An evening of fine dining at The Rhino Royalé

A bolt of lightning slashes through the darkening sky and the accompanying thunder rumbles in the distance. Goosebump-inducing. Especially in a country just shaking off the cobwebs of a period of drought that lasted far too long. The savannah grass all around stands tall and the camel thorn trees tower over the roof of the beautiful, solitary building. All alone in a sea of bushland and savannah. The dark silhouette of the trees against the jewel-toned colours of the sky at dusk during a thunderstorm. What is more beautiful than that?

Perhaps the interior. Stepping inside, warmth settles into your soul. Subtle candlelight flickers and the gramophone plays softly. Sinatra, Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole are on the playlist for the evening and set the mood for a party. A long single table stretches across the room. The furniture matches the music and takes us back into a bygone era where glitz, glamour and lavish living was celebrated and indulged. We’re all dressed to the nines. Glitter, velvet, dinner suits and ties knotted into a bow. On the other side of the room the cork is pulled from a champagne bottle with a loud pop, followed by a fizz and a smattering of applause as a white-gloved barman pours the sparkling delight into a vintage-style glass that is said to be modeled after the bosom of the fabulous Marie Antoinette.

The dinner bell rings and the party is seated. Now the real show begins. As fantastic and exciting as the clamorous weather outside, one course after the other is presented to us perfectly paired with wine. Delicacies and delights. An extraordinary menu underpinned with Namibian ingredients. From the veld around us. A five-star nine-course dining experience on a beautiful reserve in the Namibian bush. The first of its kind. Enchanting, beguiling and unforgettable. The thunder cracks, more corks pop and our laughter echoes the electric atmosphere in the room. TNN

The exquisite new Rhino Royalé is a fine dining restaurant set in the wilds of Namibia near Kalakwa Lodge. A mere 115 km from Windhoek, or 70 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport, Aru Game Lodges offer this unforgettable experience to those looking for something extraordinary. The first of its kind in Namibia, The Rhino Royalé is set in one of the most picturesque locations overlooking savannah landscapes where rhino, leopard and kudu roam. Stay in Kalakwa’s luxurious chalets, enjoy a game drive on the reserve and indulge in the wonders of this sensational new dining extravaganza.

Find out more at www.arusafaris.com/eco or contact them directly at info@arugamelodges.com. 

Photographs  Le Roux van Schalkwyk