Meropa Casino unveils stunning Outdoor Boma
POLOKWANE
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) MEC, Funani Jerry Maseko, together with MEC for Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Tshitereke Matibe, joined the launch of Meropa Casino and Entertainment World Outdoor Boma, held on Friday 22 November 2024 in Polokwane.
The vibrant launch of the casino’s outdoor safari entertainment spot aimed at enhancing tourists and guests’ experience.
Three outdoor boma was built at a cost of R1.5 million and set to 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.
The new development allows guests to be transported 2.5km in game-viewing vehicles to the boma facility to set the mood for being in the bush.
The bomas was built over a two months period by two local contractors
“Each boma has 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.
Both bomas have 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 fire pit under the stars.
The venue also accommodates lifestyle events such as spit braais, chisa nyama, African cuisines and potjiekos competitions for corporates looking for teambuilding events.
The events are catered by the hotel’s food and beverage team, led by Executive Chef Riaan van Eyk, however, guest chefs can also take centre stage on advertised days.
Mokhele said 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.
He said the market has a retail component offering cultural jewellery in wood as well as local craft beers and gins.
The casino also caters cultural dancers between the ages of five and 70 from various NPOs in Limpopo. The musical can be hired to bring life in 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.
He 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.
Mokhele indicated that in 2025, Meropa guests can expect a golf driving range and a lawn bowling area, with expansion plans if they prove popular.
MEC Matibe said Meropa Casino Entertainment World investment of R4 Million into the establishment is a vote of confidence to Limpopo tourism industry.
