Umfolozi River Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Announced for Mtubatuba, South Africa

Hilton has signed the Umfolozi River Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking its second Tapestry Collection signing in South Africa within the last year. The agreement, made in partnership with Umfolozi Hotel and Spa (Pty) Ltd, was signed during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban. The hotel is expected to open in 2028 and will be managed by Valor Hospitality Partners.

Located in Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the hotel will offer access to attractions such as the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Game Reserve, about 30 minutes away, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is known for its Zulu cultural heritage and natural landscapes, including landmarks such as the Valley of the Chiefs and local villages that showcase traditional Zulu life, history, and craftsmanship.

The Umfolozi River Hotel will feature 102 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café and bar, spa, gym, pool, and leisure and wellness amenities. Event facilities will include two meeting rooms and a ballroom for corporate and social gatherings.

The hotel will be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, with a focus on local community engagement, including collaboration with the South Africa College of Tourism to upskill local talent and create employment opportunities.

The signing follows other recent Tapestry Collection signings across Sub-Saharan Africa and is part of Hilton’s ongoing expansion in Africa, which includes plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent and grow its lifestyle portfolio.