Boma…

There are certain things that make one feel at home. I think I speak for all South Africans when I say that a Braai is that one thing that makes us feel instantly patriotic. A Braai is what we call a Barbeque at home. Traditionally a Saturday will be a Braai day. And there are a couple of factors that one needs to take in consideration when setting up for a braai.

It is so much more than just lighting a fire and grilling some meat. At Vuyani Safari Lodge we have our Braai evenings in the Boma. The definition for boma is: an enclosure, especially for animals. This is true as many years ago the local people used to create a circular area with thickets of thorn and other plant materials. This homemade enclosure used to keep predators at bay; livestock were kept such as cattle and goats. We have taken a similar idea and modified it. We still use the circular structure today, but now it serves as an outdoor dining area. Where else would one want to dine if one can dine under the magnificent blanket of stars in Africa?

In the boma we set up a beautiful bonfire some kerosene lamps and candles. We use only natural light as this still enables you to see the starry night. We serve traditional dishes; these will unsurprisingly include more than one starch and more than one choice of meat also. Usually when one has a Braai at home it should include the following: (if it doesn’t, your motives need to be questioned)

Typically there will be Pap and Sheba, Braaibroodjies, Boerewors, Steak and/or Chops, Potato Bake or Potato Salad, Green or Carrot Salad, Garlic Bread and Corn on the cob. I realize that most guests who have been to Vuyani Safari Lodge have had a Braai in the Boma. If you are still to visit the lodge I will give a brief overview of what these dishes consist of.

Pap and Sheba – Pap is ground up maize that is cooked like a porridge it has a similar texture to Polenta and can be eaten with basically anything. Pap is the staple food of most Africans. It has an incredibly bland taste and is thus normally served with Sheba. Sheba is gravy that is made from Tomato and Onion.

Braaibroodjies – This is probably my most favourite South African food. It is basically a toasted Cheese, Onion and Tomato sandwich but we add a little secret ingredient, then this sandwich is grilled over some coals to give it that wood fired taste. There is honestly nothing like it in this world!

Boerewors – This is a very popular meat and can be seen all over the country on any menu. It is beef sausage that has been spiced with mainly dried coriander and other herbs and spices. This sausage is cooked also over the coals and is present at EVERY braai. A lot of people will also use this sausage to make a hotdog and use the Sheba instead of ketchup. Delicious!

If you have visited the lodge you will now exactly understand what I am talking about and you might think back to your own Braai in the Boma. If you are still to visit us at the lodge you surely will be in for a treat!