South African Cuisine in the Heart of the Sand Forest
Breakfast on the Moonrise Deck, dinner by lantern light, and boma evenings under a sky full of stars — every meal at Leopard Walk Lodge comes with the sounds of the bush.
Honest, home-style cooking with a view you won't find in town
We're a small, family-run lodge, so dining here feels personal rather than hotel-formal. Our kitchen celebrates local ingredients and South African culinary traditions, served in two very different settings: the open-air Moonrise Deck overlooking the reserve, and our traditional boma for fireside evenings.
Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a relaxed meal after a day on the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi game drive, we'll make sure you eat well — and that any dietary needs are taken care of before you arrive.
The Moonrise Deck
A short walk through the sand forest brings you to the Moonrise Deck — our open-air restaurant and lounge, raised above the reserve. It's where the day starts with coffee and breakfast, and where the evening slows down as the light fades over the trees.
- Open-air deck overlooking the sand forest reserve
- Relaxed lounge seating for drinks before dinner
- Breakfast and dinner served here most days
- Wildlife and birdlife often visible from your table
The Boma
For the evening most guests remember, we light the fire in our traditional boma — an open-air enclosure where dinner is served beneath the African night sky, with nothing but the crackle of the flames and the calls of the forest around you.
- Traditional South African boma braai
- Fireside setting, perfect for couples and small groups
- Vegan boma menu when requested with your booking
- Ask us to arrange a boma evening during your stay
From first coffee to fireside
How meals fit around your safari day at Leopard Walk Lodge.
Safari Breakfast
Included in every room rate. Fuel up on the deck before heading out to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi or Lake St Lucia — or linger over a second cup while the forest wakes up.
Dinner on the Deck
A freshly prepared South African dinner served on the Moonrise Deck. Included when you book our Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate — the easy choice out here, with the nearest town restaurants a drive away.
Boma Braai
A traditional South African braai around the fire in our boma, with vegetables, putu and tomato relish, homemade bread and all the trimmings. A true taste of Zululand.
A safari lodge that genuinely caters for vegans
Travelling as a vegan in the bush can mean eating side salads for a week. Not here. Leopard Walk is a non-hunting lodge, and when you let us know at the time of booking, we'll prepare full vegan menus for every meal of your stay — made with vegan butter, cheese and milk, with suitable egg alternatives.
Vegan and other dietary requirements — vegetarian, allergies, or anything else — need to be arranged in advance. Please let us know when you book so our kitchen can plan for you.
See our vegan menuWhat's included with your room
Breakfast is included with every stay. Choose Dinner, Bed & Breakfast to have your evenings taken care of too.
| Room | Bed & Breakfast | Dinner, Bed & Breakfast |
|---|---|---|
| Secrets of the Forest A Suite | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| Secrets of the Forest B Suite | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| Buffalo Thorn Rooms | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
Dining questions
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes. Breakfast is included with every room at Leopard Walk Lodge, served on the Moonrise Deck.
Can I have dinner at the lodge?
Yes. All our rooms can be booked on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate, which includes dinner each night of your stay. The lodge is in a private reserve outside Hluhluwe town, so most guests find it easiest to dine with us rather than driving out in the evening.
Do you cater for vegans and other dietary requirements?
Yes, as long as it's arranged in advance with your booking. Let us know your requirements when you book and we'll prepare vegan meals for your stay, including breakfast, dinner, dessert and the boma braai. The same applies to vegetarian diets, allergies and other needs — we can't guarantee these without prior notice.
What is a boma dinner?
A boma is a traditional open-air enclosure built around a fire. Dinner in the boma is a classic South African bush experience — a braai under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the sand forest. Ask us to arrange one during your stay.
Is there somewhere to have a drink?
Yes. The Moonrise Deck has an open lounge where you can relax with a drink before dinner or unwind after a day on safari.
Stay, dine and unwind in the sand forest
Book Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and let us take care of every meal — or get in touch to arrange a boma evening or special dietary menu.