Charley Swynnerton is an artist, chef, and hospitality professional with a life and career deeply intertwined with the beauty and diversity of Africa. Born in Botswana and raised in Tanzania, she carries a family legacy rooted in hospitality and a deep connection to the African landscape. Her journey took her from luxury yachting in the Caribbean to managing Acacia Grove in Tanzania, training chefs across Africa, and creating art inspired by the continent. Proceeds from the art sales raise funds for causes in Africa close to her heart. Here we provide a glimpse into Charley’s inspiring African lifestyle.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
A typical day for me truly depends on where I am. When I’m on location in a remote safari camp or lodge, I am up at first light, heading to the kitchen to train chefs on new recipes and menus that celebrate local flavours while also providing international guests what they want. On occasion there are incredible wildlife sightings right outside the kitchen door – once I was up in Bwindi Forest in Uganda and a whole family of gorillas came and sat outside our kitchen. Moments like this are why I love Africa.
Other days, I’m home at Acacia Grove, starting my morning with a coffee on the porch watching the birds and Dik-Dik antelope on the lawn before taking a walk around the property. I pop into the Lounge Bar to ensure the team has everything they need for the next guest arrival and do spot checks around the accommodations to make sure every detail is perfect.
If I am out on a yacht charter, I’m usually the first one up, preparing breakfast. Sailing from island to island, I cater to high-end clients, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience with gourmet meals and personalised service. On quieter days, you’ll find me in my studio, sketching and creating new pieces for my art collection. 
What dishes hold a special place in your heart?
Food is an endless journey for me – it’s humbling, and something I’ll never fully master, which is exactly what I love about it. I often tell the chefs I train that I’m a student of food just as much as they are. One of my favourites is a Dawa Cocktail, a refreshing blend of lime, honey & Konyagi (local gin) that transports me straight to the beach days on the East African Coast with friends. Another beloved dish is my safari-inspired Beef Shin Stew, a recipe born out of necessity during a night in Botswana when 2 hyenas and a honey badger decided to raid my kitchen! With limited ingredients left, I created this stew, which has since become a flavourful reminder of resilience and improvisation. Every dish I make tells a story and connects me to the vibrant places and memories that inspire my work.
How would you describe your home, and what are some of the design elements or pieces that make it truly feel like “you”?
Acacia Grove is a sanctuary – a blend of earthy elegance and African craftsmanship. We have 2 accommodations: The Tent with an en-suite Jungle Bathroom and our Terra Cottage. They are filled with items that celebrate the spirit of Africa with a modern twist, from woven mats to crochet lampshades & art pieces that I have created myself & collected on my travels throughout Africa. We have designed it to be a space of tranquillity and inspiration, inviting guests to experience the authenticity of Tanzanian life. One of my favourite moments each day is lighting the campfire as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the yellow fever acacia trees and filtering stunning colours through their branches. The campfire has a way of bringing people together, creating a calming atmosphere that grounds us all. Every element in Acacia Grove reflects my journey, blending simplicity with stories, and allowing me to share a slice of our world with visitors.
Are there any travel destinations that have left a lasting impression on you, and why do you find yourself drawn to them?
Honestly do I have to choose?! It’s too difficult – Africa is filled with too many incredible places to visit! I’ll have to mention a few:
Tanzania is my anchor and home; it will always be my soulful retreat, a place where I find inspiration and peace amidst the turquoise waters, diverse landscapes and rich Swahili culture.
Botswana’s vast wilderness and my experiences there have also left a deep impression on me, reminding of Africa’s diversity and the strength found in nature.
Kenya holds a special place in my heart, with its sweeping savannas, vibrant wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its people. I’ve spent considerable time there, finding both inspiration and connection within its landscapes and culture.
Ethiopia is one of the most incredible countries I have ever visited, from the surreal Danakil Depression, the stunning Simien Mountains, and the jazz culture in Addis. Then there’s the historical stories of Queen Sheba in Gondar and feeding wild hyenas in Harar, Ethiopia’s depth of culture and history unparalleled.
As a solo woman traveling across Africa, I have always felt safe and welcomed, experiencing the warmth and openness of people everywhere I go. That said, its essential to be street-smart and not naive, just as you should be anywhere else in the world.
What hobbies or passions do you enjoy when you’re not working? How do these activities help you recharge or inspire you?
When I am not working, you’ll likely find me in the art studio or exploring nature. Art is my soul’s language, giving me a way to capture and reflect on my journeys. When I need true restoration, I head back to Tanzania’s coast, where ocean waves and lush landscapes rekindle my spirit.
More of Charley
To follow more of Charley’s journey, art and to book a stay at Acacia Grove check out these links:
