Episode 1
Antelope Park, Zimbabwe
It is to the haven of tranquility that is Antelope Park that Sarah and her family return after far too long. Before a quick lake-side brunch with her Mum and Dad, Sarah heads off to see the newest additions to the Lion Rehabilitation Centre.
Growing up, Sarah was often camping in various corners of the Reserve. 'Figtree' is one of her favourite spots, dominated by a particularly majestic wild fig tree. It's an obvious choice for the location for that evening's dinner.
Arriving on elephant back in the late afternoon, Sarah's guests experience a spectacular feast under starry skies.
Menu 1
Chocolatey Cinnamon Rolls
Pistachio and Coconut Granola Parfaits
Teacup Pancakes with Quick Nectarine Jam and Sticky Maple Bacon
Menu 2
Venison Skewers with Red Onion, Roasted Butternut, Whipped Feta
Roasted Corn and Chickpea Salad
Rosemary Roosterkoek
Spiced Peach and Plum Crumble Crumble
Episode 2
Antelope Park, Zimbabwe
After a sunrise lion walk, one of her favourite things to do in the world, Sarah whips up a scrumptious bush breakfast for her family before she heads out to meet with the conservation volunteer team and see for herself the progress made with the Lion Conservation Project.
After a catch up, it's time to get back to the cooking. There's a new group of volunteers arriving and it's tradition to welcome them with a hearty meal.
Menu 1
Pumpkin Fritters with Ginger & Honey Yoghurt
Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Seasonal Stone Fruit
'Smoorsnoek'
Grapefruit and Star Anise Lemonade
Menu 2
Ricotta Bruschetta with Balsamic Mushrooms
Freshly Caught Farm Fish, Lemon & Herb Butter
Strawberry and Avocado Salad with Baby Spinach, Bacon, Gorgonzola and Pecan Nuts
Banana Ice Cream with Cashew Nut Brittle with a Dark Chocolate Swirl
Episode 3
Imiri Rhino Conservation Sanctuary and Bushman's Rock - Zimbabwe
Having lived in Harare after graduating from University, Sarah still has many friends and family living there. A visit to nearby Imiri Wildlife Conservancy is first on the list with a visit to the Travis family (famous for their contribution to rhino conservation), and the next day, the family heads off to nearby Bushman's Rock, another beautiful wildlife sanctuary.
This gorgeous spot is home to Rob's sister, Justy, and her husband, Jono. As a real foodie, Justy is only too happy to join Sarah in the kitchen to prepare a laid-back picnic lunch for a group of favourite friends and family to be enjoyed under the trees.
Menu 1
Barley and Mushroom Risotto
Whiskey-glazed Gammon
Green Salad with Toasted Almonds
Mini Milk Tarts
Menu 2
Peppered Roasted Beef Fillet
Roasted Beetroot, Avocado, Feta and Lentil Salad
Espresso Pavlova with Sticky Plums
Sangria
Episode 4
Sheila's Camp Dinner and Victoria falls Safari Lodge
The family visit is drawing to a close but there is still one person to catch up with. Sarah heads off to meet Sheila, a Safari Camp Chef for over 20 years.
Sheila is famous for her beaming smile and amazingly happy disposition – she's also an amazing cook and Sarah loves learning about local ingredients and recipes from her. The two catch up and share cooking tips while preparing a traditional evening meal of chicken livers and aromatic goat stew.
Voted "Best Safari Lodge" in Zimbabwe for 17 consecutive years and listed on Condé Nast Travellers Gold List, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a place of legend.
Set high on a natural plateau on the outskirts of the town of Victoria Falls, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park & is only four kilometers from the thundering Victoria Falls, Southern Africa's most famous attraction.
The lodge's restaurant, Makuwakuwa, is famous for its warthog steaks (Sarah's favourite dish). Sarah learns the recipe from the head chef, and cooks a couple of other favourite recipes to enjoy at sunset.
Menu 1
Spicy Chicken Livers with Mushrooms
Slow Cooked Goat Stew with Beer and Bacon Dumplings
Sadza
Rooibos and Ginger Granita
Menu 2
Brie Baked in Phyllo Pastry with Sticky Figs
Warthog Steak with Marula Jam
Pear Tarte Tatin, White Chocolate and Rosemary Drizzle
Episode 5
Bush Break – Livingstone & Chundu, Zimbabwe
Moving upstream from The Victoria Falls, there are a few more stops to make. The first is in Livingstone to inspect the Lion Conservation Centre. Dinner is served at sunset on the banks of the river before everyone heads off for a good night's sleep.
The next day it's an early start for the group as they set off further up-river for the adventure of Chundu Island Safari Camp where Sarah cooks a meal for her family with the breathtaking Zambezi River as the backdrop, crocodiles and hippos included.
