From Fire to Fork
Dining under the African sky with Beagle Expeditions
At the heart of every Beagle Expeditions safari lies a culinary experience as unforgettable as the wildlife itself. In camp, the kitchen is far more than a place to prepare meals; it is a gathering point of creativity, craftsmanship, and deep respect for fresh, natural ingredients. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared over an open fire, capturing the spirit of the African bush while celebrating the vibrant, honest flavours of the region.
Menus are ever evolving, shaped by the seasons and guided entirely by what is freshest and most readily available in Maun. This philosophy ensures that every meal is both sustainable and deeply connected to place, showcasing the best local produce, herbs, and spices.
Leading this culinary journey is the exceptional chef Mwinga, whose mastery transforms simple ingredients into wholesome, beautifully balanced meals. Under his guidance, the concept of a “culinary safari” becomes a lived experience, one that caters effortlessly to vegetarian guests, special dietary requirements, and lovers of hearty bush cuisine alike, all served in generous portions and with uncompromising quality.
No safari experience would be complete without a perfectly crafted drink to accompany it. Beagle Expeditions’ beverage collection is carefully curated, blending premier brand spirits with rare finds from boutique distilleries around the world. Guests may find themselves sipping a classic cocktail at sunset, enjoying a refreshing drink after a day in the wild, or sharing a warming nightcap beside the fire beneath a canopy of stars.
Among these offerings is a particularly meaningful local gem: Okavango Gin. Distilled in small batches at the edge of the Okavango Delta, this award-winning gin is infused with locally foraged botanicals that echo the surrounding wilderness; subtle citrus notes, indigenous herbs, and a clean, refreshing finish. The distillery is run by Marleen Byron, wife of Simon Byron, of Beagle Expeditions, and reflects the same values at the heart of the safari experience: sustainability, community empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
A favourite both in camp and as a keepsake to take home, Okavango Gin is available at Maun and Kasane Airports, offering guests a lasting reminder of evenings spent beneath Africa’s vast, starlit skies. You can also visit the distillery with Wild Horizons on their Okavango Gin Distillery Experience.
Wine lovers are equally well catered for. Beagle Expeditions has partnered with some of South Africa’s finest vineyards in the Cape, selecting wines that embody the expedition’s ethos: sophisticated, sustainable, and indulgently satisfying. Handpicked for exceptional quality, these wines make their journey north to Maun in refrigerated trucks and are stored in a dedicated cold room to ensure peak condition. The result is a wine list that complements each meal seamlessly, elevating both dining and sundowners with understated elegance.
Dining on a Beagle Expeditions safari is far more than simply eating; it is a celebration of flavour, seasonality, and sense of place. From open-fire feasts beneath the stars to thoughtfully chosen wines and spirits, every element of the food and beverage experience is designed to enhance the journey. Here, in the heart of the bush, you don’t just witness Africa, you savour it.
Interested in tasting the spirit of the Delta yourself? Discover how to take the culinary journey a step further with a visit to the Okavango Gin Distillery in one of our next posts.
