Top beach lodges in KwaZulu-Natal
The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is one of the very best in South Africa due to the province’s gorgeous climate and warm Indian Ocean current.
Even in the coldest of months, sea temperatures average around 21.9°C, making it a particularly popular diving destination all year round. KwaZulu Natal boasts some of the country’s best diving sites with untouched reefs that teem with various marine species.
Needless to say, the province has plenty of hotels and lodges scattered along the coastline, but when it comes to location, accommodation and activities, these are the five lodges and hotels that stand out above the rest.
Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled on the coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is one of the very few untouched wilderness beaches in Africa. Thonga Beach Lodge is unlike other beach destinations; a single property surrounded only by forests and a private stretch of beach.
The accommodation comprises seven forest-view rooms, two forest-view family suites and three ocean-view rooms. Each thatched room is raised on wooden stilts to protect the dunes and have been carefully positioned in the coastal dune forest to ensure guest privacy. All rooms have open-plan bathrooms with king or twin beds, air-conditioning, overhead fans, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, in-room safes, hairdryers and a small viewing deck. The ocean view suite has an additional private plunge pool and boasts breathtaking views of the ocean.
Thonga welcomes families, offering family suites that feature two interleading bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The activities on offer at the lodge are exceptional and include snorkelling, scuba diving, sundowners and kayaking at Lake Sibaya, bird watching, guided walks, turtle tracking (seasonal), fishing, and visiting a Tsonga homestead to learn about their unique heritage and culture.
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Where my husband and I had our honeymoon – September 2009 #rocktailbeachcamp
Rocktail Beach Camp lies on the lush Maputaland coastline, surrounded by forest and a golden beach just a twenty-minute walk away. Rocktail Beach Camp offers an incredible nature experience, with red duiker and reedbuck seen around the camp and bird watching at its best.
The camp boasts sixteen suites with en-suite bathrooms, of which six are equipped to cater to families with two kids.
The facilities at the camp include a central dining room, bar and lounge with large wrap-around veranda, raised viewing deck, wine cellar, large pool, curio shop and a children’s playroom.
Much like Thonga, Rocktail offers an extensive list of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, turtle dives (seasonal), forest walks, catch and release fishing, birding, an ocean safari experience, cultural village visit, Tembe Elephant Park morning safari, and massages.
Children are kept busy with a range of activities such as guided nature walks, sand boarding, snorkelling, arts and crafts, and baking.
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The award-winning Oyster Box Hotel is one of Durban’s top hotels, set on the ocean’s edge and in perfect view of the red and white lighthouse of Umhlanga – a beloved photoshoot location. The hotel is positioned within easy reach of the airport, central Durban and Gateway Shopping and Entertainment Centre.
The elegant 5-star hotel features 86 luxurious rooms and suites that are equipped with a full en-suite bathroom, luxury bathroom amenities, heated towel rails, air conditioning, overhead fans, satellite TVs with movies on demand, in-room CD/DVD players, luxurious bathrobes and slippers, minibars, in-room safes, beach gear, a selection of current magazines and books, fresh fruit and flowers, tea and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The hotel is a great option for couples and families alike. Families with children under 12 years are given a backpack filled with various holiday items such as fishing nets, beach balls and colouring books. In addition, each child is given a wristband which entitles them to a host of complimentary goodies during their stay, including a soft drink, toffee apple, milkshake, ice cream and candy floss.
Besides the gorgeous swimming beach on the doorstep of the hotel, guests can enjoy walks along the promenade or visit uShaka Marine World and the SunCoast casino. The hotel also lies on the route one would take to visit the battlefields or Big 5 game reserves further north.
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