The Next Century of Kruger Starts with Its People
As the Kruger National Park celebrates its centenary this year, the world’s attention naturally turns to a century of conservation success. For 100 years, this remarkable place on…
An Exclusive Culinary Weekend with Chef Wandile Mabaso
Book your stay for this exclusive event.
There are few places in the world where extraordinary wildlife, award-winning luxury and exceptional cuisine come together as seamlessly as they do at Kruger Shalati.
This November, that experience becomes even more remarkable as celebrated South African chef Wandile Mabaso returns to the Motsamayi Chef Collaboration Series, joining Executive Chef Vusi Mbatha for an exclusive two-night culinary collaboration on 27 and 28 November.
Following the launch of the series this July alongside chef Mordecai Brauns from Sanctuary Mandela, this latest chapter continues Motsamayi’s commitment to celebrating South Africa’s finest culinary talent while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and innovation.
Designed as a complete luxury escape, the experience combines an unforgettable stay aboard the iconic train suspended above the Sabie River with immersive safari adventures, world-class hospitality and two evenings of exceptional dining available exclusively to resident guests.
A Meeting of Two Culinary Philosophies
Chef Wandile Mabaso’s journey has taken him from the kitchens of Soweto to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. After training in Europe and New York, he refined his craft under the legendary Alain Ducasse at the two-MICHELIN-starred Le Meurice in Paris before returning home to establish Les Créatifs in Johannesburg, where classical French technique meets indigenous South African ingredients.
Alongside him, Executive Chef Vusi Mbatha continues to shape the culinary identity of Kruger Shalati through his acclaimed Kruger to Fork philosophy. Working closely with local farmers and an on-site garden, his menus celebrate indigenous ingredients and the remarkable flavours of the Lowveld, creating dishes that are deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.
Across two exclusive evenings, the chefs will share ideas, techniques and inspiration through a thoughtfully curated dining experience where their individual styles converge to create something entirely unique. It is a collaboration that honours craftsmanship, creativity and a shared passion for telling South Africa’s story through food.
Beyond the Plate
The Motsamayi Chef Collaboration Series is about far more than remarkable dining.
At its heart is a commitment to education and the future of South African hospitality. Each collaboration includes a dedicated skills development programme that provides mentorship, training and hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.
By creating opportunities for established chefs to share their knowledge, techniques and experiences, the series nurtures emerging talent while strengthening the future of the country’s culinary industry.
Because the greatest legacy a chef leaves is not only measured by the meals they create, but by the people they inspire.
A Culinary Journey That Continues
The Motsamayi Chef Collaboration Series brings together celebrated chefs across Motsamayi’s collection of exceptional destinations, creating experiences that celebrate place, provenance and partnership.
Each chapter introduces a new destination, a fresh creative dialogue and another opportunity for guests to experience South African cuisine through a different lens.
Your Exclusive Kruger Shalati Escape
This limited two-night experience includes luxury accommodation at Kruger Shalati together with exclusive access to both collaborative dining experiences, immersive safari activities and the exceptional hospitality for which the property has become internationally recognised.
For one unforgettable weekend, the rhythm of the wild, the sounds of the African bush and the creativity of two remarkable chefs come together to create an experience found nowhere else in the world.
Book your stay for this exclusive event.
