BOSCIA
Named after the shepherd’s tree, Boscia albitrunca – a Kalahari species with an extraordinarily deep root system – Boscia is Tswalu’s signature fine dining restaurant under the creative direction of one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs, Luke Dale Roberts.
The shepherd’s tree survives where others cannot, sustained by roots that descend deep into the earth, far more hidden than visible. Boscia is built on the same logic. The experience begins above ground at Boscia House, a century-old heritage cottage where guests gather for canapés and cocktails, before descending the petrichor stairs into a reimagined root cellar – a gallery, library, and living larder in which everything on display connects directly to what arrives at the table. A life-size sculpture of the shepherd’s tree by South African artist Nic Bladen marks the threshold to the dining room.
Just as every Tswalu guest has the freedom of a private vehicle, guide, and tracker – the flexibility to shape their own safari experience – Boscia extends that philosophy to the table. The menu is four courses with choices within each course, not a tasting menu, designed to give guests autonomy over what they eat and the pace at which they dine. Luke Dale Roberts’ culinary philosophy is one of clarity over complexity – food that is honest, deeply rooted in South African tradition, and unmistakably of this landscape. The crockery, knives, and serving pieces have been commissioned from South African artists and craftspeople, each with a traceable connection to the Kalahari.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Boscia is Tswalu’s new signature fine dining restaurant, open from August 2026 under the creative direction of chef Luke Dale Roberts. Named after Boscia albitrunca, the shepherd’s tree, it is a full evening experience beginning with cocktails and canapés in Boscia House, a century-old heritage cottage above ground, before guests descend to the root cellar and dining room below. The menu is four courses with choices within each course – not a tasting menu. Wine pairing or a non-alcoholic herbal infusion pairing (October 2026 onwards), and water service, are included.
One dinner at Boscia is included per stay as part of the accommodation package, for guests staying a minimum of two nights.
Yes. Wine pairing and water service are included in the rate for both the included dinner and any additional dinners. A non-alcoholic herbal infusion pairing is available as an alternative to wine. Note: The non-alcoholic pairing launches in October 2026.
Dinner begins after the afternoon game drive, which concludes around sunset. Sunset time varies seasonally – in August, around 17h30. The full Boscia evening typically takes approximately two hours.
In principle, yes, for Tswalu in-house guests. On nights with very few guests on the reserve, Boscia may occasionally be closed. Guests should confirm availability with the reservations team at the time of booking.
From October 2026, Boscia will be open to the public for Saturday lunches only. Bookings open on the first of each month at 08h00 for the following month – for example, bookings for October open on 1 September 2026 at 08h00.
Contact Boscia directly at [email protected]
For in-house Tswalu guests, reservations can be cancelled at any time. For public guests booking Saturday lunch, a minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required.
Yes, with advance notice. Dietary requirements should be communicated no later than 72 hours before the booking. In addition to the standard menu, dedicated pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan menus are available. Allium-friendly and dairy-friendly menus can also be accommodated with advance notice. The kitchen is unable to offer fully allium-free or dairy-free menus.
The Boscia experience is designed for adults, and guests are encouraged to allow children to engage with the full menu for the best experience. A children’s menu is available. The kitchen can accommodate children with a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice.
