Tanzania Safari Food
In this guide, we’ll cover the types of food you can expect on a Tanzania safari, traditional Tanzanian dishes, and how safari lodges accommodate different dietary needs. You’ll also get some pro tips on how to enjoy your meals while soaking up the incredible safari atmosphere.
Shall I dive right into the flavors of Tanzania? 😎
🍽️ What to Expect – Typical Meals on a Tanzania Safari
Most safari lodges and camps offer a full board experience — meaning your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are often served buffet-style or as set menus with multiple courses. Here’s how a typical day of safari dining looks:
🌅 Breakfast – Light but Energizing
Early mornings are the norm on safari, so breakfast is usually served before or during your morning game drive. Expect:
Fresh fruit (pineapple, mango, watermelon)
Breads and pastries (croissants, muffins)
Eggs (cooked to order — scrambled, fried, or omelet)
Sausages, bacon, and beans
Tea and coffee (Tanzanian coffee is especially rich and flavorful)
Porridge (sometimes served with honey or sugar)
👉 Bush Breakfast: On some safaris, you’ll stop mid-drive for a picnic-style breakfast — think eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and hot coffee in the middle of the savannah. Now that’s a vibe!
🌞 Lunch – Light and Refreshing
Lunch tends to be lighter since it’s served during the heat of the day. Options usually include:
Cold salads (potato, pasta, or mixed greens)
Grilled chicken or beef
Cheese and cured meats
Fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes)
Bread rolls
Fruit platters
👉 Packed Lunch: If you’re on an all-day game drive, lunch might be a packed picnic with sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, and juice.
🌄 Dinner – The Main Event
Dinner is usually a multi-course meal served after sunset. Expect a mix of local Tanzanian dishes and Western-inspired options:
Starter: Soup or salad
Main Course: Grilled meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), fish, or vegetarian option
Sides: Rice, potatoes, or ugali (maize porridge)
Dessert: Cake, fruit salad, or Tanzanian coffee
👉 Boma Dinner: Some camps host a traditional “Boma Night” — where you’ll enjoy Tanzanian barbecue (nyama choma), grilled vegetables, and spiced stews under the stars with Maasai singing and dancing.
🍛 Traditional Tanzanian Dishes to Try
No safari is complete without tasting authentic Tanzanian cuisine. Here are some must-try local dishes:
✅ 1. Ugali
Tanzania’s staple food — a thick, stiff maize porridge.
Often served with meat, vegetables, or stews.
Eaten by hand — roll it into a ball and use it to scoop up sauce or stew.
✅ 2. Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat)
Popular at lodges and local restaurants.
Usually beef, goat, or chicken, marinated in spices and grilled over an open fire.
Best enjoyed with a side of kachumbari (tomato and onion salad).
✅ 3. Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens sautéed with onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Served as a side dish with grilled meat or fish.
Similar to kale — rich in flavor and nutrients.
✅ 4. Chapati
Soft, flaky flatbread with Indian influences.
Often served with stews or beans.
Perfect for scooping up sauces.
✅ 5. Pilau
Spiced rice dish flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Often cooked with vegetables or meat (usually beef or chicken).
Inspired by Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
✅ 6. Mandazi
Fried dough (similar to donuts) served as a snack or dessert.
Lightly sweetened with coconut milk or sugar.
Perfect with Tanzanian coffee!
🥦 Dietary Restrictions – What’s Available?
Safari lodges and camps are used to accommodating dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to make a request when booking:
✅ Vegetarian/Vegan:
Most lodges offer vegetarian options like vegetable curries, lentil stews, and salads.
Vegan requests are also easily accommodated with plant-based soups, grains, and legumes.
✅ Gluten-Free:
Rice-based dishes and grilled meats are usually gluten-free.
Many lodges now offer gluten-free bread and pasta upon request.
✅ Halal and Kosher:
Some high-end lodges can arrange halal or kosher meals if requested in advance.
✅ Food Allergies:
Always inform the lodge or camp about allergies when booking.
Meals are typically prepared fresh, so they can adjust ingredients if needed.
🍷 Drinks – What’s on the Menu?
Drinks are usually included at higher-end lodges and camps:
✅ Beer: Tanzanian brands like Kilimanjaro and Safari Lager.
✅ Wine: South African wines are popular and widely available.
✅ Spirits: Gin and tonic is a safari classic!
✅ Sodas and Juices: Mango, passion fruit, and pineapple juices are common.
✅ Coffee and Tea: Tanzania produces some of the world’s best coffee — don’t miss it!
💡 Pro Tips for Enjoying Safari Food
👉 Stay hydrated – The heat and dry air can dehydrate you quickly.
👉 Be adventurous – Try local dishes like ugali and nyama choma — you might love them!
👉 Inform staff early – If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking.
👉 Eat light before a game drive – Heavy meals and bumpy roads don’t mix well.
