5 Best Hotels in Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park, South Africa

This lovely, reasonably priced lodge offers fine food, superb hospitality, and all the facilities you'd expect at a top lodge. Whitewashed walls, thatch roofs, delightful gardens, and panoramic views over the rolling Sabie River valley make for a country-house atmosphere, and—a special bonus—all rooms have verandahs. However, the spacious garden suites are worth the extra expense. Not surprisingly, the inn gets lots of repeat visitors. Meals are served in the restaurant or on the patio overlooking the pool. For breakfast choose Continental or the Full Monty, a full English feast. For tasty snacks, try the à la carte menu; for dinner, check out the local and vegetarian specialities. The lodge will also book excursions, supplemented with a tasty picnic basket.

Expect a warm, sincere welcome at this owner-run guesthouse situated on spacious grounds with verdant lawns shaded by indigenous trees. The German-speaking Böhm family have been dispensing good old-fashioned hospitality since 1975. Chalets are perfect for groups and come fully equipped, with bathrooms, tea/coffeemaker, a heater, air-conditioning, and hair dryers. Take time to sit on your private verandah and gaze at the spectacular view of the Sabie River Valley and the prolific birdlife, order a picnic lunch, or walk the steep 4-km (2½-km) walking trail down to the river. A three-course dinner (R300) could include Sabie trout, succulent Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, and local mushrooms served with fresh herbs and vegetables from the lodge's own garden. Book your first night's dinner in advance.

Built of local Sabie stone, this charming bed-and-breakfast is the perfect base for exploring Mpumalanga's scenic attractions. The guest rooms (some wheelchair-friendly) are all animal-themed and attractively furnished with comfy beds, colorful bedspreads and soft furnishings, a minibar-refrigerator, and tea and coffee making facilities. A hearty English breakfast, served in the breakfast room or on the patio, is part of the deal. Guests have free use of the garden, guest lounge, swimming pool, and patio. Barbecue facilities are available, and by special arrangement a complete evening braai (barbecue) for guests in the boma (outdoor eating area) can be arranged.

This attractive Victorian-style B&B is set in a delightful garden bursting with roses. Luxurious bedrooms are decorated in pastels and have crisp white linens, bath and shower, satellite TV, and tea/coffeemakers. The two rooms on the first floor of the main building are completely private but share a balcony and lounge; they look out over an area known as Fairyland, a communal farm area where Sir Percy Fitzpatrick set up camp on his way to Lydenburg/Mashishing. Two garden suites are in a detached building and have private entrances. Guests can use a visitors' lounge as well as a refrigerator in the main house.

This charming boutique hotel, on the banks of the White River, is only a short drive from Kruger Park, and it was originally a 1920s hunting lodge. Rooms, most of which have private gardens and outside showers, are individually furnished in colonial, Victorian, Provençal, or English-country styles. High tea, which includes cucumber sandwiches and cream scones, is a specialty. Sip an evening sundowner, before dining on superb county-style cuisine under the stars ($$). Fly-in guests receive complimentary transfers to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, only 4½ km (3 mi) from the lodge. Balloon flights, helicopter trips, Kruger Park excursions, and scenic trips can be arranged.