Andrew Zimmern Joins Ker & Downey Africa for an Immersive South African Safari
The journey between Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and Greater Kruger explores culture, conservation, wildlife — and food — with one of television's most celebrated storytellers. I mean, how incredible does that sound?
Luxury safari specialist Ker & Downey Africa has teamed up with chef, writer, and TV host Andrew Zimmern on a new hosted journey through South Africa scheduled for May 2027. Called The African Table, this 10-day itinerary moves between Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Greater Kruger — pairing private wine tastings, chef-led experiences, and coastal foraging excursions with luxury safari stays and Big Five game drives. I'm literally adding this to my bucket list right now.
Developed in collaboration with Zimmern and Heidi Ladell Collective, the trip is designed to explore South Africa through its food, landscapes, wildlife, and the amazing people behind them — because that's always where the real magic is, right?
Zimmern, best known for the long-running TV series Bizarre Foods, will host the departure himself. Over two decades, this Emmy Award-winning broadcaster has built an incredible career on the idea that food is one of the best entry points into truly understanding a destination and its culture. That philosophy sits right at the heart of The African Table — and honestly, it's a perspective I deeply relate to.
"This is not simply a food-focused itinerary," says Sarah Morris, General Manager of Private Clients at Ker & Downey Africa. "It is a journey through South Africa told through flavor, landscape, wildlife, and the people behind it all. Food becomes the thread connecting every part of the experience." And you guys, when she says every part, she means it.
The itinerary kicks off in Cape Town, then continues into the Cape Winelands with winery visits, meetings with local producers, and a whole series of private dining experiences. Along the way, you'll find chef-led encounters, coastal foraging experiences, and meals showcasing the incredibly diverse influences that have shaped South African cuisine. From there, the focus shifts beautifully from vineyards to wildlife.
Guests will continue to the Sabi Sand Reserve bordering Kruger National Park for luxury safari experiences that include Big Five game drives, magical bush dinners beneath the stars, and time in one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife regions. For Heidi Ladell, founder of Heidi Ladell Collective, the idea grew from a desire to shine a spotlight on African cuisine in a way that goes way beyond the occasional tasting menu or cooking demo. "Nothing exists that goes deep into the cuisine of Africa the way it deserves," Ladell says. "We built The African Table around that gap and around Andrew, who brings a dimension to this experience that no one else could." Chills, honestly.
Culinary travel keeps evolving beyond restaurant reservations and cooking classes, and honestly, travelers today are craving experiences that connect food with history, conservation, local communities, and a deeper sense of place. "Andrew has always approached food as a gateway into understanding people and place," Morris says. "That perspective mirrors how we believe Africa should be experienced. Not simply seen, but understood." Priced from $25,000 per person and limited to a small group of guests, The African Table will take place May 11–20, 2027. Start saving, because this one's going to be epic.
All photos courtesy of Ker & Downey Africa.
