Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere is one of the most rewarding times to experience Shumbalala Game Lodge in the Thornybush Nature Reserve. Within just a few weeks, the landscape begins to shift - what was once lush and dense after the summer rains softens into warm golden hues. April and May offer the perfect balance: the last gentle showers of the season keep the bush vibrant, while the cooler temperatures and thinning...
Rooibos-infused Panna Cotta Recipe

We are excited to share one of our favourite summer recipes with you - a light and creamy Panna Cotta that we regularly serve to guests at the lodge. Below, you will find the recipe for this beautifully light dessert. We hope you enjoy bringing the South African flavours of Shumbalala Game Lodge into your kitchen this festive season.
ROOIBOS-INFUSED PANNA COTTA RECIPE
Ingredients
- 125 ml freshly brewed strong Rooibos espresso tea
- 50 g light brown sugar
- 375 ml fresh cream
- 2 tsp gelatin powder
Rooibos Syrup
- 5 Tbsp strong brewed rooibos tea
- 110 g sugar
- 50 ml honey
Method
- Pour the rooibos and sugar into a saucepan on medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in the cream and bring the temperature down to a low heat.
- While the cream mixture is gently heating up, pour 2 tsp water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top, so that it’s completely covered in water. Let this rest for about 5 minutes or until gelatin has completely softened.
- When the cream mixture is about to boil (when it starts to bubble around the edges) take the saucepan off the heat.
- Take 1/2 cup of cream mixture and mix into the softened gelatin and stir to dissolve completely.
- Add this 1/2 cup cream back into the remaining cream in the saucepan and whisk to mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a set of ramekins or glasses and let them rest in the fridge overnight, until set.
- Rooibos syrup - In a small pot add 5 Tbsp of brewed rooibos, sugar & honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the syrup in a jar and set aside to pour over the panna cottas when you serve them :) Enjoy!
We look forward to welcoming you to Shumbalala Game Lodge in the near future.
Further Reading
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There’s something truly unique about exploring the African bush on foot. A walking safari awakens a deep connection to nature - something that can’t be fully experienced from a safari vehicle. With each careful step, you tune into the sights, sounds, and textures around you, uncovering a world teeming with life and wonder. At Shumbalala Game Lodge, this immersive experience is a chance to slow down, appreciate the small wonders of the...
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