You're not going to go hungry here in the Manyeleti!

There's one unspoken rule at Pungwe Safari Camp that we urge guests to follow... Come hungry! We might be a small, remote little camp in the middle of the Manyeleti wilderness but when it comes to food, we like to go large and spoil our guests with a wealth of tastebud-tantalising, homecooked dishes...

Our ethos of authenticity is extended to our little bush kitchen, where head chef Carol Sibuyi has free rein to create cullinary magic and a range of dishes that have become Pungwe staples and firm guest favourites, all loving prepared with fresh ingredients that are as locally sourced as possible.

It all begins as dawn breaks and you gather for coffee and rusks around the camp fire before heading off on your morning game drive, stopping en-route for a break when you'll dig into home-made muffins or cookies designed to get your tummy ready for the feast that awaits on your return to camp.

Breakfasts at Pungwe have become something of a local legend and kick off with fresh fruits, yoghurts and cereals, accompanied by cold meats and cheeses and preserves before baskets of hot toast and a stunning cooked breakfast are delivered to the table. There's piping hot tea and coffee on tap (thanks to our "always on" fire) and a range of fresh fruit juices to boot.

We then give you a break until afternoon tea, served before you embark on your second game drive of the day and designed to keep tummies from rumbling until dinner is served. This is when Carol puts together a spread featuring a celebrated savoury option and fabulous sweet accompaniment that pays homage to the high tea traditions of old. 

Chicken mayo wraps and freshly baked Lamington balls... Oven-warm pesto pies and home-made banana loaf... Chocolate fudge slices and biltong bruschetta... These are just some of the heart-warming, flavour packed favourites that have guests raving.

Of course, sundowners in the bush are always complemented by some nibbles because we know what hard work it is out there in the African wilderness looking for amazing wildlife and we don't want you to fade away before dinner is served under a canopy of twinkling stars! 

When you return from the evening part of your afternoon/evening game drive, the table has been set up next to the crackling fire. In the summer, rain may force us to move things under cover "inside" in the thatched dining area but the result is always the same, no matter the venue - a sumptuous three-course meal of fabulous, home-cooked food. 

Starters range from a home-made hearty soup and freshly baked rolls to a Caprese salad, all served at the table - just enough to get tastebuds tingling in anticipation for what comes next... The buffet table lit with oil lanterns is then filled with the main course which can be anything from a traditional braai (barbecue) prepared over the hot coals (steak, lamb chops, beef sausage called "boerwors", veggie skewers, etc) to a hearty stew or a roast with all the trimmings. 

Then comes dessert, with firm favourites like malva pudding (a traditional sponge pudding), poached pears, apple crumble and panacotta going down a treat. Wind everything up with a glass of our local liqueur - Amarula - made from the fruit of the marula tree.

Vegetarian or gluten intolerant? Don't worry. Chef Carol creates a range of options for all dietary requirements, so please let us know well ahead of time what your preferences and requirements are so that we can source and stock the ingredients we need to make sure you don't go hungry! 

We're more than happy to plan a menu to suit your needs, but remember - letting us know what you eat and don't eat is really important as we can't just pop out to get something last-minute! The nearest supermarket is a couple of hours away!