Vlakplaas, Thabazimbi

we slept two nights with Dave and Monika. after being warmly welcomed by both of them, we had two wonderful days at Marula Cottage. The view is just amazing from this dreamy place. we can only warmly recommend the accommodation to everyone. the travel time to Marakele N.P. are only a few minutes. The breakfast and dinner prepared by Monika was excellent.

If you are ever in the area of Thabazimbi please treat yourself and stay at the Marula Cottage Lodge. Monika, Dave and their dogs are lovely. We had Dinner there on both nights which is freshly cooked by Monika & I can highly recommend! Also the breakfast was delicious. But the best of all is the view! Every Morning you get spoiled by a great sunrise! Thanks for having us!

Wonderful overnight stay on our way to Marakele Game Reserve. Dave and Monika were outstanding hosts - very knowledgeable about the area, extremely helpful and friendly. The dinner was more than 5*, and the breakfast equally delicious. Would definitely recommend a stay at this beautiful oasis.Rooms: 5/5

If you just "want to get away from it ALL" do yourself a favour and book a 3 night stay at Marula Cottage. Absolute peace and tranquility, in the heart of the bushveld, yet only 7km from Thabazimbi. Monica & Dave, complete with their 4 adorable dogs, will give you a real relaxing & "home from home" experience. Delicious home cooked food, as fresh as if picked that morning, coupled with great knowledge & company in relation to anything the bush & surrounds have to offer. Clean rooms that are extremely comfortable and air conditioned overlook the extensive bushveld and majestic mountains. No traffic noise or light pollution from any source, gives you a sense of being in a very special place!

Dave & Monica are lovely people who know the area and its wildlife very well. They were happy to help with information about the park and places to eat, even where to find a fuel station that would be open on a Sunday. The room was large and comfortable and we slept very well. Good water pressure for a nice hot shower. Fantastic breakfast. Monica's scrambled eggs are truly special. Their dogs are a delight. I love dogs and so I encouraged hem to interact with me. They are very well behaved and will keep their distance if that is what you prefer. Marakele National Park & Thabazimbi town are both about 10 minutes drive away, so very convenient location. The farm is a bit of a distance away from the main road, through a winding track, so I would advise approaching it during daylight to figure your way in. We will definitely be back with our birding family, the property is a birders paradise.

Hospitality and service are always exceptional. Breakfasts and optional dinners are delicious. Property is situated in magnificent, tranquil countryside. Guests have access to two wonderful national parks. Have stayed on six different occasions and hope to stay again.Rooms: 4/5

Wonderful location in the Bush, but only 10 minutes away from Thabazimbi town. Fantastic view above the valley. On the way to the lodge we saw many Impalas and birds. Marlula Cottage is only 10 min away from Marakele Nationalpark and about 1 hour to Pilanesberg Nationalpark. Rooms are very comfortable and clean, water is excellent drinking water own 170 m deep well. We ordered dinner before arrival and got very good meals, served in the dining area, where you can socialise with other guest Max 8 guest. Dave and Monika are very helpful, so Dave as experienced Safari guide give you great advises, if you want to explore a Park on your own. We had a problem with our car rental company and Monika did several Calls and Emails to sort it out. We could not have found a better place to stay.

What an amazing spot off the beaten track. Worth the stay!Rooms: 5/5

Great venue and awesome owners. Dave and Monika really go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The rooms as very clean and comfortable and the view from the outdoor area is exquisite. The Bush Baby's coming out at night was a great experience. Would highly recommend a stay here.

What a special place. As you drive to the entrance you pass game farms on either side of you, we spotted bush buck, black impala, waterbuck and klipspringer. Then once you arrive you are greeted by the most wonderful couple - Monika and Dave. They couldn’t do enough for us, from carrying everything to and from the car, feeding the bushbabies at night so that we got to see them, and of course Monika’s ‘special scrambled eggs’ for breakfast. The view out over the pool of the mountains in the distance is incredible. We absolutely loved our stay. The room was very clean and comfortable. And the chirps coming from all the birds in the trees outside added to the feeling that you are immersed in nature. The highlight of our stay however was Monika and Dave. We loved chatting to them and regret we couldn’t have stayed for a week. We actually wish we lived close by so that we could become friends! Please stay here! It’s a place and hosts we will remember forever.