em27

Hello,
We are heading to Tanzania on Sept 23 and for the first leg of our trip will be staying in Tarangire Treetops, and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Serena Lodges while on Safari. I have heard conflicting advice about whether or not it is safe to eat fresh vegetables and fruits in these lodges. Any advice from seasoned travelers?
Also, we are used to strong coffee in the am - this is not a problem when traveling in Europe but neither of us have been to Africa so are unprepared for what our mornings might be like - any feedback on the coffee in these Lodges? Hoping to avoid caffeine withdrawl!

Thanks so much.

serengeti

Hi,

We were at the wildlife lodges in Tanzania and had lots of fresh veggies and fruits. No issue at all. It was fresh and safe to eat.

You will get good coffe in Africa dont worry about it.I am sure you will pick up some to bring back. I need my AM coffee as well and did not have any issues.

waynehazle

I still sometimes forget whether they were Sopas or Serenas (same difference) but I gorged myself on anything from salad bars and fruit trays in the Serengeti and at the Crater. NO PROBLEMS

Me with meal at Serengeti
waynehazleDOTcom/eastafrica/serengeti/digital/100_1832.html

My Mom eating from the INCREDIBLE salad bar at Ngorongoro
waynehazleDOTcom/eastafrica/crater/film5/023_20.html

Great coffee, now worries.

em27

Thanks for your replies. I'm now looking forward to trying the coffee in Africa and not nervous about mornings with weak coffee.
Your experiences at the lodges seem good ones with respect to eating fruits and fresh veggies. Just have heard many warnings from travel docs and those I work with. Again have heard experiences like yours, so we will just have to weigh the info and make a decision about this. Thanks.

nevermind

We opted to play it safe and didn't eat fresh fruit (with the exception of the little bananas, which we could peel) or vegetables while on our recent safari. We were also very careful about water, even brushing our teeth with bottled water. No tummy problems.

Our thinking was that since we eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables at home, a couple of weeks without wasn't going to do us any damage. Better safe than sorry. That being said, it sounds like others have eated whatever they chose with no problems...

Whatever you decide -- have a WONDERFUL trip!

santharamhari

I look forward to my trips to Africa to indulge on all the fresh produce - fruits and vegetables/salads etc etc., without trying the fresh pineapple or absolutely crisp veggies....i think you'll miss out!

I hv been on 7 safaris and have never had one single stomach bug.....

Hari

ann_nyc

I'm confused by the fresh fruit and vegetable issues too.
All the 'official' voices say don't eat anything fresh unless you personally wash and peel it. But that is hugely limiting, because it would even restrict juice, etc.
When I went to Costa Rica, the tour outfitter said that we could safely eat from any of the restaurants they took us too, but only at our own risk if we went somewhere else. Sure enough, I was fine the entire trip until I chose a restaurant myself the last day.

So does it depend on the country, or on the hygene level at a particular lodge? I don't want to be stupid, but I also don't want to miss some of the enjoyable eating experiences.

In Turkey, I scupulously avoided anything fresh, and got sick as a dog anyway (while others in my group who ate whatever they wanted were fine).

atravelynn

Ann NYC,

Speaking only for reputable African safari accommodations in East and Southern Africa... Your problems with food will be there is too much and it is too good. I've eaten and drank everything (except meat and beer) at every establishment from big lodge buffets to small camp meals to lunch boxes. That includes fruit, salads, and fresh fruit smoothies.

I've had no problem and I very rarely encounter other guests with any stomach problems. Of all the reports you read hear, only very occasionally does someone have an upset stomach and that is for a short time.

No lodge/camp wants a bunch of sick guests or the bad rap that would get out. I think your health is far safer on safari in Africa than on a cruise ship. I always stock up on Pepto Bismal tablets and Imodium or similar.

Sorry about Turkey. Have fun in Africa in the bush and at the dinner table!