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Reviewed 15 December 2012

I came here in October 2012 with a couple friends as part of a 5 night, 6 day Drakensberg trip. This was the last place we stayed, and certainly the most spectacularly situated (see the attached photo). We went on 3 beautiful hikes leaving from the huts--to Tiger Falls the afternoon of our arrival (pleasant but not impressive in the dry season), a loop encompassing Surprise Ridge and Cannibal Cave (beautiful but long), and finally the Gorge (spectacular).

Our "hut" in the upper camp was great. Although more expensive than anywhere else we stayed on our trip, our unit was very clean, roomy, and well-maintained. The kitchen was fully functional and we enjoyed the back porch grill. Even though we came during the South African spring break holiday and all huts were booked, it was very peaceful, in contrast to the large campsite in the park, which we hiked through on the way back from Cannibal Cave and which had a decided spring-break atmosphere (which could be great if that's what you're looking for, but we weren't).

You should know that if you want to day-hike the Amphitheater that this is not the ideal location from which to start--you essentially need to drive out of the park and enter from another point. However, the hikes that leave from the camp are amazing in their own right, and to be completely honest the views from the huts are so great that you would be perfectly justified if you just wanted to sit on your porch and enjoy the view (+/- the company of a few baboons).

Date of stay: October 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
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2  Thank JeanVerde
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 December 2012

We stayed in the lower camp. It was kind of a mini honeymoon. I was not expecting luxury as I often stay in Ezemvelo places, and I have an affection for them. However, there was a catalogue of problems which just about ruined our stay. Our first chalet only had a two hot plate stove, one hot plate wasn't working. The microwave stopped working as well. The next day they fixed the stove and swapped the microwave. I noticed water coming down the one side of the building. When I reported this someone came and said the geyser had gone but it would be ok for the rest of our visit. (The water was scalding hot). About 10 minutes after he left, water started pouring through the light fitting in the kitchen ceiling. We were then moved to another chalet. This was nice as it was a lot larger and had a full size fridge, the other was incredibly cramped and hardly anywhere to store food. However, we discovered the microwave that wasn't working from the other chalet had now been put in this chalet, so we had to exchange them again. Then we discovered the toaster didn't work either. It just got a bit much and we lost a lot of time on the one day having to pack up everything from one chalet and move to another. The staff were very pleasant as always but a bit hapless. There seemed just to be one problem baboon, who could be avoided if one was aware of him (came round at evening time, when people would start arriving, and in the morning). The food preparation areas in both chalets were tiny, which is odd as the chalets were spacious. Bad design. Seems as if they think people are just going for overnight stays but it is far from both JoBurg and Durban. We were staying for four nights and did not have enough space in the two bed chalet for our meat, as the waist high fridge only had one of those internal freezer drawers. Hopeless. There was hardly any surface space to prepare any food either. Seemed like such stupid design. The amphitheatre was spectacular and the trails in good condition.

Date of stay: September 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
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Thank saba657
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 10 December 2012

Very beautiful, peaceful setting. Three nights here Sept. 2011 was a highlight of a month-long trip. There is a great variety of hiking from your door. Kitchen and outdoor patio and brai. Attractive African themed rooms. The occasional baboons are entertaining - just don't leave doors unlocked or food out. Loud Guinea Fowl are colorful and fun. Even though the chalet was right behind the office/store, Lower Camp, there was quiet and privacy. Chalets only; no central dining or lounge. It cost a little more than typical for South African parks, but much less than any private safari camp, and very reasonable to a US visitor. Reservations recommended. There are several streams and rivers a short drive or hike away for wading and swimming.

Date of stay: January 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Thank Shadow010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 22 November 2012

We stayed here for 3 days in October to go hiking in the area, in one of the chalets in the upper camp. We were unsure about staying here because it was at the upper end of our price range, but it was well worth it. We had incredible views from our windows and porch, and even though there were several chalets around us, it felt quite private. The rooms were comfortable and spotless and were the perfect home base to return to after a long day's hike.

Date of stay: October 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
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2  Thank Denise J
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 November 2012

We keep returning to Royal Natal National Park. Previously we have camped at the delightful Mahai campsite but chose Thendele chalets as we had an older family member with us.
Here you have a perfect view of the Amphitheater and are right next to the start of the best walks.
As South Africans, the prices seem rather high, but for foreign visitors who are, after all the target market, this would not be a problem. Chalets are very comfortable and well equipped for self catering. As far as baboons are concerned, this is where they come from and they have only become bolder since visitors started feeding them.

Room tip: The views are best from the upper camp.
Date of stay: September 2012
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
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1  Thank louisageary
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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