A cozy kitchen with wooden accents, a white tiled backsplash, and various items on the counter including a plant, decorative lamp, and glass jars filled with grains. Kitchenware is visible in the background with a stovetop and kitchen utensils.

Tastes of Maputaland

Discover the rich culinary heritage of the Maputaland region, a vibrant feature of our camp's experience. Our menu is a celebration of the region’s deep-rooted food culture, influenced by the abundant natural resources of this coastal, forested region.

The flavours of the region’s cuisine include staples like maize, wild date palm, and peanuts and the fresh bounty of the sea and lake system where we buy our fish catch. Our menu also reflects the rich farming heritage and their connection to the land, offering dishes enriched with garden-fresh vegetables and exotic fruits like marula. More than a meal, dining here is an immersive celebration of local traditions and the fusion of ancient flavours with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique and authentic, contemporary experience.

A chef in a kitchen wearing a hairnet and apron, standing at a countertop with bottles and glassware on shelves in the background.

ABOUT OUR CHEF

Big Skies Kitchen takes pride in the culinary expertise of Ntombifuthi Myeni, our esteemed head chef, a native of Maputaland who has dedicated her life to the culinary arts. Her journey into gastronomy began with sheer curiosity and fascination within her first job's kitchen, where her persistent inquiries into the chefs' techniques opened the door to her culinary education. It wasn't long before the head chef recognized her passion and allowed her to join the team, setting her on the path to becoming the skilled chef she is today. Ntombifuthi, who often quips that her first name is "chef," has a profound love for blending technical cooking methods with the time-honoured traditions of her homeland. Her approach has brought a unique and heartfelt touch to the dining experience at Big Skies Kitchen.

Hand holding a glass of lemonade with ice and lemon slices on patterned fabric.
Group of five people, three wearing aprons, standing in a dining area with set tables, indoors.
Breakfast table with two fried eggs, tomato, avocado toast, orange juice, and coffee.
Table set with a fruit platter, glass jars, juice pitcher, butter dish, and plates with napkins
A hand with red nails holding a metal stirrer with a crab design, stirring a cold drink with ice cubes in a glass.
Man operating a commercial espresso machine in a rustic setting
Bottles of liquor including Klipdrift, Bacardi, Jim Beam, and Southern Comfort, alongside a bag of Bean There Rwanda coffee beans on a shelf.
Close-up of a plate with two sandwiches filled with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, surrounded by carrot ribbons. In the background, a burger with fries, a jar, a carafe of water with cucumber slices, salt and pepper shakers, and a pink smoothie with
Burger with sesame seed bun, served with French fries on a blue plate, alongside a purple napkin and cutlery, with an orange drink in a glass.
Outdoor dining setup with sandwiches, drinks, and view of greenery and sea in the background.

Our lodges

Rustic open-air dining area with wooden ceiling, pendant lights, a long bar with stools, and a cozy table with a patterned tablecloth. The space features a mix of modern and natural elements, including a large potted plant, wicker baskets, and tiled walls.

Boutique

Rustic bedroom with canopy bed, white mosquito net, natural wood furniture, red geometric rug, wicker pendant lights, and wooden ceiling beams.
A decorated interior of a rustic lodge with wooden furniture, colorful cushions, and patterned rugs. The room features a wooden shelf with books, large windows, potted plants, and hanging pendant lights. The walls are made from natural materials, giving it an outdoor feel.

Family

Eco-friendly cabin interior with a bed, towel art, and view of nature through sliding glass door.
Outdoor seating area with wooden deck, pool, bean bags, thatched roof, and hanging lights at dusk.

Self-catered

Luxurious glamping tent with a bed, woven chairs, and a fan, overlooking a scenic outdoor view of trees and a patio with lounge chairs.