Olifants Restaurants

Resting in the heart of Thornybush Game Reserve, perfectly positioned for scenic vistas, Shumbalala Game Lodge savours the palate with traditional cuisine in a choice of three beautiful settings. Dine within the elegant indoor dining room lit by flickering candles and formal surrounds or if the fresh African air captures your senses, the lodge decks embraces perfect views across the riverbed. Romantic dinners in the speciality wine cellar with exclusive views over the waterhole makes for a memorable and intimate experience with traditional open air fire side dinners rubbing shoulders with the cry of the wild. Thornybush Game Reserve will seduce the senses with a love affair for Africa surrounded by luxury and true African bushveld creating a memorable feast for the senses.

Dominated by large indigenous Mopane, Marula and Boabab trees, this idyllic oasis evokes true African splendour touched by sophisticated elegance and a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Sefapane Lodge and Safaris fuses the taste of Africa with Western style cooking techniques served under star-studded skies and roaring boma fires. Boasting an a la carte menu and stylish décor, diners soak up the idyllic surrounds before immersing the palate on a culinary safari. .

Serving a long menu of meaty delights dominated by game trophies telling their own story on the walls, diners indulge in grills and pub meals in a casual game setting. Try succulently cooked steaks prepared to perfection or feast on fillet stuffed with mushrooms or mussels, indoors or alfresco on the wooden deck. Buffalo Pub and Grill provides a hearty dwelling for hungry bellies dominated by meaty cuisine.

Open to the public by reservation only, Nandini Bistro sends the palate on a journey of discovery secluded in intimate dining surrounds. Dine amidst the captivating Drakensberg range on the terrace or for an intimate and exclusive setting, the wine cellar savours special occasions. Bush dining is available upon request, a fine dining experience close to the proximity of the water hole. Serving traditional cuisine spilling off the a la carte menu, Nandini Bistro offers exclusivity and affordability in a romantic and intimate setting.

This intimate and exclusive camp lies in 22000 acr of Thornybush Reserve dominated by striking views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Reflecting a bygone era and traditional cooking methods, Tangala Safari Camp invites cuisine that reflects Africa in all her colours and moods cooked over gas and open fires. Enjoy three course dinners within intimate surrounds or listen to tall tales of Africa sharing laughter and food for a memorable dining experience. A comprehensive wine list and decadent cocktails compliments meals and African sundowners that will awaken a sense of Africa long forgotten.

The lodge extends itself with three dining experiences each unique in their setting, each complimented by decadent cuisine and South Africa’s finest vineyard cellar. Rhino Boma invites buffet dining beneath an open sided thatch and crackling boma fire serving a variety of delicious food and impeccable service. Riverbed invites moonlit skies warmed by roaring bomas and open tables scattered over a dry riverbed lit by lanterns. Dishes are prepared with seasonal local produce and fresh herbs grown at the lodge. Ethnic dishes and accompaniments like mealie pap (African-style polenta) and chakalaka (a hot and spicy relish) grace the palate for an authentic taste of Africa. Specialist dishes like warthog stew and kudu casserole, impala sausages and mild oxtail curries create an exotic dining experience. Fish eaters and vegetarians are well catered for with fresh African vegetables such as sweet potatoes baked in their skin, wild spinach and feta cheese, spiced Zulu cabbage and steamed gem squash. The Simatle Lounge offers a perfect setting for large groups and formal functions dominated by Leadwood trunks, glass concertina doors that invite the bushveld in and roaring fireplaces that extend to an open beam thatched roof for a true African feel. Kapama River Lodge intoxicates the senses with pampered flair and pays homage to true African bushveld dining.

