Gourmet Picnic in the Wild: A Real Experience | Avula Safaris
There’s something unforgettable about dining in the African wilderness. Not at a restaurant, not around a campfire, but right in the heart of the bush—where the soundtrack is birdsong, the breeze carries the scent of acacia, and the view stretches out to herds grazing in the distance. At Avula Safaris, we take the concept of a simple picnic and elevate it into a gourmet experience that becomes a highlight of any safari.
1.
The Setting
Imagine a secluded spot chosen by your guide—beneath the shade of a marula tree, on the banks of a dry riverbed, or atop a rocky outcrop with sweeping views. While the game drive pauses, the bush becomes your dining room. A linen-draped table appears, complete with glassware, comfortable chairs, and lanterns or torches if it’s late in the day.
The wild itself becomes part of the atmosphere—elephants in the distance, a fish eagle overhead, and the occasional curious giraffe watching from afar.
2.
What’s in the Basket?
This is no ordinary picnic. Our chefs craft meals that balance refinement with authenticity.
Typical offerings include:
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Charcuterie boards with biltong, cured meats, and local cheeses
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Freshly baked breads, rolls, and pastries
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Salads bursting with seasonal produce and herbs
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Grilled game meats, smoked salmon, or marinated chicken skewers
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Decadent desserts like Amarula brownies or fruit tarts
Everything is prepared fresh and packed with care, so every bite tastes as good under the sun as it would in a fine-dining lodge.
3.
The Drinks Pairing
No gourmet picnic is complete without the right drinks to match.
Guests enjoy:
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Crisp South African white wines, perfect for warm afternoons
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Bold reds that complement game meats
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Sparkling wines for a celebratory toast
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Fresh juices and infused waters for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option
It’s a tasting journey as much as a meal.
4.
The Rhythm of the Bush
Dining in the wild isn’t just about the food—it’s about the pause. The quiet between bites where you take in the world around you. The way the light shifts as the sun moves lower in the sky. The knowledge that here, in this moment, you are sharing a meal with the wilderness itself.
For hunters, it’s a reflective break from the chase. For photographic safari guests, it’s another way to experience the land’s beauty. For everyone, it’s unforgettable.
5.
More Than a Meal
At Avula Safaris, we design gourmet bush picnics to be more than just dining. They’re about storytelling, laughter, and connection—whether with your family, fellow hunters, or new friends met on safari. They remind us that the bush isn’t only a place for adventure, but also for slowing down and savoring.
Experience It Yourself
The next time you join us, step away from the lodge dining room and into the wild. A gourmet picnic in the bush is more than a meal—it’s a memory, served fresh under the African sky.
