There are so many reasons why Mpumalanga has long been the destination of choice for intrepid travellers coming from the busy city and looking for that memorable bush weekend away. The Province of the Rising Sun has the wildlife, the waterfalls, and the wilderness to entice the senses, and it is full of luxury self-catering lodges offering the best kind of accommodation at the best prices.
When you think of luxury, what comes to mind? Beautifully furnished rooms, a sparkling swimming pool, a spacious outdoor area, and utter privacy, all while enjoying the best views?
If you book your stay at one of these 10 luxury self catering lodges in Mpumalanga, you can expect all of this and so much more.
Mpumalanga covers a rather big area, so when you are choosing a place to stay, the place that you end up booking will definitely depend on the town or area in which you are staying. That being said, let’s jump into the list.
Close to Machadodorp, the Kloppenheim Country Estate Hotel is a luxury self-catering lodge capable of sleeping 68 guests at a time in its 14 lakeside suites and 20 twin estate rooms. The lodge offers beautiful views and has become an exclusive retreat for those looking for a quiet place to escape to. Some meals are available at the lodge while others can be enjoyed at a nearby pub. Kloppenheim Country Estate Hotel is every photographer’s dream destination.
In Graskop, the quaint and artistic town overlooking the Lowveld, the Mogodi Lodge is a luxury retreat with certain self-catering qualities. The rooms are comfortable and very well priced for the experience that you will be treated to, and its location, close to various exciting tourist attractions, makes it one of the best places to stay if you are in the Graskop area.
Set in the absolutely stunning and exclusive Mjejane Private Game Reserve, the Jacana River Lodge is an oasis in a sprawling wildlife park. Overlooking the Crocodile River, this wonderful example of a 5 Star Lodge in Mpumalanga is a comfortable place to stay, designed for a big family or friend getaway trip. Your time spent here is going to be one that you won’t soon forget. At Jacana, guests can enjoy a bird’s eye view of wildlife, as wild animals pass by the lodge on their way to the river.
In crisp and sleepy Lydenburg, guests wanting a unique kind of holiday experience will find what they are searching for at Forest Creek Lodge and Spa. The lodge has been built beneath the Steenkampsburg Mountains, in a gorge, and it is surrounded by a private nature reserve. The lodge has self-catering options alongside catered rooms, within the lodge, and private cottages are also available.
Kambaku River Lodge, named after one of the legendary 7 gigantic elephants who were discovered living in the Kruger National Park, is situated on the Crocodile River, on the Southern Border of the Kruger. The lodge boasts a few luxury rooms, each with full self-catering facilities and private pools. The rooms also have their own veranda, from which guests look into the Kruger Park and often catch sight of all sorts of animals.
With a selection of big and open luxury rooms, Komati Gorge Lodge is quite literally built on the banks of the Komati River, deep in the gorge. The lodge is out of sight, making it an exclusive place to stay and guests not only have stunning rooms but they also have a variety of exciting activities available to them, including fly fishing, golfing and horseback riding. Komati Gorge has self-catering suites as well as a range of self-catering cottages.
Misty Mountain Lodge is situated in the mountains close to Sabie. In the cooler months, the mist descends thickly on the lodge in the mornings and evenings, which is what gives the lodge its name. At Misty Mountain Lodge guest can choose from a wide variety of excellent self-catering accommodation options and there is a bed and breakfast option, as well as an onsite restaurant, for those who are not keen on preparing their own food.
For a long time people have said that the popular tourist hotspot Dullstroom is a good representation of Scotland. Its landscape and its weather are very much reminiscent of the highlands and whether Dullstroom is your holiday destination or if you are just passing through on your way to the Kruger, a stay at The Highlander Hotel is one that you won’t regret. This luxury hotel is rather romantic, each room has a fireplace, and guests get marshmallows free for roasting. There is a bar and a restaurant on the property, so while it is not completely self-catering, you will have to make a plan for your daily meals.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate can be found in the small village town of Hazyview. Hazyview borders on the Kruger National Park and is a well-known tourist hotspot, for those who are looking for accommodation outside of the Kruger. Hippo Hollow has been built on the banks of the Sabie River and is a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy a luxury holiday. Guests can choose from garden chalets, river chalets or a hotel room, and with a restaurant on the property, guests can take their meals whenever they like.
Last but definitely not least on our Top 10 luxury (self-catering) lodges in Mpumalanga list, this one is for the eco-conscious minded traveller. A stay at the Bergwaters Eco Lodge and Spa will live up to expectations and prove to be a fantastic choice. The lodge offers an affordable and peaceful retreat from the world, and is a great place to refresh the mind and revive the soul. The lodge has been built in the valley between Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder, and has a variety of luxury on-suite family units, chalets, a honeymoon suite, and self-catering cottages.