UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA WITH GREAT PLAINS
Great Plains, the renowned conservation-focused eco-tourism organization founded by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, invites couples and luxury travelers to experience unforgettable dining adventures set in some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
With a portfolio that spans across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, Great Plains offers a collection of Relais & Châteaux reserve-level camps that deliver a perfect blend of romance, luxury, and authentic wilderness experiences.
From intimate dinners under the stars in the heart of the Okavango Delta to breakfast on horseback in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, each of these camps offers not just a place to stay but a destination dining experience that turns every meal into a celebration of nature, romance, and exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Here, we explore some of the most romantic and extraordinary culinary adventures you can have in Africa, all while staying in the lap of luxury at Great Plains’ Réserve-Collection camps.
Botswana: Wilderness Romance at its Finest
Zarafa Camp: Candlelight Dining & Floating Sundowners on the Selinda Concession
Great Plains’ Zarafa Camp in Botswana epitomizes the romance of the African bush. Tucked away in the remote Selinda Concession, this intimate camp offers the perfect setting for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation. For a truly memorable experience, guests can dine on their own private deck, illuminated by candlelight, while enjoying the sunset and the serenade of wildlife. With panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, this is a moment to reflect on the day’s safari adventures in true style.
But for the ultimate “bucket-list” dining experience, Zarafa offers a private sunset cruise on the Zibadianja Lagoon. This floating bar and dining experience lets guests drift across the lagoon as the sky changes color at dusk, accompanied by gourmet dishes and fine wines. As the sun sets and birds soar overhead, couples can enjoy an evening like no other—a romantic, tranquil experience on the water that’s perfect for celebrating love in one of the most stunning settings on Earth.
Nightly rates at Zarafa Camp start from $1,935 (£1,563*) per person per night sharing. For more information and bookings, visit Great Plains Zarafa Camp.
Sitatunga Private Island: Sunset Dining by the Lagoon
For those seeking an even more remote and private escape, Great Plains’ Sitatunga Private Island in the Okavango Delta offers an exclusive Robinson Crusoe-like experience. After a day exploring the Delta’s permanent channels by canoe or mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe), couples can unwind with sundowners by the lagoon. The island offers complete seclusion, with bubble baths and private dining setups waiting in your suite, making it the perfect romantic retreat.
Sitatunga Private Island also boasts unique opportunities to spot the rare aquatic antelope, the Sitatunga, from both land and water. With its intimate setting, this island is an unforgettable hideaway that invites guests to experience the wilderness in its most tranquil form.
Nightly rates at Sitatunga Private Island start from $1,550 (£1,252*) per person per night sharing. For more information and bookings, visit Great Plains Sitatunga Private Island.
Kenya: Serenading the Wilderness with Romance and Adventure
ol Donyo Lodge: Breakfast in the Bush and Sundowners in the Chyulu Hills
At ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya, couples are invited to experience the ultimate in both romance and adventure. Nestled in the Chyulu Hills, this lodge offers an unforgettable breakfast in the bush, where guests arrive on horseback to find a beautifully prepared meal under the shade of an acacia tree. As giraffes and cheetahs roam nearby, guests can enjoy freshly baked goods, hot dishes, and fresh fruit, all while surrounded by the sounds of birdsong in the wild.
For sundowners, the lodge provides the perfect setting in the Chyulu Hills, where a romantic picnic can be arranged with your favorite drinks as you watch the sun set over the endless plains. The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro looms in the distance, completing the view as the African bush comes to life with the colors of dusk.
ol Donyo also offers a new fire deck under the stars and a spacious sunken hide for uninterrupted wildlife viewing, as well as thrilling scenic flights in a Bell 505 helicopter, offering spectacular views of the Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro.
Nightly rates at ol Donyo Lodge start from $1,344 (£1,086*) per person per night sharing. For more information and bookings, visit Great Plains ol Donyo Lodge.
Mara Toto Tree Camp: Dining in the Treetops
Mara Toto Tree Camp, located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, elevates destination dining to new heights—literally. Guests dine in the treetops, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness, with panoramic views of the Maasai Mara below. Opened in July 2024, this new Relais & Châteaux camp brings together world-class cuisine and the opportunity to enjoy the region’s wildlife from an entirely new perspective.
For safari enthusiasts, Mara Toto offers special safari drive bites, including healthy granola bars, dates, ginger energy balls, and sushi nori rolls, to sustain you on your adventures. Back at camp, guests can enjoy dishes like one-pot chicken chilindron with Mediterranean quinoa, all served with the camp’s own wine app for a personalized experience.
Nightly rates at Mara Toto Tree Camp start from $1,606 (£1,297*) per person per night sharing. For more information and bookings, visit Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp.
Zimbabwe: Dining on the Zambezi River
Tembo Plains Camp: Dining with Toes in the Zambezi River
Great Plains’ Tembo Plains Camp in Zimbabwe offers an exquisite dining experience right on the banks of the Zambezi River. Guests can dine with their toes in the water while watching the sunset over this majestic river, which is deeply embedded in the cultural and historical fabric of Zimbabwe. The setting is serene and romantic, with candlelight illuminating the dinner table as you enjoy expertly crafted dishes created by the camp’s talented chefs.
For those seeking the ultimate romantic getaway, the Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains offers a private dining experience on the deck of the suite, with views of the Zambezi River as the backdrop. After dinner, guests can retire to the suite’s lounge or enjoy a sundowner by their private plunge pool, surrounded by the wilderness.
Nightly rates at Tembo Plains Camp start from $1,205 (£973*) per person per night sharing. For more information and bookings, visit Great Plains Tembo Plains Camp.
A Truly Romantic Experience in Africa
Great Plains’ Réserve-Collection camps offer more than just luxurious accommodations—they provide unforgettable destination dining experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Africa’s wild landscapes. Whether dining under the stars in Botswana, enjoying a treetop meal in Kenya, or indulging in a riverside feast in Zimbabwe, these romantic dining adventures promise to create memories that will last a lifetime.
For those seeking the ultimate romantic getaway, these Great Plains camps are the perfect destination. Combining adventure, luxury, and world-class cuisine, these extraordinary experiences in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe are a dream come true for every couple. Ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other? Visit Great Plains Conservation and begin your African adventure today.
Leave a Reply