XTRA FACTOR BRANDS: Recipes That Feature At The Sanctuary Retreats Lodges

Gourmet safari

The Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of luxury boutique safari camps and lodges offer four additional properties this month.

In Tanzania a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Manyara, a new camp in Ngorongoro National Park and a mobile camp following the migration in the Serengeti will complete their Tanzania circuit. In Kenya, a new seasonal camp on the banks of the Mara River will offer a front row spot for the wildebeest migration.

Donovan van Staden

As Group Executive Chef for Sanctuary Retreats, Donovan van Staden divides his time between the different lodges based all across Africa. This allows him to combine his two great passions: food and wildlife photography.

Donovan started his food journey in the rolling hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands before moving to the Sabi Sands near the Kruger National Park, where he fell in love with the bush life. Seeking more of a challenge, he ventured further north to Zambia where he met and married his wife Suku and has since become father to two beautiful children. Donovan always keeps one foot in the kitchen and one finger on the shutter, and has had his photographic work published in several fine art and travel magazines.

Gourmet Safari is Donovan’s First Book

Donovan is responsible for training the chefs at Sanctuary Retreat Lodges.

The book is divided into chapters that cover the food served throughout a safari day, from the early-morning biscuits before you depart on the first game drive, to breakfast, lunch and dinner, with afternoon tea, sundowner snacks and canapés in between. All freshly prepared and quite delicious!

A few of my personal, quick and easy to make favourites:
- Eggs Benedict
- Green Pea Soup
- Traditional Scones
- Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese on Cucumber Rounds

The food photography in the publication is a feast for the eyes and the accompanying images of the lodges, their friendly and hospitable staff, the magnificent locations and wildlife will have you cooking up a storm to invoke the safari experience or will see you planning your next holiday to one of these remarkable establishments.

While the title of the book is ‘Gourmet Safari’ there are a few home style favourites and real treats. Donovan’s easy to follow recipes and beautifully presented food in such inspiring surroundings will have everyone asking for more from this fabulous chef cookery book!