Karula Hotel — Hotel in Mbombela

A fantastic two night stay to end off our family holiday to Kruger National Park. I last remember staying here forty years ago as a young boy, and although the place has expanded considerably, it has lost none of its charm and cosy hospitality. The beating of African drums to call guests to dinner each evening provides an authentic bushveld experience and brought back great memories.||Owner-managers Tom and Chandy are consummate hosts who are evidently passionately invested in providing excellent service, great food and a modern, comfortable experience to both business and leisure guests.||Rooms are extremely comfortable, with good mobility access and facilities in the new block. Rooms have all the necessary modern amenities including good air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and well appointed bathrooms.||Rooms are kept spotlessly clean and the impressive surrounding gardens are well maintained.||Staff are trained to the very highest standards of service and attention to detail, especially the dining room staff ably led by Florrie whose mother conjures up the tastiest food in the kitchen. Portions are generous, presentation is superb, the wine menu is extensive and well-priced and there is an abundance of choice at the delicious "help yourself" salad bar. ||It is no exaggeration to say that staff display a deeply invested "part of the family" approach to their work, which is a pleasure to experience.||The dinner-bed-and-breakfast package that we enjoyed was excellent value for money and I could easily have stayed on for another couple of nights given the chance.||The town of White River has faded a little over the years, but the Karula Hotel complex itself is welcoming and very secure with safe overnight parking. Ask Tom for directions to a good value local car wash & valet that spruced up our hire car after the dusty KNP roads.||The hotel bar opened each evening for very well-priced pre-dinner drinks, and after an indulgent 5 course feast, we were offered the option to take our desserts & coffee in the guest lounge in front of a roaring fire - who wouldn't ?||Our children (aged 18, 19 & 21) enjoyed the games room with dart-board and pool table, as well as the tennis court amenities on offer, and they made full use of the good wifi to rekindle their social media activity after a week of virtual isolation in the Kruger National Park.||For a traditional, family-run hotel experience in a safe, modern, extremely comfortable setting you can't beat Karula Hotel for enjoyment and value and I would highly recommend including this stop-over to treat yourself before and/or after any...

This is and has been, for the past 20 plus years, our first stop on the way to the Kruger Park.||Tom and Chandy are amazing hosts! ||Part of our continued support is due to the friendly, welcoming and attentive nature of everyone at the hotel. Florina our waitress was amazing in the dining room and so friendly too. We couldnt believe how she could remember 11 completely different orders for both dinner and breakfast (without writing anything down) with each meal arriving exactly as ordered!! She really is something special!||With Covid now seemingly behind us, please support these small hotels and the local staff that they employ as it really does make a difference!!! The amazing staff really will make your experience of the hotel and the area an amazing one! ||We can't wait for our next stay here on the way to the Kruger...

Was pleasantly surprised, the room we stayed in was neat, tidy and airconditioned. Tea and coffee is provided, but no mini fridge. A safe is available in the room. The bathroom has a bath-shower combo with ample water pressure. The staff are focused on customer service and this makes for a pleasant stay. The meals provided are a bonus and value for money, not to mention the melba toast. The pool was a welcome after a hot days ride. The only thing missing is cocktails, sad the bar doesn't serve any. I would highly recommend to use the Karula Hotel as a base and explore the...