Waterhole Lodge

Waterhole Lodge is perfectly situated just 2 kilometres from Kruger National Park's Malalane Gate, one of the two entrances on the park's southern edge. Nestled within a secure, gated community of charming homes and guesthouses with manicured lawns and gardens, it provides a beautiful setting for a casual walk, bike ride, or jog. Explore the authentic bush trails where I've personally discovered at least 50 new bird species. Apart from touring Kruger in your own vehicle, Waterhole can arrange animal safaris for you, too. We also offer delightful adventures to scenic sites where you can enjoy a zip line or traverse bridges in the forest canopy. Currently, Waterhole Lodge features two suites that each accommodate two guests, and one additional suite that can accomodate 3 guests, though one must be a child between the ages of 3 and 18. They perfect for couples, solo and business travelers, as well as small families seeking comfort and relaxation. We combine modern convenience with a serene atmosphere, providing an ideal base for your next escape. Guests can unwind in our sparkling communal swimming pool, perfect for soaking up the sun or cooling off after a day of exploration. Our first retreat, Leopard's Lair, is a 2-sleeper designed specifically for romantic getaways or peaceful solo stays. It features a plush queen-size bed and a modern, stylish bathroom equipped with a refreshing shower. The apartment offers a fully-equipped, self-catering kitchen, complete with a full-sized fridge, toaster oven, microwave, toaster and a dedicated coffee station replete with a kettle. When it's time to relax, guests can unwind indoors and stream their favourite shows on the smart TV. When it's time to socialize or eat, guests can enjoy a braai and boma outside, or swim in our pool, either with your own family or with newfound friends. Our Lions' Den, also a 2-sleeper, that can convert to a 3-sleeper for a child younger than 18, is also a cozy, yet spacious haven that guarantees a comfortable and memorable sojourn. This unit includes a restful queen-size bed, a sleeper couch, and a comfortable, shower-only bathroom. The Den also features a fully-equipped, self-catering kitchen, with a toaster oven, full-sized fridge, microwave, and a morning-ready coffee station. Again, the same relaxing venues can be found for inside and outside entertainment and exercise. Our third suite is a deluxe accommodation with a king-size bed, a jacuzzi tub, a fully furnished kitchenette, a double basin in the bathroom and a separate shower. This unit's private yard provides gardens and lots of space to relax and sun yourselves; eventually, we will add a braai, a plunge pool and a patio with furniture for a sense of a home away from home ambience. And, once again, choose your inside and your outside activities with the knowledge that your privacy is assured. So, whether you choose to enjoy a quiet evening with premium streaming services on the TV or lounge by the shared pool, this property promises a seamless holiday experience. We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you. And, if you fancy a night on the town, we know the area - from local pubs to fine dining with or without a view of the local bushveld and its critters. Whether billiards in town, a local rugby match in season or high-stakes gambling at the casino located an hour away, we will do our utmost to meet your needs. Come, let us serve you!

