Elephants at the dinner table, monkeys stealing croissants and some seriously good food. We take a delicious journey through Dining With Elephants.
South Africa (07 August 2026) – There are cookbooks that tell you how to make dinner. And then there are cookbooks that tell you a story. Dining With Elephants belongs firmly in the second category.
Written by Françoise Malby-Anthony, this is a book born in the heart of South Africa’s wild country, where dinner can come with an unexpected guest, the swimming pool isn’t necessarily yours, and the line between a luxury lodge and the wilderness outside is wonderfully blurred.
There are cheetahs hunting near the front door, baboons making themselves at home in the swimming pool, bush babies appearing at the bar and elephants strolling past the dinner table. Somewhere along the way, even the croissants become fair game for the monkey mafia.
And somehow, in the middle of all this wildness, there is food. Really, really good French food!
I had the pleasure of cooking my way through Françoise’s newest book, which pays homage to her heritage and love of French food, and the wildlife that makes her life even richer. But nestled between the French delicacies are a few beloved and proudly South African recipes too. Like the Malva Pudding Rusks, which are as amazing as they sound; or a fillet of Impala drizzled in red wine and bacon sauce.
I have very rarely dabbled in French cooking, which is a surprise because it is a very long-lost part of my heritage and I do love being in the kitchen. So having access to these recipes has definitely changed my kitchen for the better.
Dining with Elephants isn’t French food transported to the bush; it feels like French cooking has fallen in love with Africa. It is world-renowned techniques paired with local ingredients.
It is Françoise Malby-Anthony herself, at the heart of every story and every recipe.
Her story is remarkable not simply because she left France for South Africa, but because of what she helped build here. Alongside her late husband, conservationist Lawrence Anthony, she helped create Thula Thula, a place where wildlife, hospitality and conservation could exist alongside one another.
Related Stories
SPAR Women’s Challenge Funds Turned Into GBV Prevention Programme
Street Lines 2026 Showcases the Best of South African SkateboardingAfter Lawrence’s passing, she continued that work, establishing organisations dedicated to conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and education.
Dining with Elephants is her third book, and it feels just as special.
Back of the Book
This book is a collection of stories – humorous, heartwarming and often humbling – of 27 years of living with the most majestic creatures.
A story of resilience, survival, and connection between humans and animals in the wilds of Africa.
These gentle giants have been my inspiration. They gave me the strength to face adversity, and the courage to overcome the toughest beginnings. They have given me the passion to fight for a better future for Thula Thula, for its animals, its land and its people.
Together, with my dedicated team, we built something greater than a game reserve. We built a family. And we did it the way the elephants do. With unity, empathy and loyalty for the greater good.
Elephant social behaviour has taught me that life should be all about caring, giving, helping and sharing.
And that, too, is what creating the best food is all about.
If you would like to learn more about this book, visit its website here. It is also available at all major literary retailers and online.
Interested in more proudly South African books? You can find more of our book reviews here.
by 
