The Kwa Zulu Natal coastline is the perfect place to take the family after a luxury safari in South Africa if you do not want to do all the traveling which is involved with getting to Mauritius or Mozambique. The Indian Ocean coastline here is very wild and is definitely suited to families who want to walk, snorkel, take boats out and generally just be exceptionally active. It is all very beautiful and is the perfect addition to a wild family safari you might have done in the Kruger, Madikwe or in Kwa Zulu Natal itself (there are some fantastic family options in Kwa Zulu Natal itself). In this article, you will find the names of three of the best places to stay at the Kwa Zulu Natal Coast and what makes them so good.
Best Places To Stay in Kwa Zulu Natal Coast
Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the shores of the Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This 24-bed lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the most un-spoilt wilderness beaches left on the African continent, and perfect if your family like to be active and experience remote and wild places. The thatched bush suites provide guest privacy and were carefully constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
The lodge offers luxurious accommodation, great meals and one of the best dive sites in the South Africa. Mabibi is a place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, lakes and sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and off-shore scuba diving. Added to this, depending on the time of year, you may also get to experience turtles laying eggs, whale sharks and swimming with dolphins.
Thonga Beach Lodge is situated only metres from the beach and a 25 minute drive from Lake Sibaya (Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake), which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site.
The Oyster Box
The landmark Oyster Box Hotel is situated at the edge of the beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean and is suitable for older families, not least because of its proximity to the wonderful restaurants of Durban. All the suites have views of the gardens, the lighthouse or the coastline.
The hotel rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite television, CD/DVD players, Wi-Fi and personal bars are included. Selected suites offer balconies to soak up the views. The villas are equipped with bathrooms, private pools and terraces. The larger suites and villas are ideal for families. Those in search of pampering can seek out the hotel’s spa and the energetically-inclined can head towards the well-equipped gym. Golf and hiking are available nearby.
Rocktail Bay Beach Lodge
Rocktail Bay Lodge is situated in the northern reaches of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This whole area has been declared a World Heritage Site. The lodge is really close to the warm Indian Ocean and one of the most incredible beaches in South Africa. Built out of the wind within the canopy of the dune forest, Rocktail Bay Lodge offers a very different beach holiday for any age family group. Accommodation at Rocktail Bay Lodge is in 11 tree-house chalets (including a family unit). Each en-suite room has its own private balcony and an additional outdoor shower surrounded by forest.
A boardwalk also winds from the Lodge through the dune forest and down to the beach. At Manzengwenya, 11km south of Rocktail Bay Lodge, they have their own dive centre where they offer boating excursions out to sea around low tide to enjoy scuba diving (and snorkelling) on the coral reefs offshore. Other lodge activities include fly-fishing, snorkelling, swimming and drives to Black Rock, birding walks, quad biking, horse ride safaris and drives and visits in open 4×4 Land Rovers. Massage treatments on the chalet deck are also available. During the summer months Rocktail Bay Lodge is involved in ongoing turtle research. Guests are able to accompany the resident turtle expert on research drives at low tide at night helping to monitor the turtles’ nesting numbers and behaviour. The sight of a 750kg Leatherback heaving herself up and down the beach to lay her eggs is one of the most moving experiences ever.
