Mhondoro Safari Lodge diverts food production to support local community in need
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has successfully started organic food production at Platbank, its newly acquired farm bordering the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo province). In line with Mhondoro’s food philosophy of ‘fresh, simple and organic’, its chefs take pride in offering a ‘healthy food’ concept, incorporating international culinary trends presented with local flair. Establishing its own fresh produce farm right outside the reserve has enabled Mhondoro to bring to the table the freshest possible organic ingredients, as well as unique guest experiences such as the opportunity for guests to select their own free-range eggs for breakfast.
The farming of free-range chickens has been a great success and its brood of Koekoek and Australorp chickens are well established and thriving, producing eggs in abundance. Within the 70ha farm, a 300m² greenhouse is planted with a wide variety of vegetables that include spinach, beetroot, pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes, peppers and onions, as well as herbs and salad greens. Future plans for the farm include planting crops once an animal-friendly fence has been erected to keep out warthogs, porcupines and other curious animals who may be tempted by the delicious fresh produce.
With the lodge currently closed under COVID-19 lockdown regulations, all vegetables and free-range eggs are being donated to the local community, including to the Bushveld Mission Children’s Home outside Vaalwater. It is home to sixty orphaned, abandoned, abused and starving children between the ages of newborn to 18 years old and is staffed by 15 volunteers who have a mission to ‘love the children back to life’.
Mhondoro lodge manager Ronel Breytenbach says: ‘Charity starts at home and we are pleased to be able to supply food parcels to the local community where our 20 staff members come from. Many of our people have family members who have lost their jobs in the wake of the pandemic crisis, whilst other employees are sole breadwinners for families of up to nine people. The need is great – and we are grateful to be able to lend a helping hand in these difficult times.’
MORE ABOUT MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE & VILLA
Located in Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo), MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE & VILLA is a luxury safari destination of note. A mere 2h45-minute drive from Johannesburg, the landscape is breathtaking rich and diverse, stretching across 35 000 hectares. The reserve is home to the Big 5, including a large white rhino population that is protected within the malaria-free reserve. Guided walks are popular with guests, as is watching the ‘resident’ herd of elephants who visit the waterhole at the lodge on a daily basis and who love a drink from the natural, salt-water swimming pools. #poolellie
The superb wildlife experience is complemented by Mhondoro’s luxurious accommodation, indulgent spa treatments, fine cuisine and passionate service. Dutch-owned, Mhondoro is a gourmand’s delight and a fusion of African chic and edgy European influences. The exclusive 5-star lodge sleeps only 24 guests, with accommodation including two child-friendly Family suites, a romantic Honeymoon suite, and a 2-bedroom Executive Suite. Guest suites are spacious with full bathrooms, outdoor showers, private decks and most have private plunge pools. Mhondoro Villa is the ultimate in luxury and privacy for families or friends travelling together. It features a magnificent master suite and two additional bedrooms and comes with a private gym, yoga or massage room and a heated swimming pool, a game-viewing safari vehicle with personal guide, and the services of a chef, butler and housekeeping staff.
Unique features at Mhondoro include the ultimate photographer’s dream: a waterhole with underground hide that is connected with the main lodge by a tunnel, as well as a stardeck and three heated swimming pools with an infrared sauna. The Spa offers facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as a private, outdoor spa deck overlooking the reserve to offer the ultimate relaxation.
