Episode 4: Behind-the-Scenes

Part 1
Antelope Park – Dinner with Sheila
This episode is set in two very special spots, and two of my favourite Zimbabwean locations. One you’re already well acquainted with by now – it’s back home in the bush at Antelope Park, my parent’s small and very special wildlife conservancy in the middle of the country. This episode is a little bitter sweet for me in a few ways actually – it’s the last you’ll see of Antelope Park in this series, as after here we head North West to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone and the Zambezi River.

Also, not on camera, but here with the stills, you meet Jacob. He is the wonderful, kind, diligent carpenter who made our wooden cooking stations for the whole series. It’s really special to me that they were made at home, designed by Rob, myself, my parents, Jacob and Grant and Luisa from the production team. Jacob worked for days to get them just right, and they went everywhere with us for the next 7 weeks. Also, just a few days later, Jacob had an accident at his carpenter’s bench and lost 3 of his fingers, so he visited us on set with his hand all bandaged and nearly broke my heart. He was so brave though, and has recovered well and is still doing beautiful work.

In this episode I cook with lovely Sheila – she has been at Antelope Park for over 15 years, and we love her for so many reasons, and not just because she’s an unbelievable cook. Sheila smiles with her whole face and her whole heart, and is one of the warmest, kindest people you could hope to meet. It was so special for me to have her cook with me in this episode, we had such fun.

You should also know that Antelope Park is open to the public as an award-winning Safari Lodge (the second most visited tourist destination in Zimbabwe after the Victoria Falls), and you can experience the magic for yourself! Head over to the website for more information and booking enquiries.

Finally, enormous and sincere thanks must go to the amazing teams at Antelope Park and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for their overwhelming hospitality and for being so generously and endlessly accommodating. You made making beautiful TV so much easier, and I’m so thankful that our show does not have to miss the magic that you added.

Jacob, myself and Sheila

Bet you never thought I cooked barefoot!
It was super hot that day, and the lawns at Antelope Park were deliciously cool and soft.

Wilhelm, Anina, Louise (Exec Producer) and my Dad hanging out behind the cameras

Part 2
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been voted “Best Safari Lodge” in Zimbabwe for 18 consecutive years by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents and is listed on the Condé Nast Travellers Gold List. It’s a gem, and it’s a favourite of mine and Rob’s. Not just because of their delicious, delicious Warthog Steaks (which you’ll see me learn how to cook from their wonderful Chef Munya), but also because of its magnificent, endless views that almost swallow you whole.

I’ll never forget the gasps from the crew as we all walked out onto the balcony together for the first time. It’s breathtaking, and you feel utterly immersed in the beautiful African bush as you take in your surroundings. Below the deck of the lodge is a water hole, and the lodge has become famous as a much loved sundowner spot because it’s not uncommon for elephants, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and so many other kinds of wild animals to come down at sunset for a drink.

Also in this episode we visit the Victoria Falls and the adjacent rain forest. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World, it’s a jewel in Zimbabwe’s crown and the sheer magnificence of the thundering sheet of water takes your breath away. We explored for hours with the whole crew and it was such a special day.

Rob, Sophie and I at the edge of the Victoria Falls

Munya and I exploring the Safari Lodge kitchens

Rob hanging on to our Director Chris’ belt loops as he steadied his camera near the edge to get a feel for the depth of the gorge

All set and ready to go

Buffalo at the water hole

Behind-the-scenes discussions with our Director, Food Team and the VFSL chefs

Us!

Photo’s from ‘Sarah Graham’s Food Safari’ by Ricardo de Leça.