KleinJan Dinner at Tswalu Kalahari

As part of our accommodation and animal packages we attended a special dinner which can only be described as unforgettable.

As part of our Tswalu experience we were invited to dine at Klein JAN .

Created by Michellion-star chef Jan Hendrik vans der Westhuizen, the Klein experience was designed to showcase the Southern Kalahari region’s remarkable ingredients many of which are ultimately unique to this area of southern Kalahari and can only be harvested during selective pockets of each season and are susceptible to fluctuations in the climate. In addition, Klein JAN epitomises the unparalleled hospitality of the South African people.

But we received a wonderful surprise as the initial arrival and presentation of drinks occurred at the restored 1912 old farmhouse. At the same time we had a storm with double rainbows as well as a golden sunset.

Then surprise , surprise we walk through the homestead and enter the water tan. Only to be surprised by a celebration of water and 20 steps down into a unique underground environment and cellar of vegetables saved on shelves and other food materials and supplies then we walk through into a wonderful unique wine cellar, so unbelievable but it is only starting as we are ushered into a entrance to a new upmarket restaurant with full picture windows back over the Savannah. Stylish, contemporary design and seating arrangements for only 3 or 4 couples

This is a superb contemporary restaurant and we are one of three couples who are treated to a unique 9 course degustation menu over almost 3 hours in the most unbelievable environment with full picture length windows initially showcasing the savannah grasslands of the Kalahari Dessert and then the wonderful stars.

The meal is served accompanied by South African wines selected to match the food.

There is a separate Wine tasting and Cheese room with more cheeses than you can imagine.

The photos highlight some of what we enjoyed. This has been an experience like no other that we have experienced anywhere on the planet through all of our travels. Simply amazing and wonderful.

At 9.30pm our guide Dylan picked us up for the 10 minute drive back to the Motse at Tswalu. He has requested that we not Google the KleinJAN web site and approach it as a unique experience. We did this and benefited and we were presented with a large glossy booklet on departing.