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Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa
Tucked away on the Wild Coast, in the heart of Pondoland, and encompassed by a rocky coastline, indigenous forests, secluded coves and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, lies the award-winning Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa. It is an ultimate refuge for those seeking to refresh, restore and re-connect.
The 69 thatch-roofed bungalows are situated amongst the indigenous gardens which provide the perfect setting for a totally relaxed and unforgettable getaway.
Umngazi is a family-orientated resort that aims to offer the best value for money with a delicate blend of genuine indigenous delights and home comforts.
Civilisation is miles away and the surrounding hills are only sparsely dotted with colourful Xhosa huts. The resort is geared for family vacations so while you get your far-from-it-all-holiday, the children won’t be complaining of boredom.
Caretakers, activity rooms, an elaborate playground and a large splash pool will keep the little ones entertained, but everyone can enjoy games on the grass, fishing expeditions and swimming in the river. Jump on the boat to the opposite bank, clamber over the white dunes and flop onto the main beach. The only people you’ll encounter here are other guests.
Why we like it here
The lunchtime buffet on the deck features everything from fish and chips to prawn pasta and a string of salads and desserts. The kids’ dining room will give them their fill of bright orange carrots, green peas and mash.
Award-winning spa, perched at the highest point of the property. Catch your breath on the balcony while admiring Umngazi’s best beach views. The spa offers seclusion, beautiful panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the sights, sounds and smells of the sea mingle with nature constantly.
Umngazi orchestrates unforgettable romantic honeymoons and has earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s premier romantic destinations. Special Honeymoon Bungalows have been designed to provide privacy and added pampering, while our spectacular spa provides idyllic romantic treatments for two. The dedicated and experienced therapists use imported and locally-made body products to ensure guests leave feeling relaxed, pampered and rejuvenated.
Things to be aware of
Umngazi is very popular during school holidays and over the festive season (December – January) therefore it is advisable to book well in advance.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
Prana Lodge
Prana Lodge is a small luxury hotel situated in a pristine forest alongside the spectacular Chintsa Bay, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape. Your own private haven awaits: with only 8 individually-designed suites, featuring select pieces from a private collection of famous South African artists, Persian carpets, luxury linens, and oversized bathrooms with garden views promising relaxation of the first order, all completely private and secure behind your own garden walls, with patio and your own plunge pool.
Prana Lodge is ideally situated for soul nurturing retreats, romantic getaways and honeymoons, yet close enough to get away from major South African centres with the least of effort. An easy 40-minute drive from the East London airport, Prana Lodge offers luxury accommodation and soul’s comfort. You are invited to experience ultimate relaxation and restoration for body and soul through highly personalised and unobtrusive service, total privacy and exceptional cuisine.
Coupled with one of the many Eastern Cape game lodges, create an Eastern Cape Bush/Beach combination.
Prana lodge provides several cultural tours, which include a historical tour that takes you to the city of Mthatha, following the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. The highlight of this tour is a visit to Qunu Village where President Mandela grew up.
Why we like it here
Luxury accommodation in Chintsa East, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape.
8 luxury executive suites each with a private garden and plunge pool.
Located on a 17 acre private beach estate within an indigenous dune forest with direct beach access.
Exclusive gourmet dining with world class wines.
Spa and Wellness Centre including treatments, yoga and meditation.
Central infinity pool and lounge / bar area.
Activities include surfing, hiking, horse-riding, tennis, golf, fishing and birdwatching.
40 minutes from East London Airport.
Things to be aware of
Children are accommodated strictly by prior arrangement with management only and subject to availability.
Dinner in the dining room is restricted to persons 12 years and older.
Spa facilities are in demand and we therefore recommend that these facilities are pre-booked.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
Riverdene at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. It’s a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun.
Shamwari has 7 lodges and 1 explorer camp; each providing distinct experiences. From exclusive tranquillity, effortless family enjoyment or the back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp. Riverdene offers nine inter-leading luxury rooms, a magnificent pool, supervised Kids Club, Toddler Play Area and a popular Kids Adventure Centre to ensure entertainment for the whole family.
Rooms are fully air-conditioned; all feature television, telephone and small lounge area with sleeper couch, en-suite bathroom and private verandas leading onto the landscaped gardens. The lodge is centred around one large open-plan lounge, a bar with fireplace and dining room with in and outdoor seating.
Why we like it here
The Kids on Safari Programme is perfect for the family with various indoor and outdoor activities to entertain and educate children of all ages.
As a family lodge, there is a swimming pool with a shallow area for children.
This is a malaria-free area.
On your game drive, your guide will happily take you to visit the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where wild animals are cared for and rehabilitated under the care of a professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat. If requested, your guide will also take you to visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary to visit wild cats that sadly cannot be returned to the wild, but are kept in a caring environment.
