Beyond the Game Drive: 5* dining at Klaserie Drift

From First Light to Firelight

The day kicks off with steaming mugs of coffee and fresh-baked rusks before the morning drive. Mid-safari, a stop in the bush brings out baskets of homemade cookies, indulgent muffins, and a local delicacy, biltong, in the afternoons - small treats that somehow taste even better out in the African wilderness.

Back at the lodge, you can choose a continental spread, a fully-cooked breakfast, or the daily ‘chef’s special’, served on the deck as you search for elephants and buffalo passing below. On special occasions, we might even go a step further with a bush breakfast – dining completely wild beneath an ancient jackalberry tree, just metres from the river.

As the day heats up, lunches are light and fresh - think colourful salads, wraps, or platters designed to tantalise your taste buds without weighing you down before the next adventure. However, it’s the evenings where the real magic happens.

Whether it's a starlit, three-course dinner beside a warming fire or a romantic table-for-two on your private veranda, the atmosphere is always special. Add flickering lanterns, a glass of award-winning South African wine and the distant call of a hyena, and you realise: this is no ordinary dining room.

Local and Flavourful

Behind the scenes, our chefs are always busy doing what they love. Using locally sourced ingredients (including fresh herbs and produce from our greenhouse), they weave their magic into mouth-watering, five-star creations. Fusing South African flavours with global favourites, our menu is a balance of delicate fine dining, a little indulgence, and always a touch of home.

And judging by what guests say, it seems to hit the mark:

“Every meal was SO delicious – we definitely gained a few pounds while staying there.”
“You could see how much thought went into every meal, with every bite you ate.”
“The food was out of this world… the chefs outdid themselves meal after meal. A gluttonous affair!”

Food for Everyone

Our food isn’t just for the ‘mainstream’, either.  We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy incredible meals, no matter their dietary needs – especially when on vacation. Whether you're gluten-free, plant-based, halal, or travelling with fussy little eaters, we’re ready for you.

We’ve even been awarded the Vegan Hospitality & Tourism Certification, which recognises our high standard of inclusive, thoughtful food and service.

As one guest shared:

“The food was incredible, including specially created options for my vegan wife.”

Making each moment unforgettable

While the leopards and lions might steal the show on game drive, it’s often around the table where stories are told, connections are made, and guests take a moment to soak it all in. The food at Klaserie Drift isn’t just a placeholder between safaris – it’s an integral part of your South African adventure. From the first coffee before sunrise to the last bite of dessert by the fire, we strive to make each moment unforgettable.