Lodge of the Week - Rocktail Beach Camp

Untouched Coastal Bliss

Rocktail Beach Camp is the newer sister camp to the recently closed Rocktail Bay Lodge and contrary to what the name suggests, the camp itself is not situated directly on a beach. Instead it is neatly tucked away in a beautiful coastal forest within walking distance of the beach - a pleasant 15 minute stroll of the beachfront. The main lodge area accommodates up to forty six guests and is extremely spacious and minimally furnished. There is a children’s activity room and a renowned dive school offering all levels of scuba diving courses and various diving and snorkelling activities. The rooms encompass a modern tented design with simple furnishings, most of which have distant sea views. The family suites are ideally suited for families travelling with younger children whilst the standard tented suites offer the perfect private setting for couples. The honeymoon suite is spectacular. Guests staying at this camp are guaranteed an experience that is conducive to relaxation and relief. The buffet styled menu is delicious, the service satisfactory and the staff extremely friendly and courteous.

Rocktail Beach Camp is situated within the coastal forest belt of the Maputaland Forest Reserve. Although there is none of the usual larger game synonymous with the African bush, there are several small species which guests might have the opportunity to see such as the Red Duiker, Reedbuck and the indelible Honey Badger. The bird life is excellent with several endemic species found in the area. The nature focus, however, is on the coastline and marine environment. The scuba diving and snorkelling on the reefs within this section of the Maputaland Marine Reserve is what makes Rocktail Bay so special. There are no other dive boats using the same dive sites so exclusive diving is guaranteed. The environment is in a perfectly pristine condition. The sunset drive to Lake Sibaya provides guests with a lovely way of experiencing the Maputaland area for what it is. Although very little game still occurs the scenery is stunning and you pass through a number of local villages. Lake Sibaya itself provides a spectacular sun downer setting with hippos and crocodiles as the only other guests. During the summer months (from mid November – mid February) guests staying at the camp have the option of going on a late night turtle tracking drive. Here an experienced guide takes trips along the beach to try and locate Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles laying their eggs in the beach sand. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience and the funds raised from these trips help sponsor the on-going research on these vulnerable creatures.

Rocktail Beach Camp is great for couples, groups and families with children of all ages who have a fondness for exploring unspoiled coastlines. There are unfortunately very few undeveloped coastlines such as this left on this planet.

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.3
Safari Experience	5.9
Service	7.5
Facilities	4.1
Unique Rating	8.8
Conservation	9.3
Social involvement	6.6
OVERALL RATING:	7.8