Just like the African elephants you’re only steps away from, you need to socialize, quench your thirst, and satisfy your hunger from time to time. Yet how can you do this without missing a moment of the sights and sounds of the dynamic grasslands? After all, every moment at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s all-new Elephant Valley is as different as it is extraordinary.
As you wind down the pathway, you find the answer you’ve been searching for. An authentic two-story lodge beckons in the not-so-far distance. Bites, sips, and unparalleled views of the elephant herd await you at Mkutano House. Mkutano comes from Swahili, meaning “gathering with purpose,” which is exactly what you’ll experience at this serene destination with handcrafted design elements, avant garde menus, and one-of-a-kind moments.
The hand-carved wooden elephant artwork on the door invites you into Mkutano House.
Start to take it all in. Mkutano House’s expertly thatched roof, rustic wood accents, and curving walls make it feel larger than life. As you get closer, the hand-carved wooden elephant artwork on the door invites you in. Your day has been unlike any day you’ve ever had before, and it’s this experience is sure to be the same.
One of the elephant herd's watering holes is situated in front of Mkutano House. Here you might witness them playing or wading together.
The views from Mkutano House are even more awe-inspiring than it’s stunning exterior. The multi-level terraces offer a front-row seat to it all. Witness the elephant herd wading in one of their watering holes, or watch in wonder as they move across the savanna in harmony together. On the second floor, Ona Lounge looks out over Elephant Valley as far as the eye can see with tranquility. Fitting, as “ona” means “to see” in Swahili.
The Scrapbook Lounge tells the story of community and conservation through photos and art. Take a look around!
Every Detail Tells a Story
After you enter Mkutano House’s first floor, step into the Scrapbook Lounge. This comfy corner tells you a story: one of community, conservation, and what it means to truly work together towards a brighter future—for wildlife, people, and the planet we all share. Community-led conservation work is at the heart of our Savanna Conservation Hub, and it’s evident in this space through photos and art.
In the main dining room, panoramic windows open up to Elephant Valley. Situated at the center is a stately tree adorned with beautiful glass beads in all the colors of the rainbow, branching out across the room. And as you look around, you’ll notice beaded crafts all around you. They’re featured in the custom bar, wall décor, and driftwood stairs.
There are beaded pieces featured throughout Mkutano House, all handcrafted by women artisans at BeadWORKS Kenya, our partner.
Each one of these beaded pieces was handcrafted by our partners at BeadWORKS Kenya. This grassroots organization gives women in Kenyan pastoralist communities the resources and support they need to pursue alternative livelihoods. For these artisans, beading is a beloved tradition. They’re able to take a skill passed down through generations and turn it into income for their family. By partnering with zoos and wildlife conservancies to sell their products, these women are able to share the beauty of their craft and culture with the world.
Every little detail has been carefully thought through—even the restroom doors might seem familiar! While we’re creating something new and incredible with Mkutano House, we’ve also weaved in the Safari Park’s rich history. We repurposed wood from the former Tembo Stadium to breathe new life into the materials. Everyday life-changing moments happen at the Safari Park, and this reminds us of experiences past, present, and yet to come.
Try all the bold, fresh flavors on Mkutano House's menu.
Warm Friends, Bold Flavors & a Side of Culinary Creativity
Sit down and dine at the full-service restaurant, Mkutano House. Grab-and-go with some of your favorites from Grill Tu or relax with drinks at Ona Lounge.
The menu at Mkutano House highlights bold, fresh flavors from around the world. Chef Grant Toraason developed the signature dishes over the course of a year, using inspiration from his extensive culinary background. He believes that food brings people together, and the Mkutano House menu is crafted around communal dining and shared plates.
Kick off your meal with homemade cornbread paired with three seasonal butters. When there are only crumbs left, try a wide variety of entrees made with ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients. Share the delectable koji marinated chicken wings and then dig into the confit pork belly with woodfired naan, pickled apple slaw, and herbed labneh. The crispy pork, bright bite of slaw, and creamy yogurt sauce creates a perfect bite exploding with flavor.
Share the broiled black cod with a savory coconut curry and cous cous.
If you want something from the sea, try the broiled black cod with a savory coconut curry and cous cous or the creamy shrimp and lobster tagliatelle. For vegans, vegetarians, and those who can’t get enough Calabrian chilis, order the Somali-inspired spicy suug suqaar with vegan sausage, peppers, and onions. In every dish, Chef Grant has taken traditional techniques and innovated them to become something new and absolutely delightful.
You can't end a meal without dessert! Order our delicious signature malva pudding and delight your senses.
Round out your meal with our signature malva pudding. The decadent combination of sticky toffee pudding and tres leches, this classic South African dessert is gooey and spongy with a hint of apricot to compliment all the jammy deliciousness.
On the cocktail menus at Mkutano House and Ona Lounge, we’re featuring premium spirits straight from craft distilleries across the African continent. We’ve brought in top shelf gin, vodka, and agave spirits made with local and authentic African ingredients. Their quality is sure to shine, so try them in a cocktail flight or on their own.
We worked with craft distilleries on the African continent to bring in gin, vodka, and agave spirits made with authentic, local ingredients.
If you’re looking for a quicker dining experience, head over to Grill Tu. There’s plenty of options for every kind of dietary preference. Try the beef suya skewer, which comes with peri peri sauce, cilantro, pickled red onion, roasted peanuts. Or maybe the chicken digaag qumbe skewer. This Somali-inspired skewer is paired with coconut-banana gastrique and toasted coconut flakes.
There are three skewer options at Grill Tu: beef suya, chicken digaag qumbe, and crispy falafel.
The third skewer option is a classic: crispy falafel paired with chermoula, tahini yogurt, pickled red onion, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. All of these brightly flavored skewers come with white rice and kachumbari salad, plus you can add on fried plantains and berbere seasoned fries. Enjoy your meal on the grassy knolls of Mkutano Park before you continue your safari adventure.
Want to connect with the elephant herd further? Reserve your spot at the safari sleepover Roar & Snore.
Elevate Your Experience
Pack your trunk for more adventures with the elephant herd at Roar & Snore—a premium safari sleepover like no other. Spend the night at a campground nestled in between the sprawling savanna and Elephant Valley, where nature’s alarm clock can be the powerful roar of a lion or the trumpets of elephants. Reserve your spot at this can’t-miss experience today.
Get ready to reflect, recharge, and recount your day in the company of other wildlife allies at Mkutano House. When you’re at Elephant Valley, the African grasslands come alive like never before. Become part of the elephant herd, discover the dynamic communities that live alongside them, and enjoy food and drinks you won’t find anywhere else. It’s all here at Mkutano House.
Plan your visit to the Safari Park’s Elephant Valley, opening March 5. Plus, discover how wildlife allies like you are making a difference for elephants and other endangered wildlife through our Savanna Conservation Hub.
