Impressive ethnic restaurant opens

THE speedy four-month construction of Injabula, a new traditional ethnic restaurant at White River's Greenway Woods Conference and Golf Hotel, culminated last Thursday with the opening of what is arguably one of Mpumalanga's most unique dining experiences. The large, architecturally-designed thatch and wood 'boma' - which flows into three distinct sections with seating for up to 150 people including two private dining areas - was funded by owners Nedcor to the tune of R1m. It is an impressive structure, cleverly incorporating quality traditional local crafts through its interior decor, from stunning 3D pottery-style wall panels including guinea-fowl and buck to rope-wrapped poles and macadamia-nutshell covered braai (BBQ) and firepit area. Live entertainment ranges from tribal dancers to ethnic musicians, including a locally constituted choir - Injabulo (joy/happiness) - which performs during lunch and dinner sittings. Injabula's (unique dining experience) menu emphasises a variety of flavours from the southern tip of Africa, says Greenway's general manager, Guy Bigara, offering a choice of traditional venison dishes, vegetables and SA desserts, using locally-grown ingredients wherever possible such as game, trout, avocados, marula fruit, cashew nuts and even mopani worms for the more adventurous diner, while soups are served in individual, traditional cast-iron potjie pots. The restaurant is open to both hotel guests, non-residents and tour groups with individual dining prices for the buffet of R75 per person. Lunch is served between 12h30 and dinner from 19h00 to 22h00. Greenway Woods - managed by the Three Cities Hotel Group - is located on the White River golf course just outside the town of White River itself within easy access of the Kruger National Park. * To access the Three Cities Website, click on the 'Advertisers' icon on the Travel Now homepage. (Elizabeth Sheridan)