Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort

You stay at Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort for the mineral-rich hot springs, set on 550 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal bushveld among granite boulders. The resort looks out over the Bivane River, where birdlife is abundant. The hot springs are the draw — their waters contain chlorides, sulphates, and carbonates, and the resort is built around them.

Accommodation ranges from budget twin rooms to self-catering units sleeping six. Rooms have private bathrooms, TVs, and tea or coffee facilities; some face the garden or mountains, with balconies. The main restaurant, Ematsheni Amakhulu, serves buffet meals when occupancy allows, with a la carte options otherwise. Two bars — Raptors and Boulders — have sports screens and poolside seating.

The resort hosts conferences for up to 120 people and weddings, with function rooms and catering. Activities include quad biking and a zip line. The campsite is well-maintained, with families often staying for the pools and leisure facilities.

The hot springs are the reason the resort is here. You swim in them, and the mineral content is the same as when the place opened.