Cooking with Kids: On Vacation in South Africa

Travel can expand kids' tastebud horizons.

Article By: Theresa DiMasi and Lisa Chernick

Why travel? Because it offers an amazing window into new cultures – their people, their land, their food…. On a family trip to South Africa, Crosby and GC go on safari at the Singita Kruger National Park where they track and see lions, elephants and giraffes.

At Singita’s Sweni Lodge they meet Chef Donna Patterson and learn about South African ingredients and dishes including Pumpkin Fritters, which Chef Patterson teaches them to make, as well as Boboti and Senegalese Peanut Stew.

About Singita and Chef Patterson

Singita Sweni Lodge is situated where two rivers meet, in a game-rich, 33,000-acre concession in Kruger National Park, in the northeastern part of South Africa. This remote wilderness area is known for its majestic Mountain Pride of lions and unique Euphorbia trees.

Donna Patterson joined Singita in 2006 as Demi Chef De Partie, and began running the Sweni kitchen in 2008. The South African Pumpkin Fritters she makes with Crosby and GC are delicious and versatile – a big hit as a snack, side dish, or even dessert.