Jabula Lodge

We went to Jabula's restaurant after hearing lots of enthusiastic recommendations. Dawn was exceptionally friendly and helpful when I called to book. On arrival, we were pleased to find a reserved table with a lovely view of the bush babies, which really set the mood. Seeing them was the evening's highlight and clearly the restaurant's unique draw. It was a busy long weekend, so the service was slow, and we waited about an hour for our steaks. The food itself was excellent: the steaks were perfectly cooked and full of flavour, and the chips, butternut and green beans were all enjoyable. Our bill came to well over R1000, which felt steep for what we got. The menu seems priced more for tourists than locals.

We came with family to Marlothpark, although my family and I aren't usually bush or safari people, and visited this highly recommended lodge restaurant. We were glad we did. It felt homely: homemade table mats and fairy lights in jars gave the deck a quaint look, suited to a relaxed family dinner. It wasn't current or stylish, but that wasn't the feel they were going for. The restaurant is upstairs on a wooden deck among the trees, with banana slices set out on the posts to draw the bushbabies closer. We were lucky to get a slight breeze on a very humid day, though it died down quickly. The place isn't large. I'd guess it can seat 30-50 people inside and out, and I also noticed a private dining option on a separate deck. Getting there means going up stairs, along a wooden balcony and through the bar. I didn't see wheelchair access. The bar has impressive hunting trophies and a real local watering hole feel. The seating is very comfortable in both areas, with oversized seats. They might be a little too big at the wooden picnic tables, though they'd suit a large person well. There are other table and chair options too. Wandile, our waiter, was quick and attentive. Apart from the English mustard bottle being almost empty, we were well looked after. We all wanted the 1kg Eisbein, and while we waited, we shared a perfect plate of onion rings. The main came with homemade potato fries and sauerkraut. The thick cut fries were just how I like them, crisp outside and soft in the middle. The sauerkraut tasted authentic to me. If it came from a can, it fooled me. The salad was fresh and generous, but underwhelming, with finely crumbled feta and no dressing. The Eisbein was a touch dry, barely noticeable, and could perhaps have been smoked a little more, if it was smoked at all. But the skin was perfect, crunching and snapping under my teeth and giving me goosebumps. Truly the best I've ever had. Seriously. For the area and location, the prices make sense, though some may find them steep. The food quality was impeccable and worth what we paid. I can't wait to return and try other menu items. As we passed through the bar on our way out, the owners warmly thanked us and said goodbye. We had a very positive evening and will have to come back. Wish I'd taken more photos, maybe next time.

We stopped at Jabula for breakfast on the way home, and it turned into a great experience. After a weekend of awful food and service at two other places, I was reluctant to spend more time and money on a meal in Marloth Park. But Jabula was clean and neat, the food was exceptional, and the atmosphere made us feel welcome and at home right away. The staff were so friendly and went out of their way for us. Leon and Dawn, the hosts, are amazing people. Don't miss the chance to enjoy great service and food at Jabula Lodge on your next visit to Marloth Park. We'll definitely be back!

We popped in for breakfast, and it was probably the best I've had in quite a while. There's no machine for fancy coffees, but the food more than made up for that. The Milo was great too.