Eating in ports

[hmatt]

As much as we have cruised, we haven't ate much in the ports we have visited. Maybe if a lunch is included but mostly we would rather walk around the area, we always bring snack crackers,water, energy bars,etc. to get to my question, we are going to Africa and have several tours that we will eat on, a three day safari for one and extra long days so we are going to eat. A lot of my problem is like in Asia I have no idea what I'm eating there except for stir frys, chicken broccoli,  just wondering is anyone else like me? I am at the age now that I am afraid it will hurt my stomach, I have to say I like a clean place like I'm sure everyone else does. I'm not picky I swear,  just a southern girl that has been lucky to travel more than I ever imagined. Just would like to hear from anyone if they are like us, guess I'll just pull up my big girl pants and plow through.

thanks

Debbie

[martincath]

Short of finding someone who has visited the exact same ports and taken the exact same safari to the same lodges, I don't think anyone can reassure you from direct experience how clean, safe, tasty, and varied the food will be Debbie. I don't imagine that any safari lodge will operate under anything less than reasonably-clean-and-safe by Western standards food - tourists are their bread and butter after all, so making them sick doesn't help in any way with reviews or future business let alone law suits brought on by litigious Americans who get food poisoning 😉

 

So really the basics apply: stick to bottled or filtered water, avoid salads and other things that might have been washed in local water then not cooked, and if you're particularly sensitive even fruit unless it can be peeled like a banana or orange. Otherwise eat whatever seems the most popular when it comes to street food, as long as it's hot. And I'd suggest sampling all the meats you are offered before asking what they are - that way you can decide if antelope etc. are actually tasty without any emotional hangups about eating something cute!!! I doubt you're going off-piste enough to be concerned about BushMeat being offered...

[hmatt]

Thanks for your reply, we do use our common sense about it, born in the country my daddy hunted and my mom could really could cook everything he brought in.  Been a long time ago, looking forward to our adventure, I am positive we will not go 😋 

 

[clo]

Hi. Let me preface this by saying that we generally have 'iron constitutions.' Eating the local food, drinking tap water, etc. But about ten years ago we did an escorted tour to Kenya and Tanzania. Stayed in very nice places and ate their food and drank only bottled water. But we both had low grade diarrhea while there. Not enough - for us - to take meds but noticeable, again for us. It's never happened since. I don't give medical advice online but would suggest you mention this to a travel medicine clinic which you'll likely be seeing anyway for one or two vaccinations plus anti-malarial prophylaxis. BTW the mild discomfort was totally worth it. A magical trip. Have a great time.

[hmatt]

Thank you, Clo! Planning to have a blast.