Hotels near Royal Natal National Park, Bonjaneni

Loved the family atmosphere and varied range of activities

Let’s start with, I had literally no idea what I was getting us into. As we drove from Durban we turned off the main highway and just kept going. The roads got smaller, fewer markings, farm land, small villages/towns and then a turn off with a one-lane-ish road, bridges across streams that said “don’t cross if the water covers the bridge”. But when we arrived we realized what a special place this was. First off, family owned and run, currently being managed by the three daughters of the founders and I loved that they are all very engaged and on the property with guests every day. The property is set up with individual thatched house cottages and a main lodge. Each cottage has its own private patio with a view of the Drakensbergs and especially the Amphitheater mountain formation. We had also signed up for half board and boy am I glad we did that because the closest town was 30km away and didn’t have much to choose from. There is an option for a la Carte lunch and dinner too. But it keeps getting better. The property has amazing hikes, 18 horses, a couple of ponds, swimming pool, spa, tennis court and a dining room that offered us bespoke menus each. For David “Lactose Free Vegan” and for Ilene, “Lactose Free, Vegan & Gluten Free”. Dinner’s was multiple courses, and all delicious and beautifully displayed.

The scenery is really something else. You are already quite remote in this part of ZA but once they bring you up with the 4x4 the only people you will encounter are those on the premise itself. The staff is very friendly and the food is great. All in all great value and a very relaxing place with great views and hikes!

The service and staff at the front desk (especially Ms Mbali), the service in the store, the staff in the kids club like Rashid, the entertainment manager (Mr Qarrim), the bar tenders, the restaurant staff, Vusi with the horse riding and the spa employees made our 2nd last week in South Africa so warm, welcoming and beautiful. The activities for the kids were great, the Sangrias are a must try at Muzo’s restaurant at the Alpine Village and the hikes are beautiful, well marked and family friendly. Thank you!

Great location, very clean and great value for money.

Clean, affordable, lovely views / location, nice walks in close vicinity