At Thornybush, food is more than a meal; it’s a journey through taste, memory,
and the spirit of South Africa. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, dining
here is designed to surprise and delight.
Our food philosophy is grounded in tasty, healthy dishes that blend traditional
South Africa flavours with contemporary trends. Across Thornybush, each lodge
follows this philosophy, but each with its own signature twist. Head chefs at each
property curate their own menus, making every plate personal and every lodge
experience unique.
A typical day on safari includes a bounty of foodie moments for guests to enjoy:
- Pre-drive morning tea and snacks
- Hearty breakfasts (continental and cooked)
- Fresh, seasonal lunches
- High tea before the afternoon drive
- Three-course dinners, often served in magical bush or riverbed locations
Whether you’re toasting the sunset with a G&T or enjoying a bush braai under the
stars, every meal is carefully considered.
At the heart of our kitchens are culinary storytellers:
- Solly Mangena, Head Chef at Thornybush Game Lodge, has been with us for
over 20 years. His oxtail is legendary, and his chilli sauce is a guest
obsession.
- Phili, our beloved pastry chef since 1996, still serves up favourites like
brownies, marmite scones, and decadent carrot cake.
- Newer chefs like Kyle at Saseka and Leeyah at Simbambili bring fresh ideas and refined plating, merging innovation with the soul of the bush.
Wherever possible ingredients locally sourced, from fresh produce grown
at Nyeleti Farms and surrounding community gardens, to fresh farm eggs and
seasonal items supplied by local partners. We also support nearby towns
like Hoedspruit and Nelspruit for additional ingredients, ensuring that every plate
is a celebration of local flavour and community.
“Sustainability is a growing focus in our kitchens. While we already take steps to
source locally and minimise waste, we’re expanding our efforts, starting with a
major kitchen renovation at Thornybush Game Lodge. This upgrade will create
more efficient, sustainable workflows and match the elegance of our guest areas”
adds Melanie Parker, Head of Operations.
At Thornybush, great food is the result of passionate people working together
behind the scenes. Our garden teams create magical remote bush
dinners, chefs dedicate hours to crafting and perfecting each dish, while butlers
and hosts deliver seamless service. The team of guides and trackers tie it all
together with unforgettable safari experiences.
From weddings to bush feasts, food is a vital part of the Thornybush story,
thoughtfully prepared and beautifully shared.
