SAFARI TREEHOUSE London wildlife

Posted on 01/28/2016 | About London, United Kingdom

The view of London’s Southbank has been temporarily altered. Until Friday at 6:00 pm a safari tree house installation is on display that is based on Chalkly’s Treehouse in Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. London’s tree house has a view of the Thames instead of Kruger National Park and the late night sounds of clubbers rather than hyenas.

The tree house allows visitors to get a feeling for a safari lodging experience in the two room layout designed by London based, South African designer, Hubert Zandberg. “Africa has such a rich heritage with beautiful patterns, textures and materials; they translate really well when placed in a contemporary design environment," said Zandberg. There is a contest to win an overnight stay in the 10.6 metre (35 ft) high structure sponsored by Virgin Holidays. An exotic dining menu will enhance the safari accommodation. Included in the prize is a six-course private degustation menu from Masterchef 2013 quarter finalist Petrus Madutlela. Winners will nosh on tempura meal worms with induja mayo, shaved ostrich biltong (dried, cured) braised terrine of crocodile and smoked goat fillet with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish) sauce. “Although a lot of these ingredients are seen as a bit wild and eccentric, they are actually exceptionally tasty and good for you,” said Madutlela “I cook a lot with Bughu, a lemony herb native to South Africa, and it's perfect for this time of year with a valuable source of vitamins A, B, C, E and a whole bunch of antioxidants.” Until the installation comes down on Friday, it will be staffed by representatives of Virgin Holidays, a security team and event organizers.