Gordon_R

We've reserved a cottage in the Addo NP. Apparently it's equipped with a barbeque. We love barbeques and the idea of doing one in South Africa one evening sounds like a terrific plan (brings back fond memories of my overlanding trips many moons ago)! Can we buy a small amount of charcoal in local stores, or do they even sell those "instant barbeques" we have in the shops here in the UK? What about sausages, chops etc, can we get those in the local store in the Park?

africanj

You can get the local hard wood, that produces excellent coals, from the local store.
I would buy the meat from a butchery as the shops keep the meat in a frozen state. The butchery or a supermarket would even marinade the meat for you if you ask them kindly.

Celia

They do sell charcoal in all the shops in towns, but I think it only comes in the big bags. The shop in the park will have bags of wood, but probably not charcoal.

I second the advice to buy your food supplies in town before getting to the park, because the selection will be much better. There's a fridge in your cottage so everything will keep. All the tools you'll need will be provided there too.

One of my favorite things about being in the SA National Parks is having a braai in the evening, listening to the sounds of the African night. Ummmmm.

Celia

AK_gal

You are going to the barbecue (braai) capital of the world!
Even the smallest little shop will have the basic necessities for a barbecue. Most people prefer wood, but charcoal should be available at every gas station, corner store, grocery store or supermarket.

ArthurSA

To answer your question about "instant barbeques", yes they are sold here. I've never ever needed to buy one so I don't know how common they are, my guess is that the larger supermarkets or "hypermarkets" would stock them.

But if a braai is provided, then you have no need for "instant". And at best they're pretty primitive. All that it would be adding is the charcoal, and as the other posters have said you can buy that all over.

Gordon_R

That's great news, thanks for all your help. Years ago I remember a barbeque here in the UK where South African visitors had brought some handmade sausages that were a sort of round spiral shape. Are these typical of the region, do they have a special name? Any other easy-to-prepare local specialities we should try on our braai?

AK_gal

Yup, its called boerewors and no trip to South Africa would be complete without sampling it. Widely available everywhere since it is one of the traditional foods to braai, along with some really good Karoo lamb chops. You shouldn't have difficulty finding it at a local supermarket.