Vegetarian Safari in Africa

How to survive on an African safari as a vegetarian.

As a vegetarian, you might be wondering if your safari in Africa would consist of only lettuce and toasted sandwiches or if you would go hungry. But the simple answer is no—you won’t become a vegetable or go hungry.

The majority of vegetarians undoubtedly encounter the occasionally taxing and difficult task of enjoying a satisfying vegetarian dinner, which typically entails fighting to remove the ham from your salad. Will it be difficult to follow a lovely vegetarian diet when on safari in Africa?

Caution: incoming Vegetarian

Tell them you don’t eat most of the items they thought were meals! You’ll be shocked to learn that the majority of locations go above and beyond by providing inventiveness with advance notice.

It’s crucial to book your safari, and it’s a good idea to let your lodges or safari provider know about any dietary restrictions before your trip!

If you only give them advance notice that you are a vegetarian, you’ll be surprised at how accommodating most businesses can be. I typically eat meals that are the talk of the table when traveling! Then, I get served first on the plane, and subsequently, my dinner is frequently the envy of the row for its airline cuisine.

If you let the safari companies know in advance about your dietary needs, they will take care of all the preparations when you make your appointment. They will see to it that they find a suitable place to stay that can adequately take care of you.

Africa is also able to accommodate vegetarians!

Since tourism has grown significantly and tours have been running in many of the famous tour countries for a long time, the catering equipment is well-oiled to handle a large number of vegans. Since the majority of people in African countries cannot afford to buy large amounts of meat, it follows that different vegetables and fruits are typically served with meals.

Vegetarians can have their dietary demands met by tour operators and restaurants in a number of locations, including Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia. Because they are more international and diversified, big cities in particular offer fantastic ingredients. Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Windhoek are a few of these.

Make a request, and vegetarian cuisine will undoubtedly be served to you.

It helps to remember that most larger cities, as well as many safari countries like Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and many others, speak English, so communication barriers shouldn’t be too much of an issue. If you’re able to read this, I’m assuming you understand English. If you are traveling with a tour operator on a guided safari, you won’t have any trouble communicating.

A description of vegetarian eating on a safari in Zambia is provided below by a traveler:

One of the visitors on one of my trips through Zambia was allergic to something else, vegan, and gluten intolerant. She spoke with the chef despite the hotel’s lack of prior notice, and over the course of the week, she was able to receive meals that were specifically tailored to meet her dietary requirements. It is preferable if hotels can accommodate vegans, vegetarians, and guests with dietary restrictions. For this reason, kindly let the hotel’s management know in advance of your arrival.

Serve Indian food and use spices.

Many safari locations include sizable Indian populations, as well as vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine. As so, you will be spoiled for choice if you enjoy it spicy. There are also a ton of mild and non-spicy foods.

Veggie + Indian Destinations:

• Dining and Winning in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

• Vegging Out and Veggie Spots in Zanzibar Island, which is part of Tanzania.

• Happy Cow: located in Dar es Salaam.

Additionally, Zanzibar has a range of vegetarian options.

• The Indian vegetarian Radha.

The Silk Route.

• The Stone Town Café

• Mtoni Marine restaurant serves delicious vegetarian fare.

• The Forodhani Market

Are you still worried about going on a vegetarian safari?

• Take a look at topics like this one: Are there any vegans or vegetarians here?

• Consume a protein supplement or Omega 6, 9, and 3 (good for greens).

• Take along some nuts and snacks for the trip.

• Speak with your trip operator or safari company.

• Check out internet directories for restaurant and vegan meal options.

• You may always check out vegan foods and ingredients that are typically kept at health stores.

Ultimately, the human body is adaptable and can tolerate a diet lower in protein for a while. You will undoubtedly need to make some changes for a while if you are traveling through remote areas or locations with lower meat intake. I am not a doctor by trade, but from experience, I can tell you that if you take a creative approach, you will be just as safe as any other vegan somewhere. You shouldn’t call vegetarians namesakes or Fruitsworry.

South African vegetarians

I can safely state that, having lived in South Africa for the past 20 years as a vegan, food will not present a problem for you while on safari here.

People frequently tell me that being vegan is something you should think about when having a braai, but it is a really dumb joke. I have been through a lot of these, and usually there is a lot of salad before I get my protein.

On my multiple journeys to South Africa, including in the heart of the Karoo, known for its lamb cuisine, or in the middle of the bush while on a safari at Kruner Park, there have been vegan choices presented to me. In South Africa, pies and pastries are typically delicious, despite rumors to the contrary. Salads, veggie pies, pastas, and stews are also readily available and really tasty.

These vegetarian guides for South Africa are helpful:

Veggie Bunch

SA Vegan

Joyful Cow

These Restaurant Guides will be helpful because most South African restaurants are vegetarian-friendly, even though they are not especially vegetarian:

Winning and Eating

Eating out

Dine out

In conclusion, don’t worry about it; even if you are a vegetarian, you will still enjoy your safari.