What better way to spend your perfect holiday than by combining walking and sampling some of a country’s gastronomic delights. While walking South Africa you could be taken on a guided walk which will allow you to try out the authentic and distinctive tastes of South Africa and yet not even put on a pound in weight!

Why a gourmet guided walk?

You don’t have to be a ‘foodie’ to understand the appeal of a tour which allows you to sample a nation’s cuisine. How a country’s cuisine has developed and what the population eats speaks volumes about its culture, history and way of life; and what could be a more delicious way to soak it all up? The regional differences, too, tell much about the area’s own influences, and when walking South Africa’s stunning and diverse landscapes the local delights will give you a more complete picture of the places that you are visiting.

South African cuisine, yesterday and today

As is the case in so many countries, the influences on South African cuisine come from far and wide. From the nomadic tribes who lived well on meat and game (not to mention insects, caterpillars, worms and locusts!), to the natives who lived solely on the fruits of the sea, and the European settlers who brought their own influences from, amongst other places, Portugal, France, England, Germany and Holland; all have played their part in contributing to what is often referred to as South Africa’s ‘rainbow cuisine’, which expresses nicely its multicultural origins. ‘Cape Dutch’ is just one of the cooking styles for which the country is known and is distinguished by hot peppers and spices such as nutmeg and allspice. From Cape Malay origins comes pickled fish, spicy curries, a whole range of fish stews and bobotie, which is spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. Indian labourers brought curries to the shores of the country too, along with a variety of Indian sweets and chutneys. As in most countries these days, visitors can find a whole range of cuisines from around the world. But the beauty of the tailored way of walking South Africa is, of course, that you get to experience the truly traditional and authentic tastes of the country during your stay.

Walking it off

Of course, choosing what to eat is one thing, but choosing where to eat it is quite another. With over 470,000 square miles to choose from, not to mention over 1,500 miles of coastline alongside two oceans and everything from lush, green, almost tropical landscapes to vast areas of sparse, bare scrubland, you could find yourself spoilt for choice walking South Africa. Walking holidays, however, are undoubtedly the very best way to really get up close and personal with the flora and fauna, and again you will find plenty to see. Lions, white rhinos, giraffes, leopards and hippos are just some of the spectacular wildlife that the country has to offer. South Africa is also home to 10% of all the known species of plants in the world – more than 20,000 different varieties. If a guided walking holiday, combined with the culinary treat of a lifetime is for you, then South Africa is an experience certainly not to be missed!

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: walking South Africa