4 Options for Gluten-Free Safari: First-hand from a Celiac
Going on a Safari in Africa is a bucket-list travel item for so many people—as it should be. It’s incredible. But as someone who has Celiac and has to eat gluten-free, it can be really intimidating. You’re heading into a new place, and there isn’t a lot of information about how to go on a gluten-free safari.
I’ve been Celiac for more than 10 years. I’ve discovered that one of my absolute favorite things is a safari. I’ve been on 4 trips in 3 different countries.
They’ve been a variety of styles, from a luxury stay to camping (okay, glamping). So you can find something that works for you.
I’ve paid my way for all my travel, and these safari experiences aren’t different. You’ve got my honest opinion about what I enjoyed and what felt safest.
Just remember, my celiac isn’t your celiac or gluten-free journey (or anyone else’s). Some of the things I’m comfortable with, you may not be, and you may have a different experience with the restaurants than I did. I hope you do because I had a great experience! But, you do you, no judgment and no pressure. I hope to shed some insight to make your planning easier.
Luxury – JW Marriot Masai Mara
My experience in Masai Mara was incredible, thanks to the JW Marriot property there.
How Did it Go as a Celiac?
The JW Marriot Masai Mara was one of the easiest places I’ve ever been as a Celiac. They truly went above and beyond. I had gluten-free snacks in the room, and they were clearly labeled.
The little jar of macarons had a gluten-free sticker, so I didn’t have to guess. I was blown away from the moment I got there.
The meals are all on-site since it’s an all-inclusive property. I’m always nervous when I give someone else control of my food. So, I still brought snacks. They were a security blanket that I didn’t end up needing.
The staff is very well trained and will go out of their way to help you have a good experience. I loved that they already knew about my diet needs from a pre-visit questionnaire they sent out.
Plus, the same people take care of you at each meal. It was nice that I only had to explain my diet once each time, and then they could let me know what was safe.
Plus, the chef will make something for you even if it’s not on the menu. For one meal, I ordered yogurt and fruit for lunch only because I was still so full from breakfast. The chef came out to make sure it wasn’t because I felt uncomfortable with the menu.
There aren’t many places where you feel taken care of as a Celiac. I truly felt like it was their pleasure to take care of me and make sure I was safely well-fed while I was there.
I’ll be their biggest fan forever because they made it easy to be there.
Why I Loved It
In addition to the ease of being gluten-free, there’s a lot to love about this property.
There’s too much for a post like this but here are all of the details if you want them.
I’ll give you the high-level, but here are all the details (and pictures).
Camera Loan
There is a Cannon Camera Library on the property as well as two award-winning photographers. They’ll loan you a camera for your stay so you can take photos. I love photography, so I knew I’d love it.
My husband was able to use their camera and capture some great shots without a photography background. We were both impressed by the camera and how easy it is to take great photos even if you aren’t experienced.
Plus, the photographers will help you edit some photos you took. They can help you make a good photo a great one.
Pro tip: Bring a big SD card with you so you can take all of your pictures home instead of a smaller subset.
The Guides Know the Mara
The guides at the JW Marriot are spectacular. The Masai Mara is a great place to see animals anyway. The guides at this property were some of the best I’ve had. I saw a momma cheetah and her cubs, all of the big five, and so much more. Even a nat geo moment that rocked my world.
You can’t go wrong with the guides here.
The Room is Spectacular
While you don’t need to spend a lot of time in the room, it is amazing. It is large and luxurious, complete with an outdoor shower. The turndown is so nice. I wish I could’ve spent more time in the room, but I wouldn’t have missed a game drive for it.
How Much is it?
This property is expensive—like very expensive. But if you can earn some Marriott points, it’s an incredible redemption! Otherwise, you’re looking at about $2,000+ a night.
Book through Marriot to try to get the 5th night free. It’s not even an affiliate link. I love them.
You’ll also need to purchase your park entry and your transportation from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. The property makes both of those things easy, though.
You can also use a third-party link to book if you’d like.
Adventure- Camping in Botswana
This was my first safari experience and remains one of my favorites. I spent 2 nights camping in Chobe National Park.
How Did it Go as a Celiac?
Before I even booked, the staff patiently answered my questions. I still packed snacks, but they helped me feel confident in the team there. I didn’t need my snacks.
The staff put your tents up for you and set everything up, and there’s a dedicated chef in the bush! I couldn’t believe it.
He was very knowledgeable and was so happy to take care of me.
We were buddies by the end of it.
He made sure I had homemade gluten-free bread, which was truly incredible.
Most of the meals were fully gluten-free so there was very little cross-contamination worry. Anything questionable was clearly labeled.
They even had gluten-free cookies for me so I could snack when everyone else had a snack break.
They thought of everything. I’d go back again and would 100% recommend them.
Why I Loved It
This experience felt so adventurous before I did it, but it was so fun. I loved sleeping in a tent in Chobe National Park. One night, I fell asleep to lions roaring nearby.
