Royal Natal Nature Reserve
Royal Natal National Park (Thendele & Mahai) was proclaimed in 1916 and contains some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, a rock wall approximately five km in length, and 500 m high.
Above the amphitheatre is Mont-aux-Sources peak where, as its name implies, the Orange River starts its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean and the Thukela River cascades down the face of the amphitheatre, in one of the highest waterfalls in the world, on its way to the Indian Ocean.
The award-winning Thendele Resort is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country, with views of the Amphitheatre from every chalet. Camping is available at Mahai Campsite catering for 400 campers.
Listing Details
-28.685717, 28.954158
Thendele Chalets
- Thendele, split into an upper and lower section, has 14 two-bed chalets with a bathroom, dining/lounge areas and kitchen and 12 four-bed chalets with two bedrooms, a bathroom, dining/lounge areas and a kitchen.
- Thendele offers two six-bed cottages with three bedrooms, one bathroom (separate toilet), a large lounge and dining room and a kitchen.
- Thendele Lodge, a six-bed luxury lodge with three bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom, a spacious lounge dinning room and a kitchen.
- Satellite television is also available.
- Resident cooks can prepare meals with food supplied by the guests in the two six-bed cottages and the lodge.
- The curio shop has a wide range of curios and sells basic groceries and supplies.
Camping (Mahai)
- Royal Natal has two popular camping grounds which are served by the main Visitor’s Centre.
- Mahai campground accommodates up to 400 people in spacious, shady sites laid out next to the Mahai River and the more secluded Rugged Glen accommodates 45 and is situated on the eastern side of the reserve next to Rugged Glen dam.
Horse riding is available from the Rugged Glen stables and bookings must be made in advance at the stables, or on telephone 036 - 438 6422 / 036 - 438 6310.
Guided walks are available on request, at a nominal fee. Swimming is perfectly safe in all the rivers, but is not allowed in certain areas. Details available at the reception office.
The curio shop at the Visitor Centre caters for the visitor who wishes to buy souvenirs, as well as having soft drinks, frozen trout, ice, charcoal, wood and a limited range of food stuffs and alcoholic beverages.
Gate Opening and Closing Times
Summer (October to March) 05h00 to 22h00
Winter (April to September) 06h00 to 22h00
Reception office hours: 08:00 - 16:30 daily.