Things to be aware of
Only children 4 years and older are allowed on game drives. For younger children, babysitting is available at an additional cost.
There is 1 room which is wheelchair friendly.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
Eagles Crag at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is situated in the magnificent Eastern Cape of Southern Africa. The reserve boasts several unique lodges and is the pinnacle of private game reserves. Guests can immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of Shamwari, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun.
Situated in the North of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eagles Crag boasts spectacular mountainous views and a stunning rocky cliff face. Providing exclusivity in the heart of nature, this sophisticated lodge offers guests the most luxurious means of experiencing an authentic African safari showcasing fauna and flora indigenous to the area.
Why we like it here
Ideal for a romantic getaway, Eagles Crag is nestled deep in a valley offering the ultimate in privacy surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Each room has a private deck with a stupendous heated plunge pool.
Eagles Crag has an exceptional relaxation retreat where guests can treat themselves to a spa treatment after a thrilling game drive.
The gift boutique has unique African inspired clothing and items available for purchase for keep sakes of your wonderful experience.
A fitness centre is provided for guests that would like to keep in shape whilst on holiday.
The food is plentiful and of the highest standard, prepared by our expert chefs, to ensure that you have the most fulfilling and authentic African experience.
Things to be aware of
This lodge does not permit children under the age of 12.
Eagles Crag has 9 junior suites.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
Sarili at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is situated in the magnificent Eastern Cape of Southern Africa. The reserve boasts several unique lodges and is the pinnacle of private game reserves. Guests can immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of Shamwari, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun.
Sarili allows guests to be in harmony with nature in an intimate setting overlooking the spectacular Bushman’s River and grassy plains. Guests can set their eyes on quintessential African sunsets whilst watching wildlife roam in the distance. This lodge offers contemporary comfort and is ideal for families and friends.
Why we like it here
This lodge is perched above of the Bushman’s River, offering captivating uninterrupted views of open plains teeming with wildlife.
Sarili is family friendly, perfect for families travelling with older children.
Shamwari’s staff members will cater for their guests’ every need, ensuring they have a memorable and fulfilling stay.
This lodge has 5 luxurious rooms, allowing for an intimate experience with your loved ones.
Children staying at Sarili can go wild at the Kids on Safari Adventure Centre at Riverdene which is a specially-designed play area catering for children of all ages.
The food is plentiful and of the highest standard, prepared by our expert chefs, to ensure that you have the most fulfilling and authentic African experience.
Things to be aware of
Children under the age of four are not permitted to join on game drives, however child-minding services are available at an additional cost.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
No. 5 By Mantis
Step into a world of unsurpassed sophistication and excellence at the exclusive No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel in Port Elizabeth, on the Southeast coast of South Africa. No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel sets new standards for discreet and lavish boutique accommodation. Flanked by kilometres of unspoilt beaches and malaria-free nature reserves, including the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve, Port Elizabeth is a premier tourist destination. Nestled in the posh beachfront suburb of Summerstrand, No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel is less than ten minutes from the airport and within 100 metres from the rolling Indian Ocean.
The outside world is suspended while our discerning guests’ every desire is met. The secluded environment of No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel is the ideal retreat for business or leisure. The Art Deco façade of the double-storey building is reflected in the elegant and contemporary interior. The landscaped feature garden completes the picture of serenity. No stone was left unturned in the decoration of this art deco-styled haven. An exquisite South African art collection tributes throughout, while 10 contemporary suites are masterpieces of comfort and opulence. No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel offers the service excellence that the Mantis Group is renowned for the world over.
Why we like it here
No. 5 is host to a privately-owned art collection and world-class facilities thoughtfully completed to enhance the art deco theme introduced by its townhouse façade.
Things to be aware of
The Villa Rooms are across the road from the main hotel.
As South Africa’s ‘wild’ province, the Eastern Cape features magnificent stretches of untouched beach, peaceful river estuaries, lush forests, breathtaking mountain vistas, and the arid Karoo Desert landscape. Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) serves as the province’s primary commercial and industrial centre as well as a gateway to the popular Garden Route where visitors can enjoy ancient forest walks, surfing in the world-renowned surf spot of Jeffrey’s Bay, and even bungee jumping from the world’s highest bridge bungee above the Bloukrans River. Beyond the Garden route lie some spectacular malaria-free wildlife reserves including the remarkable Addo Elephant National Park, now the only place in South Africa where you can see the Big Seven – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, whale and shark. Further east, don’t miss the Wild Coast region which, as it is far less developed than the rest of the country, offers visitors a glimpse of rural African village life.