Nestled in the heart of Kapama Private Game Reserve with sweeping views across tranquil lakes, Kapama Lodge invites warm African hospitality complimented by local and international fare. Chefs see to every whim and need for a personalised dining experience. Dine in the dimly lit Kapama Lodge main dining room or for a more traditional experience - the circular outdoor boma enclosed in dimly lit lanterns and the starlit sky. For a more intimate experience, dine in comfortable seclusion in the bushveld under a blanket of stars and moonlit African sky. Kapama Lodge serves fine cuisine from an À la carte menu with specialities like tender rack of lamb, gentle curries and flavourful seasonal vegetables concluded by delicious Kapama Lodge banoffee pie. Awaken the spirit of Africa at Kapama Lodge.

Located in the Kamogelo Tourism Centre in Hoedspruit, Ngena Deli is a good spot for breakfast or lunch if you are looking for a laid-back setting. Serving fusion food and a variety of imported cheeses, cold meats in the open-air restaurant, Ngena Deli offers deli service and coffee bar complimented by a speciality bakery. Pop into Ngena Deli for a lazy breakfast or lunch followed by some culinary therapy from the deli bakery.

The GKNP College is a hospitality training centre, located right outside the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. The college is run by its students. The college has an a la carte restaurant, a South African cuisine restaurant, a fast food restaurant, a delicatessen, a street café, a coffee shop, a ladies bar, a beer hall and a bush bar. It also has a night club over the weekends, as well as a wedding chapel and several conference venues. The meals are fairly basic and affordable. Support South Africa's students and make a turn when you are in the area.

This beautifully renovated restaurant housed in the old station building portrays an old world charm lingering with antique pots, copper ornaments and laid-back atmosphere. A charming venue that invites relaxation, a good selection of South African cuisine and complimenting wine list. For starters, try grilled haloumi on sweet potato slices with marula jelly or a crispy salad of Cajun chicken strips, spiced with marinated gooseberries, feta, cucumber, sweet pepper and onions. Hearty mains like the ostrich kebab skewers - marinated ostrich steak with peppers, onion and mushrooms served with sweet potato chips make an excellent choice dining alfresco or indoors enchanted by the reminiscent interior. The menu offers general fare such as tasty pizzas and steaks grilled to perfection with crispy chips. Sleepers Restaurant is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy the authentic station setting.

Cradled by lush African conservation, Matumi Game Lodge invites relaxation and authentic African hospitality. Dine on the exclusive a la carte menu in the heart of the African bush restaurant or succumb to the spirit of Africa, boma dining under a moonlit sky delighting in fine African cuisine. Matumi Game Lodge invites you to escape and rejuvenate to the beat of Africa for an unforgettable bush dining experience.

Gossips Restaurant is located within the artsy surrounds of Hoedspruit Kamogelo Centre brimming with curios, jewellery shops, internet and generous portions of hearty cuisine. Try the tender beef schnitzel crumbed, golden fried with pepper and mushroom sauce and topped with a sprinkling of cheese. On the other hand, try the eisbein with chips and vegetables or the 600g rump steak with chips to satisfy a hearty appetite. For lighter options, try the famous Gossips salad, chicken, cheese, biltong, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Gossips Restaurant invites an enjoyable dining experiencing and relaxing ambiance with speciality cocktails and wines to compliment each meal.

The Toro Yaka Bush Lodge conceived by a dream means “My Dream” in Northern Sotho. Nestled in the heart of Balule Nature Reserve, Toro Yaka Bush Lodge offers a true African dining experience lit up by a starry African sky. Dine Boma style around an open fire, discussing the day’s events indulging in warm African hospitality. Toro Yaka Bush Lodge embraces the heart of Africa in lush bushveld surrounds for a memorable dining experience.

Flattered by scenic views of Olifants River and bushveld, Three Bridges Restaurant and Pub relives an era of tall stories and adventure. The menu leans towards interesting selections such as their renowned Indian chicken curry to more casual pizzas and pastas. For heartier feasts, try the trio of lamb chops with mint sauce and veggies - perfectly cooked topped by good value for money. With an average wine list and chilled beers cooled by the modern interior, dining at Three Bridges Restaurant and Pub immerses the palate in a bygone era infused with modern influences.