Christmas in Africa is special and spectacular in it’s own way. Celebrate these holidays with friends and family by sharing a festive meal. Here’s a selection of amazing Christmas meals that will satisfy everyone.

Tribute Restaurant at Apogee Boutique Hotel (Waterkloof)

The Skål International Year End Christmas Lunch happens this year on 9 December.  Wear your Christmas hat and your mask and bring a small gift for the raffle. Enjoy the trappings of a great Christmas lunch without any of the angst and drama. If you are far away from family and friends this year, this celebration could allow you to meet a set of new people while experiencing delicious food, fine wine, fun and laughter. Bookings are essential to dine in the beautiful setting, with great city views, surrounded by friendly people. Skål International is an association that brings together people in the travel sector to network and bond. Book your place now for your entire entourage! The cost is R250 per person with a Hoppenburg wine included in the package.

The Barn Restaurant at Irene Farm (Irene)

Have a Christmas morning buffet breakfast with your loved ones. Feast on breads, pastries, muffins, scones and croissants. The continental selection includes fruit, yoghurt, deli meats, cheese, muesli and the special flavoured mielie pap. The hot selection includes a vegetarian breakfast dish or the classic fry-up style dishes such as chicken livers, bacon, sausages, eggs and baked beans. This is R205 per person and R100 for children under 12 years. Bookings and payments must be done by 2 December 2021. From 11:30am enjoy the Chef’s Table menu, with Mediterranean cold starters such as salads, preserves, pâte, roast beets in pesto, whole poached salmon with dill cream cheese, dolmades, tapenades and gazpacho shots. Hot entrees include leg of lamb, turkey roast, beef sirloin, pork belly, tandoori chicken, chef’s ratatouille, tempura baby hake, crispy baby squid with caper butter sauce and a selection of veggies. For dessert, enjoy croque embouche, creme brûlée and berries, a chocolate fountain, dark chocolate mouse topped with shards of white chocolate, macarons, koeksisters, crumbles and tarts. No Mediterranean feast can be complete without cheese, crackers and preserves. This special is R595 per person. Book and pay before 2 December 2021.

Woodlands Game Lodge (Dinokeng)

Take a drive out to Dinokeng where fresh air, the bush and five-star hospitality are on offer at Woodlands Game Lodge. What’s for lunch? A starter of roasted sweet potato roll, a selection of delectable salads and a variety of vegetable dishes. These dishes have been selected to pair with the mouthwatering meat options such as the roasted beef rump, tasty salmon, tender lamb with pesto or the beautiful chicken thighs in a light, creamy curry sauce. This special is R450 per person and R250 for children under 12 years from 1 to 2pm.

Restaurant at Bentley’s Country Lodge (Akasia)

Christmas lunch is from 12 to 3pm (seated by 1pm). Start with freshly baked olive and rosemary bread, fluffy light cocktail rolls, saucy chicken livers, crispy hake goujons, calamari rings and tangy tartar sauce. Be delighted by the offerings of honey glazed gammon with apple sauce and mustard or the Asian-inspired sweet and sour chicken. Rare slices of traditional roast beef or the South African favorite of pumpkin fritters in a caramel sauce are also on offer. Milk tartlets, koeksisters, chocolate pudding, custard, ice creams, sauces and nuts will help to round off this feast. The package is R340 per person, R159 for kids under 12 years and R99 for kids under 6 years.

Premier Hotel (Roodevalley)

Fun for the whole family and a good way to spend a pleasant afternoon. The team at Roodevalley have pulled out all the stops as usual. Enjoy a three-course menu that is traditional where it matters and innovative in other places. This costs R295 per person and R150 for kids under 12 years.

AgterPlaas (Olympus AH)

AgterPlaas accommodates families with young children. They have a play area for the children and they even have a special surprise planned for the little ones on Christmas Day. The restaurant is offering three well-planned courses filled with many easy-going family favourites. The starters include cold meats, cheeses, preserves, breads, crackers and salmon bruschetta. The hot course offers the choice of roast leg of lamb, a beef roast, gammon and chicken pie accompanied by onion rings, baked potatoes, Lebanese rice, pumpkin fritters, a broccoli and cauliflower bake, watermelon and feta salad, a green salad, a pasta salad and a potato salad. Remember to keep room for dessert of Peppermint Crisp tart, AgterPlaas pudding with ice cream, and jelly and custard. At R295 per person, R250 for pensioners and R150 for children under 12 years, they have kept prices affordable so that Christmas lunch does not break the bank.

The Deck Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm (Irene)

This Christmas luncheon is like a gastronomic visit to France that hits all the right notes. Be welcomed with a festive drink of Kir Royale (bubbles and Crème de Cassis). An amuse bouche of zucchini and mozarella tart will spark feelings of the Gallic holiday fare to come. The first course of French onion soup conjures up memories of the French countryside or quaint bistros. This is followed by the sole paupiette (a fillet of sole wrapped in smoked salmon) served with a Bearnaise sauce and steamed asparagus. To clear the palate, you are next served a refreshing Trou Normand, a melon sorbet served with a splash of Cointreau. The main course consists of lamb done two ways. A herb rack of lamb and lamb croquettes with tender vegetables and a rich, red wine and cranberry jus. For dessert, Baba au Rhum is a traditional rum-infused yeast cake filled with cream and served with a side of cherries jubilee. This five-course meal is R595 per person.

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, some prices and deals might change without our knowledge. Bookings are essential and these Christmas specials are subject to availability.