Rocktail Bay Lodge - South Africa
Rocktail Bay Lodge is situated in northern Kwazulu-Natal in the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve, adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve. The lodge offers the most private beach experience in South Africa. Few parts of the South African coastline are as unspoilt and secluded as the area in the vicinity of Rocktail Bay.
Accommodation is made up of ten wood and thatch "treehouse" chalets & a Family Room are raised up on stilts into the forest canopy. The chalets have en suite shower and toilet facilities and an outdoor shower. Twenty guests can be accommodated comfortably. There is a lounge/pub and dining area where meals are served under thatch or under the giant Natal Mahogany trees. A boardwalk winds from the lodge through the dune forest and down to the beach. There is a swimming pool and sun deck for those who want to relax around the lodge.
This is not "Big Game" country, although Rocktail does have its own "Big Five": Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Palmnut Vulture, Buitons Skink and Zululand Cycad. Two interesting antelope occur ~ Common Reedbuck in marshes and grasslands and Red Duiker in forest patches ~ and Hippo are found in freshwater lakes. Whales and Dolphins are seen off shore. Birding is good and a number of rare coastal species occur ~ Green Twinspot, Green Coucal, Grey Waxbill, Purplecrested and Livingstone's Louries, Natal Robin and jewel-like Emerald Cuckoo in forests, and Pinkthroated Longclaw and Rufousbellied Heron in marshy areas.
The highlight here is the miles and miles of pristine and undeveloped coastline. In addition to simply sunning yourself on the clean golden beaches, a variety of guided activities are available. The Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkeling in search of tropical fish (flippers and snorkels may be borrowed at the lodge), while surf and fly fishing is among the best on the east coast. Nature walks through the coastal forest and grasslands, or drives in open 4x4 vehicles to Black Rock and other localities will enthrall naturalists and photographers. In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg~laying sea turtles are a highlight. Scuba diving is available off shore (at extra cost).
Access is quick, easy and surprisingly not that expensive by air charter from the Kruger National Park or its neighbouring private reserves. Alternatively, many guests self~drive into Rocktail Bay Lodge.
