A GOURMET BIG FIVE
Every meal is a delicious and memorable celebration.
Dining, which is as much a part of your safari experience as the safari itself, provides you with the gourmet Big Five: Safari halt. Breakfast. Lunch. afternoon Tea & Dinner.
Restaurant Shongololo is a gourmet adventure
A Gourmet Adventure Awaits
From start to completion, dining at Restaurant Shongololo is a gourmet adventure. Guests are served various dishes in theatrical settings, sparking all their senses and making the dining experience thrilling and interactive.
To get to the gallery and the restaurant beyond, you must first visit a modern grange’s veranda. Mbazo House was deliberately constructed to set the tone for Restaurant Shongololo’s elegant dining experience. It was named after the Great Kruger Tusker, which inspired architect Francois van der Westhuizen’s dramatic modern safari style. Dining at Shongololo is a delicious adventure from start to finish with an emphasis on traditional African flavours. Guests are offered a variety of foods in theatrical settings, which stimulate all of their senses and make the eating experience exciting and participatory.
Restaurant Shongololo is only open for lunch to non-resident guests on occasion, depending on availability. Lunch appointments can be made up to three months in advance. Please contact the staff at bookings@mbazolodge.com to make a reservation or for further information on arriving to Mbazo by road or air.
AN AUTHENTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Flavours Inspired by the Traditions of Africa
With the addition of Restaurant Shongololo to the Mbazo dining guest experience, the culinary traditions, ingredients, and regional produce of the Northwest Province are the shining stars on a seasonal menu that is rooted not only in the remote and dramatic landscapes of Pilanesberg, but also in the resourceful and creative people of this remote, undiscovered region.
This seasonal menu was inspired not only by the dramatic landscapes of Pilanesberg, the culture of the people and the traditional African flavours of the region. The launch of Shongololo on the reserve has reinforced the culinary relationship between African-born Executive Chef Mpumeleleo and the Mbazo family. As part of its journey toward greater sustainability, Mbazo’s dedication to celebrating local origin, tradition, and culture makes it the ideal location for the renowned chef’s first home-town restaurant.
TO DELIGHT, INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED
Celebrate Southern Africa Under the Stars
At Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience places a strong emphasis on the telling of stories. Chef Mike collaborated with Mbazo’s culinary artist, The Don, and pastry chef Gladness to conduct extensive study on traditional African flavours, historical cuisines, and cultural practices over the course of several years.
The restaurant’s seasonal multi-course menu draws its inspiration from the use of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable purchasing practises. The Stargazing Gallery at Shongololo, which is positioned a few metres above the Tambotie Forest in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, is the centrepiece of this modest design.
Our job is to ensure that a celebration reflects a client’s style, taste, vision, and yes – even their dreams. This belief has served us well for more than 40 years, and we have remained on the edge of culinary creativity, constantly refining ourselves and our food to make dreams become reality.
strong emphasis on storytelling
Executive Chef Mpumelelo
At Restaurant Shongololo, the dining experience transcends mere meals; it’s a captivating narrative that pays homage to the rich cultural practices of the region. Our Executive Chef Mpumelelo, affectionately known as Chef Mike, is the storyteller behind each dish.
Positioned at the intersection of tradition, culture, and sustainability, Mbazo’s commitment to celebrating local origins aligns seamlessly with Chef Mpumeleleo’s vision for his first hometown restaurant. This collaboration is a testament to the shared values that elevate Shongololo to be more than just a dining experience—it’s a culinary journey grounded in heritage and sustainability.
COMMITMENT TO THE BEAUTY OF AFRICA
Handblown Glass & Handcrafted Ceramics.
The ceramics, glassware and the dining tables form just as an important part of the dining experience. The handcrafted ceramics are locally crafted by the multi award-winning Mervyn Gers Ceramics, while the glassware is handblown by Ngewnya Glass using 100% recycled materials.
