Marula Cottage Guest Lodge — Hotel in Thabazimbi Local Municipality

We can confidently say this was one of the best and coziest places we’ve stayed as a couple. Despite the chilly July nights, our suite was perfectly warm and comfortable thanks to both the air conditioning and an additional portable heater. We stayed in the Executive Suite and loved the extra separate lounge area with a sofa — perfect for relaxing in the evenings.

The view of the mountains from our room is something we’ll never forget — absolutely breathtaking.

Breakfast was generous and delicious: we had a fluffy vegetable omelette, warm multigrain bread with butter, cheese, jams, as well as muesli and yogurt. One evening, we requested a vegetarian dinner, and prepared a lovely pasta dish loaded with vegetables, served with a fresh salad. Dining by the large fireplace made it all feel incredibly special.

The lodge is beautifully designed with inviting common areas, lush plants, and a warm, homey atmosphere. It's run by a wonderful couple who clearly care deeply about both the property and their guests. They’re also true animal lovers — while there are a few dogs on-site, everything is peaceful and quiet during rest hours.

As bird lovers, we were especially delighted by the many new bird calls we heard each day and the chance to spot some truly interesting species right around the property.

We wholeheartedly recommend this place. It’s just a short drive from Marakele National Park and truly added something special to our South African adventure.

Big thanks to Monica & Dave – we absolutely loved our...

We can confidently say this was one of the best and coziest places we’ve stayed as a couple. Despite the chilly July nights, our suite was perfectly warm and comfortable thanks to both the air conditioning and an additional portable heater. We stayed in the Executive Suite and loved the extra separate lounge area with a sofa — perfect for relaxing in the evenings.||The view of the mountains from our room is something we’ll never forget — absolutely breathtaking.||Breakfast was generous and delicious: we had a fluffy vegetable omelette, warm multigrain bread with butter, cheese, jams, as well as muesli and yogurt. One evening, we requested a vegetarian dinner, and prepared a lovely pasta dish loaded with vegetables, served with a fresh salad. Dining by the large fireplace made it all feel incredibly special.||The lodge is beautifully designed with inviting common areas, lush plants, and a warm, homey atmosphere. It's run by a wonderful couple who clearly care deeply about both the property and their guests. They’re also true animal lovers — while there are a few dogs on-site, everything is peaceful and quiet during rest hours.||As bird lovers, we were especially delighted by the many new bird calls we heard each day and the chance to spot some truly interesting species right around the property.||We wholeheartedly recommend this place. It’s just a short drive from Marakele National Park and truly added something special to our South African adventure.||Big thanks to Monica & Dave – we absolutely loved our...

What a special place. As you drive to the entrance you pass game farms on either side of you, we spotted bush buck, black impala, waterbuck and klipspringer. Then once you arrive you are greeted by the most wonderful couple - Monika and Dave. They couldn’t do enough for us, from carrying everything to and from the car, feeding the bushbabies at night so that we got to see them, and of course Monika’s ‘special scrambled eggs’ for breakfast. The view out over the pool of the mountains in the distance is incredible. We absolutely loved our stay. The room was very clean and comfortable. And the chirps coming from all the birds in the trees outside added to the feeling that you are immersed in nature. The highlight of our stay however was Monika and Dave. We loved chatting to them and regret we couldn’t have stayed for a week. We actually wish we lived close by so that we could become friends! Please stay here! It’s a place (and hosts) we will...