Global hospitality giant Hilton is expanding its footprint in South Africa with plans to open another luxury hotel in KwaZulu-Natal.
The company announced the signing of the Umfolozi River Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Umfolozi Hotel and Spa on Monday, 18 May.
The hotel is expected to open in 2028 and marks the second Tapestry Collection by Hilton property signed in South Africa within the last year.
The agreement was signed during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, with representatives from Hilton, Umfolozi Hotel and Spa, and Valor Hospitality Partners in attendance.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton is Hilton’s portfolio of independent lifestyle hotels, with nearly 200 properties globally.
Hilton explained that the brand focuses on hotels that reflect the identity and culture of their surrounding areas while still operating under the Hilton umbrella and its Hilton Honours loyalty programme.
The new hotel will be located in Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, an area known for its strong Zulu cultural heritage and proximity to some of South Africa’s most well-known wildlife destinations.
The development is expected to provide visitors with access to attractions such as the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse ecosystems and tourism appeal.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Hilton, said the company sees strong growth potential in South Africa and across the continent.
“We are pleased to partner with Umfolozi Hotel and Spa to continue expanding our lifestyle presence in South Africa,” he said.
“Northern KwaZulu-Natal’s rich cultural heritage and proximity to iconic wildlife and natural attractions make it a compelling location for Tapestry Collection by Hilton, as guests increasingly seek distinctive, experience-led stays rooted in their surroundings.”
Fitzgibbon added that Hilton currently has 12 hotels trading or in development across South Africa and plans to open more than 100 hotels across Africa in the coming years.
What to expect from the Umfolozi River Hotel
“We remain focused on providing more ways to stay for our guests by strengthening our portfolio and introducing more of our award-winning brands to key destinations across the continent,” he said.
The Umfolozi River Hotel will feature 102 guest rooms and suites, along with several leisure and business facilities.
Planned amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby café and bar, a spa, gym, swimming pool, meeting rooms and a ballroom for events and conferences.
According to Hilton, the hotel will focus on offering visitors a locally inspired experience that incorporates the surrounding culture, heritage and natural environment.
Zakhele Mkhize, executive chairman of Umfolozi Hotel and Spa, said the project represents a major milestone for both the company and the wider region.
“Our partnership with Hilton to open Umfolozi River Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marks an important milestone for our company and for the wider region,” he said.
“The hotel will celebrate KwaZulu-Natal’s unique character while delivering the world-class hospitality standards Hilton is globally known for.”
The property will be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, which manages hotel operations globally and already works closely with Hilton on several projects.
Tony Romer-Lee, Valor co-founder and managing partner for Africa and the Middle East, said the development would also focus on community involvement and skills development.
“Through our partnership with the South Africa College of Tourism, we are committed to upskilling local talent, ensuring that the hotel creates sustainable employment and meaningful opportunities for the surrounding communities.”
