Rocktail Bay

Location

Situated in northern Natal, within the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve and adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve, is Rocktail Bay Lodge. The lodge and its chalets on stilts nestle among the fringe of trees, just behind the first row of sand dunes. The beach is a five-minute stroll from your chalet. There aren't many spots along the coastline, that are as secluded as this one.

Activities

Fly-In, Beach, Wildlife, Game Drives, Self Drive, Walking /Hiking, Fishing, Diving/Snorkeling, Photography, Birding, Mountain Biking.

Attractions

Rocktail Bay received its name after a trawling ship, the Rocktail, was wrecked off shore. This lodge lies within a proclaimed World Heritage Site and offers perhaps the most private beach experience in South Africa on 40 kilometres of unspoilt, undeveloped and pristine coastline. The chalets were built by the KwaZulu-Natal Bureau of Natural Resources in 1991 and were designed to be as ecologically friendly as possible. That's why the power supply is solar, and gas is used for cooking. The Leatherback and the Smaller Loggerhead Turtle have chosen this remote stretch of coast as their breeding ground. Each summer these giant creatures haul themselves from the surf and slog up the sloping sands to excavate nests and lay their eggs. Two months later hundreds of tiny turtles hatch out and begin their perilous scramble to the shelter of the waves. The Snake-Eyed Skinks of Black Rock draw their fame from the fact that they are the only ones of their kind in the world. Keep your eye on the sea, too, and you may catch a glimpse of a Humpback whale or dolphin. This is not "Big Game" country, although we do have our 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.

Facilities

Ten thatched A-frame chalets, mounted on stilts beneath the forest canopy, offer two or three bed accommodation for a maximum of 20 people. A short boardwalk shaded by avenues of milkwood and jackalberry, leads to a cosy thatched diningroom and bar-lounge, where you may be introduced to Gremlin, an orphaned thick-tailed bushbaby. You may dine inside or under the giant mahogany trees. During your stay, you'll be pampered by your hosts (the staff ratio is 26 staff to 20 guests), and because some of them are naturalists and marine specialists, they'll leave no question unanswered. Rocktail Bay Lodge serves as an ideal springboard for visiting some of the reserves and marine resorts nearby.

Additional Information

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). There is a new scuba operation here - the only private operation in coral areas in the whole of South Africa.

Children Policy

- Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
- Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
- Children over 12 welcome

Check In Before: 14:00

Check Out Before: 11:00