Barbeque in Africa

[UnderAfricanSky]

I have found a very nice compact barbeque which I am thinking of take with on a trip through Africa. Does anyone have any experience with taking one with and if so was it worth it?

If anyone is interested then one can find more information at www.cobbglobal.com.

The other thing that I am a little concerned about is being able to find charcoal. What is the availability of charcoal like?

[Runner]

I use one a lot in the desert because cooking over and open fire cant be beaten and gives you a bit more flexibility. In East Africa I used one quite a bit, or a Swahili Jika stove (little charcoal stove). Mind you, there isnt much you can do with a 'proper' BBQ that you cant do with a hole in the ground and maybe a sheet of steel or steel mesh. Do you really need the thing? And will it take the pounding of African roads?

Charcoal is funny stuff - some African states (eg Kenya, Tanzania) get stroppy if you take charcoal over the border as they have almost no hardwood forests left and they dont want you taking whats left away. Others (eg Egypt) have stacks and stacks of it for sale but havent realised they've no trees left. Worth being a bit circumspect with it at border posts.

[Runner]

*duh* just read your URL..... you mean a Cobb, dont you! They are brilliant kit - designed for the bush and for use with minimum fuel. If you can afford the space, take it!!! But beware - they dont like any old charcoal - they prefer the compressed kind, and you cant get that in most of Africa. They can use the ordinary stuff but they arent as economical. But yes they are brilliant! Mine lives in the Landy permanently.
There are loads of recipes for them online.

[UnderAfricanSky]

Thanks for the info.


I now just have to consider if I can fit it in.

[lorraine]

"Mind you, there isnt much you can do with a 'proper' BBQ that you cant do with a hole in the ground and maybe a sheet of steel or steel mesh."

I agree completely...unless you're in the tropics in the rain. And if that's the case, pick up a geeko (sp) or whatever the locals use. The kind of cooking equipment the women use (cause it's usually women), means the matching kind of fuel is close by.

Lorraine

[Runner]

Lorraine!!
We met in Maadi about 4 years ago - you prob wont remember - after the CAC Xmas fair

Sam (white Landrover)