Menu 1
Whisky, Lime and Soda Popsicles with Mint
Peanut Sesame Chicken Rice Paper Rolls
Grilled Fish with Rainbow Salad and Asian Dressing
Coconut Pannacotta with Lemongrass & Ginger Syrup
Menu 2
Tikka Chicken Skewers
Fish Frikkadels with Pineapple Salsa
Banana Brûlées with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Zanzibari Tea
Episode 6
Johannesburg, South Africa
After enjoying so many memorable adventures in Zimbabwe, Sarah heads back to the colour and happy chaos of life in Joburg. For Sarah that means food! Her first stop is at the Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School in Maboneng where she joins owner and Head Chef Kelvin Joel to learn his signature dish.
And since no trip to Joburg is complete without a tour of Soweto, Sarah heads out to explore the area that was once home to Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as the iconic Soweto Cooling Towers.
Lunch is at a local shisa nyama restaurant with a variety of meat cooked over the coals, and a few other proudly South African dishes.
Menu 1
Crème Brulée
Crispy Gnocchi with Watercress Pesto
Chilled Mango and Watermelon Skewers with Mint Sugar
Menu 2
BBQ Chicken with Chakalaka
Roasted Butternut Salad
Amarula Malva Pudding Mugs, dark chocolate and orange sauce
Episode 7
The Cradle of Mankind, South Africa
Johannesburg isn't all big city and bright lights. Surrounded by vast areas of bush and farmlands, it's easy to escape the bustle of the city for the tranquility of nature. One such spot is the Cradle of Humankind, located just 35-minutes from the City.
Besides exploring some of the sights that make The Cradle world famous, Sarah heads to the acclaimed Roots and Le Sel restaurants where she prepares a meal for a group of archeologists, as well as multi-award winning Belgian-Burundian chef and author, Coco Reinarhz.
Menu 1
Peach & Gorgonzola Tartlets
Slow Roasted Pork Belly with White Wine, Apples and Red Onions
Creamy Cauliflower Mash
Chocolate Tray Bake with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting
Menu 2
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Tarragon, Mushrooms and White Beans
Sarah's Tuna Niçoise Salad
Mocha Pistachio Affogatos
Episode 8
Wide Open Spaces - The road to Cape Town
Inspired by her time with chef Coco Reinarhz, Sarah decides that the upcoming trip to Cape Town is the perfect opportunity to explore a few other local food producers. It's road trip time!
First stop – Prince Albert, and a visit to Sarah's epicurean adventurer friend Jeremy Freemantle. Jeremy owns an artisanal restaurant and tapas bar and is a proud connoisseur of local cuisine.
After cooking with and for her friends, Sarah heads South to explore a well-known Trout Farm in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley closer to Cape Town.
Menu 1
Spicy Baked Breakfast Eggs with Jeremy's Home Made Chorizo
Karoo Lamb Chops with Minty Gremolata and Polenta Chips
White Chocolate Tart with Fresh Berries
Menu 2
Whole Roasted Trout with Shaved Pear and Parmesan Salad
Ostrich Burgers with Gorgonzola and Sticky Red Onions
Lemon Sponge Puddings serve with Summer Berries
Episode 9
The Garden Route - The road to Cape Town
Sarah heads to the beautiful town of Knysna, surrounded by forests and nestled along the Knysna Lagoon its celebrated as one of the most picturesque and exotic towns along the Garden Route.
After a scenic boat ride on the lagoon Sarah ends a perfect day with a seafood-inspired dinner. The next day there's one last stop to make before arriving in Cape Town – Gondwana Game Reserve is home to the Big 5, and is just outside the town of Mossel Bay.
Here, Sarah is taken on a magical Safari before heading to the kitchen to cook some of her favourite South African food.
Menu 1
Peri Peri Prawn, Calamari and Chickpea Salad
Mussels with Bacon and White Wine
Rosé and Thyme Poached Pears with a White Chocolate Drizzle
Menu 2
Sweetcorn Pot Bread with Local Cheese
Rump Steak with Rosemary Butter
Toasted Barley, Spinach and Wild Mushroom Salad
Berry, Basil and Mint Sorbet
Episode 10
Back where it all began - Cape Town
Sarah's epic road trip comes to an end as she arrives in the Mother City where her food writing journey first began.
Sarah's initial stop is at Overture Restaurant in Stellenbosch where Chef Bertus Basson and Sarah source local and international ingredients before heading to the kitchen to create some culinary magic.
As Sarah's food safari journey draws to a close, it seems only fitting to prepare a feast for some of her favourite family and friends. Making a reappearance are some of the characters we first met in Sarah Graham Cooks Cape Town, and others we've yet to meet.
In true Sarah Graham style, the dinner celebrates unpretentious, delicious food and the joy that comes from sharing it with those you love, all with the twinkling lights of Cape Town as a backdrop.
Menu 1
Bertus's Maron Salad
Lamb and Lentil Bobotie
Vetkoek with Spiced Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Menu 2
Linguini with Pea and Mint Pesto, Chilli Calamari and Chorizo
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Salted Caramel Banoffee Pudding Pots