While it can be scary, it was incredible.
I was able to take a boat safari to start the trip. Being on the river gave me a different perspective. It’s the only time I’ve had this experience, and it was special.
This was my first safari, and it opened my eyes to how incredible it can be. Plus, our guide, Sam, was amazing.
Go with Sam if you can (I’m sure the other guides are great too). Sam is still my favorite guide I’ve ever had. I learned so much from the few days in Chobe.
There are no rhinos in Chobe, but I saw the rest of the Big 5. Plus, there were so many incredible birds and other animals. There’s so much more to a safari than the Big 5.
How Much is it?
This is the tour I took. I love them. If I can talk friends into going to Botswana, I’ll go with them again.
They now require four people to book, but if you have 2, I’d ask them about your options. They’re super friendly.
It works out to about $500 per person. There could be extra charges depending on your transportation. So, it’s quite reasonable.
This is a great trip to link with a visit to Zambia or Zimbabwe.
Adding Victoria Falls makes it a perfect week-long trip.
Self-Drive- South Africa Kruger National Park South
Kruger National Park is massive. Choosing to self-drive through the park requires quite a lot of planning. Planning is key to making sure you have a great experience.
I planned this trip twice. The pandemic made me cancel it the first time, but I’m glad I worked to plan it again.
How Did it Go as a Celiac?
It was fine. I would do it differently if I went back.
I made sure to get accommodations in the park that had kitchens. But, then, most of the meat in the park was frozen and/or in a marinade that I couldn’t confidently decipher.
Luckily, there were always restaurants at the rest camps, and the menus included a lot of meat and potatoes. I don’t usually eat that, but I can make it work if it means not getting sick.
It felt riskier than I would’ve liked. If I were doing it over, I would get a cooler and purchase groceries before entering the park. Then, cooking would’ve been much easier, and I’d have had to risk it less at restaurants.
I found yogurt, berries, eggs, and some snacks that worked well. But I wish I hadn’t relied on the meat in the park as my first option.
How Much is it?
This depends on where you stay and what kind of accommodation you get.
But it won’t be outrageous. The accommodations are affordable.
You have to book through the National Park page. It can be clunky, but it’s sufficient.
Be sure to check your dates carefully. Look over any ranger-led activities to ensure you meet the qualifications before you commit to where you’re staying.
Be sure to rent a car. I went with a sedan and wish I’d paid for a small SUV. Sitting up higher is a big advantage on a game drive. I picked up and dropped off my car at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Why I Loved It
It was really special trying to spot animals without a guide.
I had a guidebook with animals in the back and was able to mark off the ones I’d seen. I bought ours in the park when I arrived. There were copies in all of the camp shops.
I had sightings of elephants, buffalo, lions, and more. Mine was the only car there and that was a really special experience.
Planned for You- Kenya
This was a last-minute addition to a trip to the Marriot property. I went to 2 different national parks in Kenya: Amboseli and Tsavo West. You could easily do the same thing and add Masai Mara to it.
How Did it Go as a Celiac?
Make sure you tell them when you’re booking that you need to be able to eat gluten-free.
I went with this company, and they helped make sure I booked properties that could accommodate me.
It wasn’t as good as my other experiences since the tour operators booked the hotels, but it wasn’t all one company.
Most of the food was gluten-free, and the chefs would come out and walk me through what I could and couldn’t eat. There was a lot of hidden soy sauce at one camp, so I’m glad I asked!
I felt confident in my eating, and they took good care of me. However, I had to be more on top of things on my own than with my other experiences.
It was fine because I don’t usually mind asking lots of questions, but this may not be the best experience for you if you do.
How Much is it?
It depends on what kind of properties you stay at. There is a wide range of options depending on the company.
Unfortunately, you have to ask many questions when booking.
Amazing Memories helped the booking process to ensure the properties could work with me.
It meant I was at some of the nicer properties as a result. I don’t feel like they did a lot other than that, so it’s not something other companies couldn’t handle.
When I arrived, I was on my own. I was glad to have snacks so I didn’t feel pressure to eat if I wasn’t confident. But the properties they selected did a good job.
Why I Loved It
I could book last minute and have a fairly affordable addition to our trip. I loved seeing the different national parks and Kilimanjaro!
They provided a lot of flexibility with the schedule since they could create your itinerary based on what you want to see and do.
It was my least favorite as far as gluten-free friendliness.
But I didn’t get sick, so I guess it worked out okay. If you’re nervous, go with one of the other options above to learn what to expect. Or, ask a million questions!
Go For It- A Gluten-Free Safari is possible.
I’ll never regret taking the leap and going on my first gluten-free safari. It’s changed my travel goals, and my safaris are my favorite trips I’ve ever taken.
I’m already planning the next couple of safaris. I’m looking to head to Tanzania for the great migration in the Serengeti and to Ngorongoro Crater. I’d love to self-drive through Namibia as well. So… more to come.
I love to talk about safaris. Send your questions my way. I’d love to help you!
