Best Getaways 
Marula Gardens
Rest@MarulaGardens is a gateway location for the North Coast KZN Parks and Beaches. Set in the gated River View Village it is a few minutes from the market town of Mtubatuba, only approx 30 minutes drive from the lovely town of St Lucia with it’s amazing beaches and the stunning iSimangaliso Wetland Park and approx 30 minutes drive from the internationally renowned Hlumhluwe-iMfolozi Park for the breathtaking Big 5 experience. Excursions can be arranged. The property has recently been purchased by Nigel and Cheryl, who are starting a sympathetic restoration of the buildings. They are ably supported by the friendly and experienced staff who have been working at the property for many years. Nandi or Busisiwe, our hosts will greet you and arrange everything for your stay; Jubu and Mirriam will ensure your rooms are clean and ready, and keep things neat during your stay. Phiwe maintains our extensive gardens. There are 8 bedrooms, 5 around the pool and 3 in the gardens. A fabulous 2 or course Dinner is is available by prior arrangement at R150 per person for 2 courses. Wifi is available at the property via LTE and the TV’s have the DSTV hotel package. Local restaurants are close by, with more choices in St. Lucia, Mtuba Mall has Checkers as the key tenant, there is also a Spar and Pick&Pay in town. Richards Bay is 45 minutes away for the Boardwalk shopping complex. Electricity and Water in River View Village are supplied by the Umfolozi Sugar Mill. We are not subject to load-shedding, other than when the mill is off-line (late Dec to March). The water quality is good and any leaks are quickly resolved. Rest@MarulaGardens is a happy supporter of the excellent work of Destiny House Children’s Home and Pre-School, Mtuba Christian Academy and Grace Community Church.
Area Info
Mtubatuba, which means ‘he who was pummelled out’, is a small town north of Richards Bay and close to the entrance of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
Initially established as a railway siding in 1903 in a swampland of reeds and papyrus, the town Mtubatuba was almost swept away in 1918 in one of the worst floods the area had seen in over 100 years. It was only in the late 1920s that efforts to drain the swamp began and Mtubatuba became an official village in 1950.
Responsible for much of the town’s battle with water, the Mfolozi River meanders across swampy plains before reaching the sea within metres of the St Lucia Estuary. However, it joins with the White and Black Mfolozi rivers on the boundary of the Umfolozi Game Reserve, potentially more than doubling its strength and explaining its capacity for flooding. The flip side of this same coin is the fertility of the Mfolozi Flats, giving rise to sugar farms and a mill.
Units and Rooms
Standard Double with Garden View
Guests: 2
The standard Double room comes fitted with a double bed, a bar fridge, an arm chair and a TV. The bathroom has a toilet, basin and a shower only.
Rondavel Triple Garden View
Guests: 3
The standard rondavel room comes fitted with a queen and single bed, a bar fridge, an arm chair and a TV. The bathroom has a toilet, basin and a shower only.
Rondavel Twin Garden View
Guests: 2
The basic Twin rondavel room comes fitted with a 2 twin beds, a bar fridge, an arm chair and a TV. The bathroom has a toilet, basin and a shower only.
Rondavel Triple with garden views
Guests: 3
The standard rondavel room comes fitted with a queen bed, a bar fridge, an arm chair and a TV. The bathroom is on the side of the unit and has a toilet, basin and a shower only.
Self Catering Cottage
Guests: 5
The Self Catering Cottage has 2 twin rooms, a bathroom, a bath with a shower over, and an open plan living area with a fully equipped kitchenette. It opens up into s secluded part of the garden with outdoor seating and braai away from the parking area.
