Situated in the northern reaches of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park area of Northern Kwazulu Natal, within the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve and adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve, lies Rocktail Bay Lodge. The whole region has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Rocktail Bay received its name after a trawling ship, the Rocktail, was wrecked off shore.

This secluded lodge is situated metres from the Indian Ocean in the coastal forest, just behind the first row of forested dunes.

It offers perhaps the most private beach experience in South Africa on 40 kilometres of unspoilt, undeveloped and pristine coastline, which is rich in marine life.
 
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.

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
Scuba diving is available off shore (at extra cost).

The reefs off Rocktail Bay have never before been commercially dived they are young fringing reefs harbouring surprisingly healthy and diverse coral communities & marine life. There are numerous pristine reefs featuring large pinnacles, ledges, drop-offs & swim through’s.

Accommodation is in 11 tree house chalets. Each room has its own balcony, en suite bathroom and toilet facilities and an outdoor shower.

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.

Wholesome home-cooked meals are enjoyed either in the main dining room, at the poolside or outdoors under a huge Natal mahogany tree. Rocktail Bay Lodge is not a conventional deluxe "Bali"-style hotel on the beach with telephones and TVs; rather it is a comfortable lodge that is ideal for people who want to truly relax and unwind on one of the best coastlines anywhere in the world.

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).

The reefs off Rocktail Bay have never before been commercially dived they are young fringing reefs harbouring surprisingly healthy and diverse coral communities & marine life. There are numerous pristine reefs featuring large pinnacles, ledges, drop-offs & swim through’s.

Rates are per person, per night, sharing:

From: R1700

Inclusive of all meals, lodge activities (excluding scuba diving & turtle drives), scheduled transfers between the lodge and Coastal Cashews, VAT, Tourism levy and park fee’s.

Children of all ages are welcome at Rocktail Bay Lodge.

Please note that all rates are subject to change without prior notice and are subject to availability.  The rates may change for various reasons (e.g. rate of exchange fluctuation) and from season to season, and the above prices are to be used as an approximate indication only.

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