Nine Authentic Cultural Experiences in Africa

Whilst it may be the wildlife that draws travellers to Africa, the continent’s people provide equally compelling memories to enrich your adventure.

With camps situated in pristine and remote rural areas alongside neighbouring communities, Wilderness Safaris offers unforgettable wilderness experiences, with opportunities to absorb local culture in the villages and enjoy traditional cuisine when visiting places of interest.

Here are just a few of the cultural activities our guests can look forward to:

Locally Inspired Camp Design

Wilderness Safaris camps are designed to draw inspiration from the diverse cultures neighbouring our camps. Magashi’s design pays tribute to Rwandan culture through elements of the striking local Ankole cattle integrated into the interior design of the lodge. Slices of cow horn were used to create the amazing chandelier in the main area, and an Imigongo design (a specific art form typically painted onto a dung surface) was used for the cladding around the bar.

Bisate Lodge’s sophisticated architectural and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition, and was inspired by the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. The spherical, thatched structures also echo the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape. 

The interior design of the lodge is drawn from a variety of aspects of the Rwandan lifestyle, particularly the colourful textiles and use of texture. The emerald green colour in the textiles and chandeliers is reminiscent of the verdant greens of the rainforest, as well as the vibrant markets and villages throughout the country.

King’s Pool, located in Botswana’s Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, is another camp that has a strong cultural element in its design. Throughout the camp, the ancient Batswana craft of weaving is expressed in a number of architectural details such as the camp’s screen walls, vertical supports and balustrades. 

In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, the interior design at Linkwasha pays homage to the culture of the Ndebele people, with vibrant patterns incorporated into handmade embroidered cushions.  In line with our commitment to celebrating local culture, the walls are now painted in a fresh Ndebele pattern, similar to the homes in the nearby communities, which are often decorated in light pinks, yellows and browns.

Local Food Culture

Wilderness menus blend global trends with African-inspired cuisine. When it comes to meals, we strive to be mindful and create seasonal menus based on local fresh and indigenous produce for our ingredients. The cuisine at Bisate fuses local Rwandan flavours with contemporary international flair. The Dusabane dinner (“meeting and sharing”) is a highlight at Bisate. Over dinner, Rwandan culture is the central theme, and the hosts explain how to use traditional baskets, how traditional food is cooked and why food and drink are an important part of the Rwandan lifestyle.