Welcome to The Savanna, your online gateway to the rich, authentic flavors of South Africa. We are a passionate purveyor of premium, handcrafted goods—from our legendary biltong and boerewors to artisanal biscuits, fine beers, and braai essentials. Our mission is to deliver a true taste of the South African spirit, right to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the world.
Our policies are crafted with the same care as our products: to be clear, fair, and focused on your complete satisfaction. We understand the excitement of receiving your order and want to ensure that experience is seamless from click to delivery and beyond.
Our Target Audience & Ethos
We serve a global community of food enthusiasts, expatriates longing for a taste of home, adventurous cooks, and anyone who appreciates high-quality, unique culinary delights. Our shop evokes the warmth, boldness, and rustic charm of a South African braai (barbecue) under the open sky. Our style is authentic, passionate, and welcoming, reflecting the heart and soul of the products we curate.
Shipping Information
We ship our taste of South Africa worldwide, excluding some remote regions and parts of Asia. Please see below for our shipping methods and timelines.
Order Processing
All orders are carefully handpicked and packed with care in our San Francisco hub. Please allow 1-2 business days for order processing before your package is dispatched.
Shipping Methods & Delivery Times
We offer two reliable shipping options to suit your needs:
- Standard Shipping (US $12.95)
- Carrier: DHL or FedEx for speed and reliability.
- Delivery Time: 10-15 business days after dispatch.
- Ideal for when you want your South African favorites a little sooner.
- Free Shipping
- Carrier: EMS (Economy Mail Service).
- Delivery Time: 15-25 business days after dispatch.
- Condition: Available on all orders over US $50.
- A great value option for larger orders.
Please note: Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to customs procedures, holidays, or unforeseen carrier delays. We appreciate your patience.
Our Returns & Exchanges Promise
Your satisfaction is our priority. We accept returns and exchanges for most items within 15 days of you receiving your order. To be eligible, the item must be unused, in its original packaging, and in the same condition as when it was dispatched.
Important: Non-Returnable Items
To guarantee the safety, freshness, and unparalleled quality of our specialty foods, the following items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged:
- All Perishable & Food Items: This includes our entire range of Biltong & Droëwors (Biltong Bites, Chunks, Chilli Chutney Biltong, Cracked Black Pepper Biltong, etc.), Boerewors, and all other fresh or cured meats from our BUTCHERY selection.
- Opened Consumables: Any product from categories such as African Foods, Baking & Desserts, Biscuits & Rusks, Canned & Jarred Foods, Cereals, Chips, Chocolates, Beers, Ciders, or Brandy where the original seal or packaging has been broken.
This policy is in place for your safety and aligns with our unwavering commitment to delivering only the freshest, most authentic taste. If you receive a damaged or defective item from these non-returnable categories, please contact us immediately.
Step-by-Step Return & Exchange Process
- Initiate Your Request: Contact our friendly support team within the 15-day window at [email protected]. Please use the email template provided below to ensure we have all necessary details.
- Receive Instructions: We will respond within 1-2 business days with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and detailed instructions on where to send your return.
- Pack Your Item: Securely pack the item(s) in their original packaging, if possible. Include a copy of your order confirmation. Please write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box.
- Ship Your Return: Send the package to the address we provide. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, unless the return is due to our error (e.g., wrong item shipped). We strongly recommend using a trackable shipping service.
Refunds & Credits
- Timing: Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you of the approval status. Approved refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 5-10 business days.
- Method: Refunds will be issued via the original payment method used (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or PayPal).
- Deductions: Original shipping fees are non-refundable. For exchanges, we will cover the standard shipping cost to send the replacement item to you.
Return Request Email Template
To expedite your request, please copy, paste, and fill out the following template when you email us:
Subject: Return/Exchange Request – Order #[Your Order Number]
Hello Savanna Team,
I would like to request a return/exchange for an item from my order.
Order Number: [Please insert] Name: [Your Full Name] Email Address: [The email used on the order] Product Name(s): [e.g., Braai Accessories – Tongs] Reason for Return/Exchange: [e.g., Incorrect size, changed mind, etc.]
I have read and understand the Returns & Exchanges Policy.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Damaged or Incorrect Items?
If your order arrives damaged or you receive an incorrect item, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will arrange a replacement or refund at no extra cost to you and provide a prepaid return label if needed. Photos of the damaged product or packaging are greatly appreciated and help us resolve the issue swiftly.
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
Our small, passionate team is dedicated to bringing you a taste of South Africa and ensuring your experience with The Savanna is exceptional.
For any questions about returns, exchanges, or your order:
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address (for returns, after receiving RMA):
The Savanna
4780 Ingram Road
San Francisco, US 94102
*Please wait for our RMA instructions before sending any items to this address.