Rocktail Bay Lodge

Rocktail Bay Lodge is situated in northern Zululand, along a beautiful and secluded stretch of coastline that constitutes the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve (part of which falls within the Greater St.-Lucia Wetland Park, a recently declared UNESCO World Heritage Site), and adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve. These protected areas incorporate over 125 miles of pristine beach, and Rocktail Bay offers one of the most private and exclusive beach experiences to be found anywhere.

Rocktail Bay is not 'big game' country, but the coastal reserve does offer a remarkable array of wildlife. During the summer months, four of the world's seven species of turtle can be found laying eggs along this protected stretch of coastline; guided nocturnal explorations in search of these ancient creatures are an absolute highlight. Whales and dolphins are sometimes seen off-shore, and numerous species of coastal birds occur within the reserve.

The Marine Reserve is host to a myriad species of tropical fish, and snorkeling at one of the secluded bays along the many miles of golden beach is another 'not-to-be-forgotten' experience. Other activities include relaxing on the golden beaches, or swimming in the azure sea; guided nature walks through the forests and grasslands; nature drives in open 4x4 vehicles; surf fishing (on a catch-and-release basis); or a visit to a nearby Zulu village.

 Rocktail is also a scuba diving paradise. The lodge enjoys exclusive use of a nearby launch, and access to the first fully accredited Mares Dive Resort in southern Africa. The reefs off the Maputaland coast are nothing short of spectacular. Along just 40 square miles of reef, over 1,250 different species of fish have been identified (compared with 1,600 species along the entire 1,200 miles of Australia's Great Barrier Reef). It is such exceptionally concentrated diversity that makes this arguably the richest diving ground in the world.

The lodge is situated just meters from the Indian Ocean, tucked away behind the first row of forested sand dunes. Accommodation is in seventeen comfortable tree-house chalets, raised up on stilts into the forest canopy. Each has en suite bathroom facilities, an outdoor shower and its own private wooden deck. The rooms reflect their marine environment with a color theme of blue and white. Fabrics are luxurious with white cotton sheets and soft mohair blankets.  

The main area is comprised of a central dining room, living room with wraparound veranda, a raised viewing deck and swimming pool. An intricate boardwalk winds from the lodge to the beach, a wonderful place to play by day and stargaze by night. Rocktail is a thoroughly relaxing and extraordinarily romantic retreat.

Conservation Dimension

Rocktail Bay Lodge and its sister camp in Ndumo Game Reserve are unique trilateral partnerships between regional conservation authorities, local communities surrounding the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve, and Wilderness Safaris (a private safari operator with a proven track record of conservation and community empowerment throughout Southern Africa). With a high level of pressure on Africa's game reserves from rural communities surrounding these parks, many of the continent's most ecologically sensitive and important wilderness areas are coming under threat from growing human populations.

The sophisticated conservation model that been developed and successfully implemented at Rocktail Bay and Ndumo (involving direct share ownership in the reserves by local communities) is regarded as a blueprint that could be used to save wildlife areas across Africa. Tourism to Rocktail Bay is helping to preserve this beautiful coast through revenue generated for nature conservation, through job creation, and via direct financial payments to the local villagers (who, as a result, have become avid conservationists, and some of the Reserve's most ardent supporters).

Rocktail bay Lodge also provides financial support to the turtle satellite tracking program, and funds the game scouts employed to protect turtles during the egg-laying season.