Five-star lodge hopes to raise the bar in safari cuisine as it partners with Luke Dale Roberts

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, located in the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Picture: Supplied

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, located in the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Picture: Supplied

Published Aug 19, 2024

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Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is overhauling its menu with the aim of taking guests on a culinary adventure during their stay at the luxury safari lodge, located in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo.

The lodge said it has partnered with renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Dale Roberts to further elevate the culinary offering at the five-star lodge.

According to Mhondoro, the exciting new multi-course menu, wine pairings and curated cocktails, combined with a high level of culinary service, are set to raise the bar for safari cuisine in South Africa.

Fritz Breytenbach, the lodge’s chief executive, said their cuisine set them apart by celebrating local and seasonal produce sourced from their organic vegetable gardens on the Mhondoro Eco-Farm.

“Luke Dale Roberts and his expert executive team are overhauling Mhondoro’s food and beverage experience in totality, phasing in an exclusive, all-new dining experience that is available to Mhondoro’s resident guests only.

“Training of Mhondoro’s current in-house food and beverage staff, mentored by Luke Dale Roberts and his team, will further develop their skills and expertise to ensure top-tier service and culinary innovation on an ongoing basis,” said Breytenbach.

He further revealed that Dale Roberts’ innovative wine pairing menus have already been introduced at dinner, and the lodge’s Boma dinners were being re-imagined to showcase local tradition, culture and cuisine.

Luke Dale Roberts selecting fresh produce to use in his culinary creations. Picture: Supplied

“The next step for Dale Roberts and his team will be creating a delicious new Harvest Table lunch concept, followed later by new breakfast menus, the preparation and presentation of game drive snacks, and exciting sundowner drinks and cocktails,” said Breytenbach.

Commenting on the collaboration, Myrian Vogel, the owner of Mhondoro, said it has always been a dream of the Vogel family to collaborate with a top chef in the heart of the bush.

“Seeing this dream come true with someone of the calibre of Luke Dale Roberts is incredibly fulfilling, and we are very proud to bring our guests an outstanding new dining experience at Mhondoro,” she said.

Dale Roberts said he was exceptionally excited to partner with Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa.

“Their commitment to excellence and upskilling of staff, in addition to the sustainable development of farmland and an impressive organic vegetable garden, are truly inspiring.

“We look forward to working with the team and drawing from the abundance of this garden to create menus that reflect the best of local and seasonal produce of this region,” he said.