6 Vegan-Friendly African Safaris to Add to Your Bucket List
Hearing the distant roar of a lion or the nocturnal rustling of elephants enjoying a nighttime snack is an unforgettable experience on many people’s bucket lists. However, while witnessing nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring, many African safaris aren’t very vegan-friendly.
From meat-centric menus to ethical dilemmas, it’s understandable to feel hesitant about booking that expensive plane ticket and traveling halfway around the world. Fortunately, there are exceptional camps and safari experiences that protect their threatened inhabitants, support local communities, and ensure their vegan guests are well-fed. If you’re seeking an unforgettable vegan-friendly safari in Africa, look no further than these remarkable camps.
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Why Take My African Safari Advice?
I get it; there are a lot of articles floating around on the internet with the best this and that, but how do you know that they know what they’re talking about? You can rest assured that I’m not giving you some random advice because I spent 10 minutes on Google, and these look like good options. In addition to writing helpful articles, I am also a travel advisor who focuses on vegan-friendly and sustainable travel experiences. I’ve talked with all the camps on this list, and these are some of my go-to spots to send private clients, including vegan honeymooners. I’ve also spent time in some of these locations, so I have plenty of insider knowledge. That also means that if you don’t want to plan this adventure, you can reach out to me, and I’ll do it all for you.
Vegan-Friendly Safari Camp in Kenya
Emboo River Camp
Masai Mara, Kenya
Nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara, along the Talek River, this certified B Corp. is on a mission to encourage guests to really connect with and understand the “magic” of this region. Here, eco and sustainability aren’t buzzwords—the team behind Emboo is excited to show you how they’re protecting the environment and empowering the local communities.
This innovative camp is entirely solar-powered, utilizes electric safari vehicles, bans single-use products, and implements cutting-edge water recycling systems. The culinary offerings are a vegan delight, featuring farm-to-table dishes crafted from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Many of the ingredients are also produced right on-site from their hydroponic garden. They actively limit the number of animal-based products on their menu as the production of the products has a significant environmental footprint. You can view their latest vision report here, highlighting their sustainability efforts.
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Vegan-Friendly Safari Camp in Zimbabwe
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
A stay here doesn’t just include unforgettable game drives, but it’s also a short drive to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls. The family-run luxury lodge features stunning suites and villas that reflect the beautiful natural area and feature custom designs and art from local artisans — when you walk in, prepare to be wowed.
Dining is also part of your unforgettable experience—the talented chefs prepare seasonal menus that change daily. They shared just a few options with me, and I don’t know about you, but I’d love to try butternut arancini, house-made gnocchi, and pannacotta with sorbet—of course, all vegan!
The team at Matetsi is also dedicated to protecting the beautiful place it calls home. Previously devastated by poaching and illegal hunting, the reserve has undergone six years of intensive conservation work. This work includes rehabilitating the land, protecting wildlife, and creating a suitable habitat for Africa’s iconic species. Efforts began with establishing a clear-roads network essential for anti-poaching and game viewing and introducing 16 solar-powered boreholes to provide water for diverse wildlife.
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Vegan-Friendly Safari Camps in South Africa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Cederberg Mountains, South Africa
Getting to this gorgeous, 5-star camp is just as much a part of the adventure as the safari! The three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town features stunning landscapes that set the tone for your stay at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. After the drive, you’ll no doubt be hungry, and you’re in for a treat. The chefs here pride themselves on seasonal creations that change daily. They feature vegan lunch and dinner menus with delicious dishes like exotic mushroom salad or tempura aubergine and chips with vegan tartar sauce.
The award-winning reserve and wellness retreat is a haven for wildlife and guests, providing an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its pristine landscapes, Bushman’s Kloof is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Cape Mountain zebra and the Clanwilliam cedar tree. The reserve also boasts ancient rock art sites dating back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Make sure you plan for at least a couple of days in Cape Town, there are many vegan restaurants to check out!
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Kings Camp
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Tucked into the greater Kruger National Park on the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the camp is the first in Africa to receive the international Vegan Hospitality certification for its stellar options. The team was a pioneer when it came to promoting and encouraging plant-based options in the South African bush. The culinary team created a unique lineup of options that delights vegans and non-vegans for every part of the day — you won’t have to miss out on enjoying Droëwors (a traditional South African snack) or a glass of wine because it isn’t vegan!
In addition to the food and traditional game drives, you also have the opportunity to take part in anti-poaching walks, wildlife rehabilitation tours, rhino chipping, and much more. Also, check out the documentary Rhino Man, which is filmed in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
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Vegan-Friendly Safari Camps in Tanzania
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
Since the opening of its first property in the early 1990s, the Singita brand has been committed to protecting the environment for future generations. Together with the non-profit Grumeti Fund, they’ve worked to protect over 350,000 acres in the Serengeti from uncontrolled illegal hunting, rampant wildfires, and spreading strands of invasive alien vegetation. In addition to the partnership, the camp prioritizes eco-friendly practices such as using solar power, reducing waste, and sourcing sustainable materials.
Given its environmental focus, it’s no surprise that approximately 50-60% of its lunch menus and 35% of its dinner menus are plant-based. Their team shared with me that their food journey has evolved over the last few years and is headed in a much more intentional plant-based direction. Much of the ingredients are also organic and sourced locally.
You’ll also find Singita lodges and camps in South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
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Nimali Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
What started as a passion for restoring farmland in Tarangire National Park became an eco-friendly safari business focused on conservation and empowering the local community. Everything is intentional here as they realize their impact can be beneficial or detrimental. The camp is run entirely on solar energy, single-use plastics are banned, and they’ve created a unique waste removal and recycling program.
When it comes to food, prepared to be spoiled. The team shared an incredible lineup of menu options that featured something new and creative for every meal. You could start the day with spicy bean breakfast tacos, come back for house-made sweet potato and butter bean burgers, and then, for dinner, enjoy a flavorful curry with a slice of decadent chocolate cake.
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