The Conservation Tourism Organisation Shares its Most Romantic Culinary Adventures across Relais & Châteaux Reserve-Level Camps
February 2025…// Great Plains, the iconic African eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to share the most romantic destination dining experiences across the company’s portfolio of camps in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
The Great Plains Réserve-Collection camps are proudly Relais & Châteaux, serving gourmet dining in the heart of the wilderness. From dining in the treetops accompanied by the sweet sounds of Kenyan birdsong and sunset sundowners on Botswana’s Selinda concession to breakfast in the bush by horseback in the Chyulu Hills and feasting toes-in-the-Zambezi in Zimbabwe, Great Plains offers guests the culinary adventure of a lifetime.
BOTSWANA
On-Deck Dining by Candlelight & Floating Sundowners on the Barge at Great Plains’ Zarafa Camp, Botswana
Great Plains’ Zarafa Camp, Botswana, offers the quintessential romantic tented safari experience for couples in search of a stay to remember. Here, couples can enjoy private dining on their very own illuminated deck, reminiscing on the day’s adventures as they watch the sun set just like the explorers of yesteryear, with only the sounds of the local wildlife for company.
For a true ‘bucket list in the bush’ experience, the Zarafa Camp team can also arrange for an intimate and unforgettable dinner overlooking the wilderness by candlelight, accompanied by the finest wines from across the world and serenaded by the beautiful sounds of the Zarafa choir.
The phenomenon of the Zibadianja Lagoon in the Selinda Concession is an experience like no other and the private sunset cruise from Zarafa camp, which provides a floating bar and dining experience, is the most indulgent way to enjoy it. Couples will take to the waters of the lagoon as they drift on a floating bar fully equipped with everything needed for a romantic sundowner. Here, lovers can watch the sky change colour by the second as the birds fly home overhead, while they enjoy a selection of gourmet dishes and wine pairings.
Sitatunga Private Island Camp is Great Plains’ most authentic Robinson Crusoe experience and a refuge for the soul in the Okavango Delta. Following a day spent out on the water, couples can experience the camp’s best kept secret – the Sitatunga sunset – as they kick back with a sundowner by the lagoon.
Guests are welcomed home from their daily activities in the bush to a bubble bath and private dining setup from the comfort of their suite, where they can expect mouth-watering culinary dishes, expert pairings of wine and some extra special touches from the team. The feeling of being connected and present, the ‘us against the world’ moment comes true with this private dining experience at Sitatunga Private Island.
Providing explorers with the opportunity to explore the Delta’s permanent channels by canoe, stretch their legs on guided morning walks or take part in fishing or photographic safaris, Sitatunga Private Island is one of the few locations in the world to spot the rare aquatic antelope – Sitatunga – from camp and by boat. For the ultimate hideaway experience, couples can check into the two-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite. Built on a raised, wrap-around railway sleeper private deck complete with plunge pool, the Suite can accommodate up to four adults (or two adults and up to three children).
Sitatunga Private Island’s unique water-based setting allows for guests to immerse themselves in learning, and experiencing, a deeper appreciation of Botswana’s famous waterways. Aquatically adapted wildlife can be viewed with a new perspective by motorised boat on the lagoons and river, or on a poled mokoro (dug-out canoe) in smaller waterways when water levels allow. There is also the opportunity to experience expertly guided walks.
Breakfast in the Bush by Horseback, Sundowners in the Chyulu Hills and More at Great Plains’ ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya
Serenely located in the Chyulu Hills, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, privacy is guaranteed at ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya. Home to an impressive stable of 20 horses, the lodge offers the unique opportunity to swap the rumble of the engine for the sound of hooves on the grassy plains. The most exhilarating way to start the day at ol Donyo is with a breakfast in the bush by horseback!
Here, guests will ride through the bush – spotting giraffe and cheetah as they go – before arriving to a delicious breakfast set up for two, accompanied by birdsong, under the shade of an acacia tree. This breakfast may be far from camp but the team don’t leave anything behind, with freshly baked goods, hot breakfast and fresh fruit-a-plenty making for a morning to remember.
Bucket-list sun-downer opportunities abound at ol Donyo, where the team can set up a romantic picnic in the Chyulu Hills, mixing up couples’ favourite drinks as they gaze out over the endless plains at sunset.
Come nightfall, a new fire deck under the stars off the main area allows for that stargazing evening moment, outside dining and the warmth of sharing your day with your loved one. The new sunken hide is now double the size, allowing guests to remain in there all day and providing a spacious and comfortable place to relax and photograph the steady parade of wildlife with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
A new addition for ol Donyo Lodge is the camp’s own helicopter, which is available for guests to enjoy on scenic flights through the incredible Chyulu Hills, Kilimanjaro and Amboseli area. The new Bell 505 helicopter is available for scenic flights with stunning views and air transfers to Nairobi.
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp
Great Plains takes destination dining to new heights with the recent launch of Mara Toto Tree Camp, Kenya, which celebrated its grand opening in July 2024. Guests of the camp, which sits high in the treetops in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, can enjoy all of their meals with jaw-dropping bird’s eye views, accompanied with the sounds of Kenyan birdsong.
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp
A true gastronomic destination in its own right, this new property serves up world-class cuisine to tantalize every palette. The culinary adventures continue on the road, with safari drive bites including no-bake healthy granola bars, dates and ginger energy balls, sushi nori rolls, caramelized popcorn and more. Back at camp, stand out dishes include the one0pot chicken chilindron with Mediterranean quinoa and lemon vinaigree – best served in-suite along with Great Plains’ very own wine app!
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp
This new Réserve-Collection Masai Mara Safari Camp offers spectacular views of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and overlooks the Ntiaktiak River. Constructed from canvas and wood, set on elevated decks into the tree canopy, and boasting spacious living areas, it exudes an aura of exploration in its style. Each suite offers guests a luxurious bath, indoor shower, writing desk, and lounge, creating a sense that one could easily settle in and stay for days.
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp
Right from the camp itself, leopards are often seen, and lions are heard. Explore the Maasai Mara safari ecosystem of Kenya in open safari vehicles with professional wildlife guides. With access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the more private 70,000-acre (28,000-hectare) Mara North Conservancy, there is sure to be plenty of wildlife action every corner.
ZIMBABWE
Dining with Toes in the Zambezi at Great Plains’ Tembo Plains Camp, Zimbabwe
Enjoying a majestic setting on the banks of Zimbabwe’s Zambezi river, Great Plains’ Tembo Plains Camp provides the ultimate romantic wilderness experience. Guests of this Réserve-Collection camp can now extend their bush adventure with a waterside dinner overlooking the Zambezi, whose power is culturally embedded in the country’s history. As guests dine with their toes in the river, they will be mesmerised by the peacefully flowing water while an expert team of chefs will create a mouth-watering array of dishes for them to enjoy by candlelight.
For a truly indulgent stay to remember, couples can check in to the beautiful 2-bedroomed Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains, which comprises two rooms flanking a shared lounge, dining area and pool. Here, a truly intimate dining experience in complete privacy awaits, with the option to dine on the deck of their private suite as they gaze out at the sunset over the Zambezi.
Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River, in the private 280,000-acre (128,000-
Great Plains Foundation conserves and expands natural habitats in Africa through innovative conservation initiatives with a long-term commitment to the environment, wildlife and local communities. The charity builds on its conservation-tourism parent company Great Plains’ success to identify and implement programs that address the nexus between people, land, and wildlife. Through these three critical elements, Great Plains Foundation’s initiatives and partnerships have a lasting impact on Africa’s iconic wildlife and wildernesses.
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