Rocktail Bay

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

Situated in the secluded and unspoiled northern reaches of the Maputaland coastline, Rocktail Bay offers raised, tree-house like chalets set back from one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkelling. A rustic-chic camp shaded by coastal forest, this little slice of seclusion presents a unique mix of relaxation, action and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Perfect forWhale watching turtle spotting and walking down the pristine beach completely alone.

In the know

One of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Raised, treehouse like chalets hidden in the coastal forests.
Visit during the turtle season, October to March, to see mother lay their eggs in the sand and babies make their first journey into the sea.
Superb family activities available.

Recommended for...

Eco-tourism
Off the Beaten Track
Setting & Views
Snorkelling & Diving

Hotel Overview

sense of place

Set back from the beach - above the ancient dunes that make up the coast of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

rooms at Rocktail Bay

There are 17 elevated canvas and thatch units on wooden platforms. Beams of wood and furniture styled from tree trunks add to the rustic ambience, while the wall of bamboo on one side and the floor to ceiling window on the other create the feeling of staying in a treehouse. The rooms are all en suite and offer either double or twin beds. Some offer balconies overlooking the forest while a couple of units have horizon sea views.
If you are newlyweds, book the romantic honeymoon unit for its wonderful views of both the ocean and dune forest.

food and drink

Simple yet generous, the meals here are served under a giant Natal mahogany tree, where you can spot the thick-tailed bush babies and monkeys in the canopy. Dinner is a three-course affair with a set starter and dessert and a buffet main course.

facilities

Camp facilities include a central dining room, bar and lounge with a wrap-around veranda – the raised viewing deck just off the veranda has wide views that extend out to the ocean. There is a wine cellar, large swimming pool, curio shop and children’s playroom complete with board games and other fun activities.

activities at Rocktail Bay

Rocktail Beach Camp has a fully equipped PADI centre with open water courses and exceptional reefs nearby. Dive under the waves to swim with turtles, whales, sharks and exotic fish and to see the pristine hard and soft corals located just off the coast. There are miles of beautiful beach, which you can spend your spare time walking along, and the ocean is just a 20-minute walk away, where you can dip into to cool down at the heat of the day.
Rocktail Bay welcomes all ages: kids can make dens in the playroom, filled with bean bags, books and board games, or explore their inner master chefs during a pizza making class. Sand boarding down the dunes will keep them busy for hours and while they are learning new skills, you can unwind with a massage in the forest.