Creating atmosphere with wood: how do you do that?

Fire is more than just heat for cooking. It's atmosphere, aroma, and rhythm. A good barbecue doesn't necessarily start with meat, but with lighting a fire that brings people together. Whether you're in a garden, on a balcony, or at a campsite in the countryside, well-chosen wood makes the difference between a casual fire and an evening you'll remember for a long time.

Start with scent

Woods like Black Hook and Sicklewood immediately release a distinctive, spicy aroma when lit. Your fire is already alive before your meat is on the grill. Use this to gather people around the fire, even when the food is still to come.

Build tension

Start small, with kindling and some lighter logs. Let the fire build slowly. Only add larger logs once the fire is established. This creates a natural transition from ambiance to functionality: from fire pit to barbecue fire.

Put your wood in plain sight

An open crate of Mopane or a neatly stacked pile of Camel Doring at the edge of the patio does more than just store things. It tells a story. It shows you're making a conscious choice. That you know where your fire comes from.

Work with zones

Use your fire wisely: a corner with bright flames for ambiance and warmth, another side with a steady glow for cooking. This way, the fire becomes part of your environment, not a separate activity.

Tip from the barbecue master

Let your fire grow with the evening. Start with scent and coziness, then add warmth and glow with Mopane, and let Kameeldoring do the work until the wee hours.