Spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres – which is about the same size as Israel, slightly smaller than Belgium and a third of Ireland – the Kruger National Park boasts culinary offerings that are as diverse as its international visitors.

As you adjust your binoculars in search of the Big, Small and Ugly Five, you have a number of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. They range from traditional African bush dishes and light Mediterranean salads for lunch to outstanding European-inspired dinners, complete with drink and dessert pairings. 

The Bridge House at Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge (Inside the park, close to Skukuza Rest Camp)

Contemporary meets traditional with delectable African dishes such as sultry smoked Machadodorp trout or venison bobotie croquettes for breakfast, crocodile and avocado wraps for lunch, and the crowd-pleasing beef fillet and oxtail ravioli for supper. For an extra sprinkling of exotic luxury, try the crocodile carpaccio or the chilli mango sorbet. The view of a luxury train suspended over the Sabie River makes every bite even more special.

Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria (White River)

You would not be blamed for having breakfast, lunch and dinner at Picasso’s, as the Mexican eatery caters for the strongest cravings, thanks to scrumptious fajitas, cheesy quesadillas, the crunchiest nachos and burritos that will have you heading straight to Mexico. The party extends to festive drinks such as Mexican Gold (craft beer with a dash of tequila), tequila reposado (rested, aged and flavoured tequila) and Mexican draught margaritas that are worth the commute from all parts of the globe.

 

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Orange Restaurant (Mbombela)

European sophistication and a dollop of Mediterranean flavours reel you in as you savour some of the finest culinary offerings close to the Kruger. Starters in the form of Spanish chicken livers with spicy chouriço bring the heat, while a fresh Greek pomegranate and avocado salad provides respite for what is to follow, as part of the mains. For those with a penchant for the stiffer side of food offerings, a Jack Daniels ribeye steak is the pièce de resistance, followed closely by the chateaubriand (300g grilled fillet flambéed with brandy) and the 300g venison topped with a shiraz jus.

Magnolia Restaurant (White River)

The story of the Lowveld’s sweet mangoes, creamy avocados and other tropical fruit is told in every bite at Mpumalanga’s first “green hotel”. Local and mostly organic ingredients are moulded into memorable breakfasts, easygoing lunches and dinners that will leave you feeling like sleep is a waste of time. The California Benedict (double poached eggs) is one of the best you will taste anywhere in the province, while the Parisienne rump or fillet has you dreaming about the French and their unmatched dishes. The three-hour slow-roast lamb shank stops time in your mouth, as your taste buds are treated like royalty. 

 

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Makalali Private Game Lodge (Hoedspruit)

Makalali Lodge treats dining as an opportunity for patrons to be immersed in local culture and heritage, oozing with Shangaan tradition that has been passed on for generations. Popular South African dishes, which include potijiekos, braai and pap, are elevated to sophisticated levels. One of the musts is the boma dinner under the stars, where the chefs collaborate with guides to tell you the history of the local food, as well as the significance of celestial beings in shaping the food eaten in the area. You might think it is superstition, but according to the “muchindas” (traditionally, a servant of the king, now transferred to guests), a full moon affects the taste of your crocodile curry, while the alignment of stars has a bearing on how much you will enjoy your roast chicken or grilled salmon.