Mhlatikop is a secure, quiet, residential village nestled on the outskirts of Malelane in Mpumalanga's Lowveld region, which is deeply immersed in South Africa's rich sugarcane and orchard agronomy. Located just off the R570, on the way to RCL Foods and TSB sugar mill, this tranquil, gated and barbed-wired neighbourhood is highly favoured by tourists for its exceptional safety and strategic positioning. It sits an effortless 2.5 kilometres from the Malelane Gate of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, making it an ideal springboard for your game drives and photographic excursions. Jogging and biking are safe here, and walking and bird watching along our bush trails is an added delight; Since Waterhole Lodge is a self-catering guesthouse, we will support you in finding grocery facilities nearby or delivery orders and meals; Daytime trips can be arranged for the scenic Panorama tours of God's Window, the old mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, the Blyde River and Komati River Gorges, the Geology Trail, Mbombela's National Botanical Garden, the amazing Sudwala Cave, and more - like visits to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and beach trips to Maputo and Oro Del Sol, Mozambique; Additionally, our village is a prime hotspot for golf enthusiasts, offering immediate access to the scenic Malelane Golf Club and the ultra-exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club. In addition, there is fine dining at Hamilton's, Pestana's (along the river) and The Grill @ Paradise Valley's restaurants; additionally, also along the river, the local cuisine is favoured at The Deck Restaurant or River House Lodge, which also provide beautiful views on the river and offer views of wildlife in the Kruger National Park. In summer, from November to late January, the temperatures are hot and humid during the day - ranging from the high 20s (75 F) to the low 40s (106 F), and average high teens (60s F) to low 20s (low 80s F) during the evenings; In winter, from May to October, the temps range from the low 20s (high 60s F) to high 20s (mid 80s F), with mornings starting out cooler; while the evenings can fluctuate between 6 or 7 degrees Celsius (low 40s F) to the high teens (low 60s F); most of the time, it is sunny and clear, but be prepared for breezy conditions at times, and hydrate at all times, even though the humidity seems ever present; Summer, from October to early January is the rainy season; it can rain 4 or 5 days during the week; generally the rains don't last all day, but they can last as long as 4 to 5 days without much of a stop; the bush grows very green and is beautiful, along with the cane fields and orchards of lichi, orange, lemon, grapefruit, dragon fruit, etc. The flowers can be everywhere from summer to winter, since this is the subtropics; animal viewing is best in the calving periods, which are usually in the spring, from early November to early December; the animals calving is some of the coolest photographic moments of any time.

* Mhlatikop is a compact, secure residential enclave; its primary appeal lies in its immediate proximity to the heavy hitters of the Malelane area. Whether you are looking for world-class wildlife, elite golfing, local flavour or working with the commercial ventures in this area, everything is right on your doorstep. * Kruger National Park (Malelane Gate): Located just 2 to 3 kilometres from Mhlatikop, is the main draw. You can easily drive yourself or we will book a guided safari to spot the Big Five and other wildlife; because you're so close, you can be first in line when the gates open at dawn. * The Crocodile River: Forming the natural border between the Malelane area and the Kruger National Park, the Crocodile River Bridge is a great spot to look for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, a plethora of birdlife and other wild animals before, after or without even entering the park. *Marloth Park: A unique holiday town, about an hours drive away, that offers close up views of all kinds of Africa's wildlife just be driving its rough and tumble roads. But, even on the tar roads one can get sensationally close to wildebeest, giraffe and kudu, to name just a few. You don't need to pack a lunch, because of the many restaurants and other eateries. * Leopard Creek Country Club: This ultra-exclusive, world-renowned 18-hole golf course borders the Crocodile River. While usually reserved for members and their guests, it's a legendary destination for golf enthusiasts and hosts the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship; we will arrange a reservation for our guests; * Malelane Golf Club: A highly-rated, scenic 9-hole course is located 1 km away. It offers a fun challenge where you might share the fairways with small bucks, and the clubhouse offers great views for a post-game drink; * Kambaku Golf Course, the highest rated 9-hole course in South Africa, is just an hour away, with scenic views of the KNP, as well. *Skukuza Golf Club, also billed as the most dangerous golf course, given that one might be attacked by lions or a leopard, or may be surrounded by wild dogs or buffalo, is only 1 hour away and may give some very exclusive, close encounters of Kruger's animal life - but it does have a very scenic and safe restaurant on its property. * Hamilton's Restaurant: Named after James Stevenson-Hamilton (the first warden of Kruger Park), is a popular restaurant set in an old trading store and offering sumptuous meals. It features beautiful stone and woodwork, lush lawns for kids, and a menu famous for its decadent desserts. * Mvubu Crafts: A lovely little stop to browse authentic, African-made arts, crafts, and curios, paired with a light lunch or tea, at Hamilton's; * RCL Foods Sugar Mill Tours: Since Mhlatikop is surrounded by sugarcane fields, you can book an educational tour at the massive local sugar mill (formerly TSB) to see how the region's primary crop is processed (Note: Bookings are essential, and closed shoes are required). * If you use Mhlatikop as a base, you are also perfectly positioned for longer excursions, including Tiger Fishing on the Komati River, exploring the ancient Sudwala Caves, or taking a scenic drive up the famous Panorama Route to see God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon. Come, let us serve you!