SavannaBel - Bush Gourmet

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SavannaBel - Bush Gourmet

A writer. A regenerative organic gardener. A chef. A forager. Living on a farm in the Zambezi Valley in Zambia. Owner, SavannaBel - Bush Gourmet.

Annabel Hughes Aston is an award-winning chef, organic gardener, forager and writer, who lives with her husband on a farm in the Zambezi Valley, upstream from Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. She is the creator of "bush gourmet" cuisine, developed while experimenting with, and fusing, wild edibles and indigenous Zambian ingredients with fresh local produce, mostly grown in her organic vegetable garden. Annabel is a professional writer and a qualified chef. She also became a Virginia Master Naturalist while living in the United States. These qualifications led her to create the "bush gourmet" cuisine for which she won two awards after introducing it at The Elephant Café in Livingstone, including the Luxury Travel Guide Awards’ Boutique Restaurant of the Year for 2017 (Africa & Middle East) and Zambia’s Best New Restaurant in 2016. All material copyrighted to © Annabel Hughes Aston and SavannaBel, 2014-2023.

02/09/2026

One of my heroes died on Monday. Wendell Berry was a farmer, poet, novelist and all-time sage. 🧡 During some of my toughest times, especially living in America, his words provided succour and inspiration. 🙏
This morning, while walking the dogs through the Kalahari woodlands, where the trees are in their transitional glory; where the birds are rejoicing at the start of our summer, he and his wise words came to mind again:
‘… And so I go to the woods. As I go in under the trees, dependably, almost at once, and by nothing I do, things fall into place. I enter an order that does not exist outside, in the human spaces…I am less important than I thought. I rejoice in that.’
Thank you, Wendell Berry. Vale. ✨

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31/08/2026

It was TEN years ago we opened The Elephant Cafe! 🐘 These gorgeous pics were taken by photographer, Anthony Grote Photography, in celebration of our bush gourmet cuisine, which shortly after won both national and international awards. ✨ The chefs in the last pic are still at the cafe creating beautiful meals, and even ten years later it is rated Zambia’s top food experience on Trip Advisor. 🙏

14/08/2026

This month marks five years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s a time frame that allows you to breathe out … a before-and-after moment in one’s life that lands a bit like an exclamation mark.
As I read recently, ‘Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.’ This is my mantra, both metaphorically and literally.
These past five years I have slowly segued away from the high-stress intensity of the kitchen into becoming a writer. My first book, a memoir, bought by a leading South African publishing house, will be launching early next year. I have finally fulfilled the dream of my five-year old self at the ripe old age of sixty-one-and-three-quarters! 🙏

10/08/2026

Over the weekend Miklos turned one! 🥳 He is named after Miki the Human, a lifelong friend who as a young adult was quite unruly and exuberant, but always so kind, so decent and SO much fun. 😁 Miki the Vizsla is following in his namesake’s footsteps — a little wilder, perhaps, and definitely a better dancer, but a supremely loyal, funny and loving friend to Chris and me. I took this pic on our early morning walk today. What an ‘ansum divil! 🧡

07/08/2026

In all my living days I have never seen watercress grow like this. Truly. 💚 To think that it’s growing in moving water only … and yet is regarded as ‘a nutrient powerhouse’ because of its dense profile of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Watercress provides massive amounts of vitamins K, C, and A and is celebrated for supporting immune health, strengthening bones, protecting eye and heart function, and lowering chronic disease risks. It also happens to be delicious. BRING IT ON! 💪😁

04/08/2026

Meet John Samwaka, the youngest member of our SavannaBel team! 😍 John arrives every morning with his mum, Catherine, to help process the pecan nuts in our kitchen. 🙏

13/07/2026

Mid-winter in the upper Zambezi Valley. 🧡 It’s a golden time of year … in the bush, on the farm, and in my garden. ✨

08/07/2026

A Mexican-style organic tomatillo salsa with charred jalapeño chillis and garlic is one of SavannaBel’s most popular products. 💚 Finished with fresh coriander, its smoky, zesty acidity pairs perfectly with grilled meats and rich cheesy dishes. 😋

Address

Telephone

+260962079975

Website

http://www.annabelhughesaston.com/

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