Will you visit Moyo Restaurant at Spier?

It's likely one of two extremes - people seem to be either raving fans or totally turned off. Which will you be?

We have experienced Moyo's in daylight and at night, at ground level and from the trees, as members of corporate groups and as a family party. We've even stayed at the Spier Hotel, it's truly a case of been there, done it, seen the highlights!

So, what are the highlights?

Moyo is a minutely detailed package.

It's not just a meal - in fact it's really not about the food :-).

It's an experience that hums, throbs and dances by turns from the moment you walk in till the hour you reluctantly depart, in a state of delightful sensory overload!

So what does sensory overload look like?

Moyo is all about the detail. Initially it's visual details, but then you get into the rest...

The Setting - eyecatching

It is spaciously al fresco with Moroccan tents and day-beds set under centuries-old oak trees for pre- and post-indulgence lounging.

Tree platforms accessed by winding stairways, wrought iron and lanterns, meandering gardens and intriguing water sculptures.

It's not just a fair weather option though, blankets are provided on the house to ward off any evening chills and there is an enormous marquee to keep you cosy.

From the mirror-mosaiced angels to the welding work on the platforms, no decorative detail has been overlooked.

The Attention - Moyo restaurant style

Ambience and entertainment are the order of the day.

The staff (largely Zimbabwean when we last visited - a result of that country's on-going political difficulties) are friendly and engaging, dressed in a motley of characteristically African garments. (Note - no loin cloths, though!)

Soon after you arrive someone arrives with a small pot of white ochre and offers to decorate you into an African frame of mind with some delicate face paint.

As you tackle your meal the mbira minstrels make their rounds, serenading guests and inviting participation from willing participants.

From time to time an energetic dance and marimba performance breaks out in the main marquee, to the delight of spectators.

The Food - Souk meets Moyo restaurant!

Moyo food is a buffet on steroids continually prepared fresh before you, somewhat in the style of a souk or local market. (To be honest I have never been in a real souk, but Moyo's makes me think of one!)

The chefs are totally engaging if you want to chat and you can return as often as you like.

Whether you are a determined carnivore, dedicated vegetarian, a fish fan or somewhere in between, there's no shortage of dishes to tickle your fancy.

I won't even mention desserts - my stomach is still groaning from delicious over-indulgence!

What about "After's"?

If you are like us, you will finish you meal and retire to a day-bed under a local oak to drink coffee!

There are the fabulous Spier grounds to stroll through - rolling lawns alongside a lake and river, right down past the Spier Amphitheatre.

During the day the Cheetah Outreach and Eagle Encounter projects on site are both fascinating, interactive wildlife experiences to round off the visit for adults and kids alike.

A Reluctant Farewell or... ?

If you can't tear yourselves away from the Moyo restaurant surrounds, there's always the option of the open arms of the Spier Hotel!

We were guests there last year and throughly enjoyed the Village Walk atmosphere.

If that's not your choice you will find yourself sentenced to a drive through the Winelands to reach home (or your next destination).

Hardly a draconian sentence!