Dine under the stars at Meropa’s new African-inspired outdoor bomas

New developments on the cards for Heartbeat of Limpopo entertainment venue

• Construction on R1,5-million boma facility underway, scheduled to end of September 2024
• Job creation of 23 indirect jobs
• Future planned developments of R1,2-million include golf driving range, 6-hole golf course and padel courts

Three outdoor boma’s at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World built at a cost of R1.5-million will give locals a new venue for work and play that celebrate the area’s natural beauty while showcasing Limpopo’s cultural diversity.

Living up to its moniker of being ‘the heartbeat of Limpopo’, the Sun International property continues to innovate and create exciting new offerings for both tourists and locals alike. “We know Meropa is located on such a large piece of land and that we should take advantage of the bushveld around us by introducing Outdoor dining options,” said Sammy Mokhele, General Manager of Meropa Casino and Entertainment World. Guests will be transported 2.5km in game-viewing vehicles to the boma facility to set the mood for being in the bush.

The bomas, built over two months by two local contractors, will open on towards the end of September. “Each boma will have a fire pit in the centre, with table and chairs for 80 in the main boma, and 26 in each of the two smaller ones,” Mokhele said. It is both a venue for relaxed family dinners with games for children including indigenous games, sack races, hula hoops, and tug of war; as well as for formal corporate dinners around the firepit under the stars.

“Guests soon will enjoy an evening dining experience in the boma, and the venue also accommodates lifestyle events such as spit braais, chisa nyama, African cuisines and potjiekos competitions for corporates looking for teambuilding events.” Such events will be catered by the hotel’s Food and beverage team led by Executive Chef Riaan van Eyk, but guest chefs will also take centre stage on advertised days.

“On the last Saturday of each month, the Bomas will host Meropa’s Walk-in Leisure Market, curated by celebrity chef Lucia Mthiyane who is known for elevating everyday dishes to the extraordinary.” The market will have a retail component offering cultural jewellery in wood as well as local craft beers and gins.

Cultural dancers between the ages of five and 70 from NPO Limpopo The Musical can be hired to bring to life the area’s artistic, cultural and heritage through music, dance and drama. “They showcase our cultural diversity by singing in Pedi, Tsonga and Venda and dressing in cultural attire,” Mokhele said.

The premium outdoor venue encompasses ablution facilities, spit braai, potjiekos, and braai areas, with full cooking facilities inside the Meropa kitchen to comply with all hygiene requirements.

“We are sure these new outdoor dining areas are going to be a hit with our regulars as well as new fans and assure Meropa patrons that we are not stopping here in our effort to ensure that we remain the heartbeat of Limpopo entertainment,” Mokhele said. In 2025, Meropa guests can expect a golf driving range and a lawn bowling area, with expansion plans if they prove popular.

Other developments

Meropa’s ‘Heartbeat of Limpopo’ moniker is certainly one which is earned, as the entertainment complex keeps new blood flowing through with constant updates and improvements to its offering.

Earlier this year, after a 14-month renovation and investment of R2.5 million, Meropa unveiled its newly launched WildThingz Bird and Reptile Park with additional Lemurs and monkeys including a new pet shop, and a 25m swimming pool. A day care centre is also available for children from five to 10 years. “Through a partnership with UB LEISURE, we are introducing new quad bikes and Segways for guests to explore the natural beauty of Meropa’s property.”

“In 2022, we opened the Meropa Outdoor Arena, which can take up to 4 000 people in standing area and has proven to be successful with a number of large events hosted.” The Casino also boasts two new private gaming rooms.

Leading up to Meropa’s 25th anniversary, there are plans for a six-hole golf course and padel courts, at a projected investment cost of R1.2-million. “Our vision is to become an integrated casino resort in the province and to become the leading entertainment venue for families, groups, corporates and other entertainment seekers,” Mokhele said.

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