (common among experienced safari travellers), or selecting camps with kosher-compatible menus and accepting that full certification may not be available. Discuss this with our Arusha team.
Practical tip
Fully kosher clients typically bring their own pre-packaged kosher meals and use the camp kitchen for fresh fruit, vegetables, and eggs.
Allergies
How it is handled
Nut allergies (peanuts, tree nuts), shellfish, and specific food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. The main risk is cross-contamination in a camp kitchen where the range of ingredients is limited. For severe allergies, bring your own EpiPen and antihistamines. Inform Safari Kilimanjaro and the camp manager on arrival.
Practical tip
Carry your medication (EpiPen, antihistamines) in your daypack, not in your main luggage that stays at camp.
Refreshments
Drinks on Safari
Bottled water
Unlimited bottled water is provided throughout every game drive and at every meal. You do not need to carry your own water. Water is provided in reusable bottles that are refilled from large dispensers — reducing plastic waste.
Coffee and tea
Coffee and tea are available at all times — at camp, during game drives (the thermos flask is standard), and with every meal. Luxury camps may offer espresso-based drinks. Basic camps offer instant or filtered coffee.
Soft drinks and juice
Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite) and fruit juices are typically available at camps, usually at an additional cost or included in the mid-range and luxury packages.
Beer and wine
Beer is widely available at camps — typically local Tanzanian lagers (Serengeti Breweries brands). Wine is available at mid-range and luxury camps, usually for an additional charge. Imported wine may be limited; South African and local wines are more commonly available.
Premium beverages
At luxury camps, premium spirits (gin, whisky, vodka) are typically included in the all-inclusive rate. At mid-range camps, spirits are usually available for purchase. The selection varies by property.
FAQ
Safari Food — Common Questions
Is the food good on a Tanzania safari?
It is better than most people expect. At mid-range and luxury camps, the food is genuinely excellent — prepared by trained chefs, using fresh local ingredients, and served in remarkable settings. Even at budget camps, the food is wholesome and well-prepared. The setting makes everything taste better: eating breakfast after a lion sighting, or dinner under the stars with wildlife audible nearby, is a different experience from any restaurant.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated on safari?
Yes — most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets are all possible at most camps. The key requirement is advance notice: inform Safari Kilimanjaro at least 2 weeks before departure so the kitchen can plan accordingly. Kosher is the most challenging to guarantee fully; discuss this with our team before booking.
Should I bring my own food on safari?
Not for main meals — everything is included. For specific dietary requirements (especially kosher), you may need to bring supplementary items. Snacks (trail mix, energy bars, nuts) are useful to have in your daypack for between meals, especially on long game drives when you may be away from camp for 6–8 hours. Avoid strongly scented foods that may attract wildlife.
What is a bush breakfast on safari?
A bush breakfast is a meal served in the wild, not at the camp. The camp sets up a table at a scenic location — a clearing, a kopje, near a waterhole — and serves breakfast outdoors. Eggs are cooked to order, bacon and fruit are laid out, and coffee is poured fresh. You eat surrounded by the landscape, watching the birds, and sometimes wildlife passes through the clearing. It is one of the iconic experiences of a Tanzania safari.
Can I drink alcohol on safari?
Yes — alcohol is available at all camps and lodges. Beer is the most common and widely available. Wine, spirits, and premium beverages vary by accommodation level. The key consideration is timing: game drives require early starts and full attention, and drinking heavily during the day is neither safe nor socially appropriate. A beer or two at the end of the day is entirely normal.
What should I do if I have severe food allergies?
Inform Safari Kilimanjaro at the time of booking with full details of your allergy and its severity. Carry your medication (EpiPen, antihistamines) in your daypack, not in your main luggage. Inform the camp manager on arrival and your guide at the start of each day. Most safari camps are very careful about cross-contamination, but the ingredient range is limited, which means fewer alternatives if a dish is contaminated.
Start Planning
Dietary Requirements? Let Us Know
If you have specific dietary requirements, our Arusha team will confirm with each camp before your arrival. Tell us your requirements and we will build your dietary needs into the itinerary.