A feast for the senses - Wilderness Chitabe introduces new culinary menu

From the first light of day, Chitabe guests are encouraged to gather around a crackling fire, savouring the scent of fresh toast over the coals while indulging in a generous bush-style breakfast spread. For those eager to catch the early wildlife action, the lodge’s beloved "Monkey Run" breakfast basket offers a thoughtfully packed, gourmet start to the day – perfect for enjoying on the move.

At the heart of Wilderness Chitabe’s new culinary journey is a refined take on harvest table dining – a generous, relaxed approach that invites guests to help themselves from an abundant, thoughtfully curated spread. This style offers the freedom to tailor each plate to individual preferences, while subtly encouraging connection through shared, family-style meals. As plates are passed and stories exchanged beneath open skies, the experience evokes a return to the simple, meaningful pleasures of togetherness. Meals are typically enjoyed in private groups – be it couples, families, or close friends – often outdoors, or in carefully chosen locations around the lodge that elevate the sense of place and occasion.

Menus draw inspiration from local ingredients, regional flavours and traditional cooking methods, resulting in dishes that are as comforting as they are creative. “Some of our signature dishes include Botswana beef fillet with a wild mushroom sauce, paired with charred sweet-and-spicy local cabbage and a silky leek crème”, said Olesego Legae, Head Chef, Wilderness Chitabe. 

Chef Olesego, a proud Motswana, brings over a decade of culinary experience, infusing each dish with the rich flavours and traditions of his culture and heritage. Having trained in South Africa and worked in both luxury safari camps and traditional hospitality settings, he has honed a diverse skill set. In keeping with Wilderness’s light-footprint ethos, ingredients are carefully sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. Although on-site produce cannot be grown due to conservation regulations in the Okavango Delta, the camp remains committed to sustainability by prioritising regional sourcing and minimising environmental impact.

Evenings at Chitabe are nothing short of magical. As lanterns glow and fires crackle, guests dine under the stars – ending the day with indulgent treats like African-style doughnuts or Amarula ice cream, paired with a curated selection of fine South African wines to complete the experience in true safari style.

Long celebrated for its exceptional wildlife sightings and warm, welcoming atmosphere – thanks in large part to its tight-knit team, some of whom have called Chitabe home for over 20 years – the camp’s sense of familiarity now extends to its culinary offering. With this new approach, Wilderness Chitabe not only continues its legacy as a premier wildlife destination, but also emerges as a place where travellers can slow down, reconnect and savour an immersive food experience in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.