Mocktails, Bomas & Bushveld: A Foodie’s Escape into the Wild

Hey Skinny readers! This week, I’ve seen tempers flare, claws come out, and horns raised high — yoh! It’s safe to say that some people are acting like the Big Five of South Africa. I caught myself daydreaming about my escape, wondering what’s happening as the year winds down and the city lights blur into tinsel and traffic.

There’s something deeply alluring about trading the noise for the crackle of a bushveld fire. Picture this: the scent of marula wood smoke curling through the evening air, stars spilling across an inky African sky, and a table set beneath the open heavens.

Fun fact: Shadre and I are taking a short left to her hometown — the great Karoo, also known as Graaff-Reinet — where her bushveld memories all began.

This week, South Africa’s wild heart beats louder with the promise of luxury, adventure, and unforgettable flavours. The country is dotted with culinary gems that elevate bushveld dining to an art form.

The Skinny Chef’s Guide to Mouth-Watering Luxury Lodges This Festive Season

Letamo Lodge, Waterberg: Family-Friendly Safari with a Gourmet Soul

Located in the malaria-free Qwabi Private Game Reserve, Letamo Lodge is a sanctuary of style and flavour. Just three hours from Johannesburg, it offers mid-century modern design, warm African hospitality, and a culinary experience that rivals the best urban eateries.

Foodie Highlights:

1. Mocktail welcome and hand massage on arrival — oh yes, I know Shadre would scream for that!

2. Boma dinners under the stars, with flame-grilled meats and local seasonal vegetables.

3. Two bars serving curated cocktails and South African wines.

4. Interactive cooking experiences for kids and adults.

5. Bush breakfasts with panoramic views of the savannah.

Skinny Chef Hack:

Letamo is perfect for families — with game drives, spa treatments, and activities that cater for all ages. It’s truly a festive feast for the senses!

Gondwana Game Reserve, Garden Route: Eco-Luxury with Bush Picnics

Set along the scenic Garden Route, Gondwana blends conservation with comfort. Its eco-camps and luxury lodges offer immersive wildlife experiences and some of the best bush cuisine around.

Foodie Highlights:

1. Gourmet bush picnics with local cheeses, charcuterie boards, and bubbly.

2. Traditional braais with a modern twist.

3. Seasonal tasting menus featuring Karoo lamb and wild herbs.

Skinny Chef Hack: 

Gondwana is perfect for the eco-conscious traveller who loves a good meal with a breath taking view.

Spotlight on a Bushveld Culinary Star

South Africa’s top lodge chefs are redefining bush cuisine with gourmet flair, often rising from humble beginnings to lead kitchens that rival fine-dining restaurants.

Chef Louis Jansen – Oase by 7 Star Lodges:Chef Louis has worked in some of South Africa’s most prestigious establishments and recently joined Oase Lodge to elevate its culinary offering.

He brings a fine-dining ethos to the bush, focusing on artistry, balance, and flavour. This chef isn’t just cooking — he’s telling a story through food, turning every meal into a celebration of South Africa’s landscapes and cultures.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping mock tails at Letamo, enjoying cheese and vino at Gondwana, or savouring Chef Louis’ cuisine under the stars — South Africa’s lodges offer more than just a place to stay. They serve up experiences that feed the soul.

After the month I’ve had, I’m ready to pack my appetite and my sense of adventure! This festive season, let the wild be your dining room. Let’s leave some of the technology behind (and yes, Skinnies — I’m talking to myself and Shadre here too!).

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TUNING IN — LOVE YOU ALL!

Until next week: same place, same time — and most importantly… stay sane and stay skinny!

Creative Director: Shadre Leonard