Depending on your arrival time at KwaFubesi Tented Safari Camp, the overriding aroma might be that of lunch being prepared. That was the case when my wife and I arrived there recently, arriving as we did in time to savour the delicate flavours terminating from of the kitchen.
It was a return visit for me, but the first time for my wife who was looking forward to spending some quiet time after a stressful past few months.
The downpour that we had driven through on our way up from Johannesburg seemed to have diminished to less than a drizzle and that boded well for the planned daily game drives…but I am getting ahead of myself. I was focused on the immenant lunch and I was already salivating knowing the quality of the food from previous visits.
Each meal has a starter, a main and a dessert. This was one of the lunch starters. So much food and so little time? Not really as the meals are not rushed and guest can take time to enjoy both the food and the scenery.
The quality and diversity of the meals prepared in a small kitchen almost defy description. This stir fry was delicious. Not only that, but the presentation would not have been out of place in any urban restaurant.
Early morning and heading for the vehicle to start the day with a game drive. Although the bush IS my happy place, I often feel that I need a non-bush holiday when I return home. One where I do not have to wake up at 05h00!
But am I complaining? Not at all. I feel grateful and blessed for every opportunity I get out of the rat race that is Johannesburg and spend time to commune with nature.
Bacon, tomato and onion… an alternative breakfast? The morning meals offered both Continental as well as hot options. Personally, I think it is time to do away with old terminology and invent purely South African options for both local as well as international guests. I believe that it would enhance the safari aspect of the experience as a whole, but perhaps I am being overly ambitious and that ‘continental’ and ‘full English’ are terms that are recognised globally?
Breakfast of champions? Of course it is! The chicken is involved, but the pig is committed. For me, the epitome of a traditional breakfast when I am not at home.
The chef on duty got my request for crispy bacon right. I can be very particular about my bacon and I don’t like it to look boiled or cremated. Much like the final plate of porridge in the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, the chef got my bacon ‘just right’!
Time for a short nap before returning to the dining room for lunch? Why not.
A typical South African dish…a Bunny-chow with a twist and a salad. I was impressed by the fact that the kitchen staff were able to come out with a variety of both vegan and vegetarian options to meet guests dietary requirements.
I was forced to eat this for research purposes. Actually, I did not need too much persuading, and I enjoyed every morsel.
I am not certain about other people, but I tend to eat dessert with a teaspoon so as to make it last longer. That being said, it has been a long time since I have been offered a slice of cake that is accompanied by a cake fork.
Dinner for one of the predators perhaps?
This lion was scanning the horizon for a potential meal. Unlike those of us on the vehicle who would be returning to a delicious dinner, this fellow would have to rely on self-catering to provide his food.
Coming back ‘home’ from a game drive. It always amazes me just how quickly guests take to calling a camp home. It never happens with hotels or guest-houses. My personal theory is that the environment is conducive to making people feel as if they are at home.
Soup…for me, the elixir of life! But don’t serve me cold or thin soup. I do enjoy a thick and hearty soup that, together with a slice of homemade bread, could be a meal on its own.
Mains…beef done perfectly together with rice and vegetables. Could one ask for anything more? Perhaps a second helping? And for those who are wondering, fish was an option at more than one meal.
Traditional South African melktert, served in a non-traditional manner.
Dinner, while watching the sunset is a different experience every night. The colours and the clouds create a unique one-of-a-kind display that will never be repeated. It reminds me to be in the moment and to enjoy each with gratitude.
There is something very African about chops cooked over an open flame. The aroma of the sizzling meat. The anticipation of the taste and more importantly the hypnotic allure of the braai (barbeque) flames as they dance, crackle and pop.
Then it is back to our tent for an early night, for tomorrow we get to do it all over again!
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