When you booked your South African safari, you were probably more interested in the wildlife than the food. However, that doesn’t mean there are no delicious delights to be discovered on the African continent. In fact, South Africa is an excellent destination for a foodie-infused break.  

South Africa’s mild climate is perfect for cultivating a wide range of fruit and vegetables and so restaurants are able to use the freshest of ingredients. The climate is also responsible for some of the world’s best New World vineyards, meaning your fine dining experience can be accompanied by the very best vintages.

Here are the top five foodie experiences you to enjoy in South Africa before you head off on your safari.

V&A Waterfront Food Market

Nestled in amongst the cape’s numerous luxury hotels, the Waterfront food market is a great place to visit when you first arrive. Its vast array of culinary delights offer the perfect introduction to the Cape’s food culture. Whether you fancy meat, fish or fruit, there is something for everyone. Prices here vary but are generally much more reasonable than a sit down restaurant affair; you can have a great meal from as little as R40.

Gourmet Cooking & City Tour

If you’d rather take in the sights and sounds of Cape Town as a whole, then you need to experience this gourmet cooking city tour. Beginning in the Malay quarter of Cape Town, this culinary city tour incorporates the intoxicating sights and sounds of the city with a cooking experience with the Malay ladies. Here you will be taught to make a traditional Cape Malay curry. Tasty, educational and exciting!

Cape Cuisine Walk in Stellenbosch

Head inland from Cape Town to the Winelands, Stellenbosch in particular. You’ll spend four hours with your expert guide, Hanli Fourie, exploring the region and sampling the various delights Stellenbosch has to offer, such as tea, biltong, droewars, babotie, South African sweets and more.

The Babylonstoren Garden

Spanning over 8 acres, the Babylonstoren Garden is an extensive working farm which grows over 300 edible plants and fruits. The garden is divided into fifteen clusters spanning vegetable areas, berries, bees, indigenous plants, ducks and chickens and even a prickly pear maze. If you fancy a longer stroll, you can choose from three different walks around the grounds, each approximately three kilometres long, before sampling the delicious cheese, chocolate, olives and olive oil on offer.

Wine Tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The cool sea breeze and clay soil makes the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley the ideal spot for a vineyard. Hemel-en-Aarde Village, at the entrance of the valley, is a great place to start your day - with the Wine Village, some of the region's best restaurants, art, ceramics, interior decorating and much more. The Overberg region also offers many award-winning wine cellars and restaurants.

Whilst a gastronomic experience may not be what fist comes to mind when you think African safari, there is not good reason not to come home with some new flavours on your palette. Take the opportunity to sample everything you can, because this is a once in a lifetime adventure that you’ll never want to forget.