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African Safari - Anyone Done That? Suggestions?

bhart

By bhart
in Traveling with Celiac Disease

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bhart Rookie
bhart
Posted

My husband was diagnosed with celiac disease last July, and we both have been very carefully gluten-free ever since--and he's feeling great. We haven't traveled since then, but we have scheduled a trip with a small tour group to Tasmania and Uganda. He's planning on living on the things we pack with us! I'm hoping that it can be better than that. Has anyone done an African safari? Any advice for us?

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Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted

I have never done an African Safari...or anything like it...not much help, I know. :(

I just wanted to say....I am sooooo jealous! :P

I would love to do something like this someday. I hope you guys have a great time and hopefully someone can give some advice on more food options.

Also...did you say that you are also doing gluten-free with him?? Awesome! Thats wonderful support and I'm glad he his feeling great now. :)

Good luck!

bhart Rookie
bhart
Posted
  • Author
I have never done an African Safari...or anything like it...not much help, I know. :(

I just wanted to say....I am sooooo jealous! :P

I would love to do something like this someday. I hope you guys have a great time and hopefully someone can give some advice on more food options.

Also...did you say that you are also doing gluten-free with him?? Awesome! Thats wonderful support and I'm glad he his feeling great now. :)

Good luck!

bhart Rookie
bhart
Posted
  • Author

Thanks, Rachel--we are very excited about our trip. My husband is determined that we are going to do the things we planned to do and not let the celiac rule our lives. He's just grateful to be feeling well again and is very adaptable about what he eats. A Lara bar works for him if there's nothing else around.

Yes, I am gluten-free as well, except perhaps when I'm out eating on my own. It makes things much simpler. And I need simple--who can keep track otherwise?

BTW this is the first time I've posted--been reading the board since July--so I'm not sure just how this works. Hopefully this is in the right place!

Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

I'm jealous too. That's so cool. Are there many gluten-containing foods in Africa? I'm really curious about that now. I think in some parts of Africa the main staple is a root, but I'm not sure.

Does the tour company provide meals? Gosh that's so cool. I want to go there :) I don't have any helpful advice - except stick to eating plants and animals I guess :). Come back and tell us about your trip and what you were able to eat :)

Oh - and welcome to the board :)

Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted
BTW this is the first time I've posted--been reading the board since July--so I'm not sure just how this works. Hopefully this is in the right place!

Welcome to the board....you are doing fine. I moved your topic to the gluten-free travel forum....it looks like you've got the hang of it though. :)

It sounds like your hubby has such a positive attitude about everything! Thats great that he is not letting this diet get in the way of having fun...and enjoying vacations...I'm sure you will both have a wonderful experience.

rbh Apprentice
rbh
Posted

Have you communicated with the tour company about food restrictions yet? Since your group is small, they might be able to make a lot of accomodations if there is sufficient warning. For example, maybe they can bring some extra pots/ pans that can be used just for your husband's meals, or can plan to have some gluten free options at different meals. Also, if there is a particular type of processed seasoning or product that they use a lot, you might want to know in advance so you can verify whether it is gluten free.

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Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

You're already getting good advice. Just wanted to say SOOOO Jealous!!

camera.ann Newbie
camera.ann
Posted
My husband was diagnosed with celiac disease last July... Has anyone done an African safari? Any advice for us?

I've been gluten-free for almost 7 years and just spent most of 2006 living in central Kenya. I've not spent time in Uganda or Tanzania (Tasmania is near Australia, an easy mistake) :) This is what I know based on my time in Kenya and may help you or others looking at booking safaris. Most of the traditional diet in East Africa is based on maize (white corn), potatoes & rice along with beans or lentils and wonderful fresh fruits & veggies, local milk and meat. Only their chapati (like Indian flat bread) is made of wheat flour. And many Kenyans eat white bread and jam with tea (chai) for breakfast and occasionally lunch. So I found being gluten-free pretty easy as long as I communicated with people ahead of time. In Nairobi there are also health food stores in most of the major shopping malls. These stores and also Nakumat (brand) retail megastores have gluten-free pasta and other offerings similar to the US but a more narrow selection and sometimes higher prices. The one short safari I went on unfortunately had limited gluten-free foods and served primarily wheat loaded pasta and bread or toast etc. I think they do this because it is a cheap food that pleases the taste of most American and European folks and they think we won't like their traditional dishes. I just asked for an alternative and after asking questions about what I could have they made me a hearty omelet w/ veggies and served it with some cut up fruit. I did certainly find it helpful to have some gluten-free energy bars to stick in my daypack in case while we were out I found that "lunch" really just meant bread and sodas...which happened only when I was with an all Kenyan group. I would suggest you contact your safari operator ahead of time and ask about their ability to accomodate special dietary needs. You will need to be specific with them about what he CAN have because they won't usually know and will feel intimidated by the diagnosis. But there should be no reason they can't take care of him and save you the struggle of carrying so much food in your luggage. Also make sure the airline you are flying knows of his needs. I know British Air is very good about providing gluten-free meals as long as you register for them ahead of time. Have a great trip and take lots of photos. :)

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