Sand Forest Lodge Hluhluwe is situated on a nature reserve on the edge of an ancient sand forest and lies 1.5km west of False Bay Park – part of the greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. The lodge is a 20 minutes from the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve. Sand Forest Lodge is an ideal base in close proximity to many local attractions including False Bay Park, St Lucia, Kosi Bay, Thembi Elephant Park and Sodwana Bay. One hour from the Mozambique border.
Facilities include a swimming pool, sand forest bird and tree trail.
Accommodation:
Family Lodges – Kingfisher/Cuckoo (Sleeps 4):
Family units with two bedrooms – 1 x Double bed and two single beds, shower room, kitchen, lounge, private patio and braai (barbeque) facility.
Woodpecker / Weaver (Sleeps 4):
These chalets comprise of two family units, each with 2 bedrooms – 1 x Double bed and two single beds, an en-suite shower room, second bathroom, full kitchen, open plan lounge, private patio and braai (barbeque) facility.
Double/Twin Lodges:
Quail / Sunbird / Guineafowl / Hoopoe / Hornbill / Fisheagle / Falcon There are 7 double chalets, which have either two single beds or one double bed with shower room’s en-suite, mini kitchen, private patio and braai (barbeque) facility.
Chalets are fully equipped and serviced daily; all you need to bring is your food, drinks, drinking water, swimming towels and toiletries.
We have mosquito nets, overhead fans and air-conditioning in all rooms, we suggest that you bring peaceful sleep or tabard (insect repellent) for comfort.
Campsite:
We have two rustic, wooden bungalows that have double beds, overhead fans, mosquito nets, mini kitchens, private deck and braai (barbeque) facility. The bungalows DO NOT have air-conditioning or en-suite shower/toilet facilities and share ablutions with the campsite.
There are four camp/caravan sites situated on the edge of the forest, each have electrical points and private barbeques. Ablutions are shared with the bungalows.
Please bring torches and candles in the event of load-shedding and/or power outages.
Activities:
Meander through our sand forest, walk amongst the Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Steenbok and Duiker – sit a while and experience the ethereal atmosphere. Observe the many varieties of birds in the trees and the Mongooses running through the forest.
At the end of the day relax on your veranda and experience the evening sounds, the bashful Bush babies will be watching you from above, the cautious Genet Cats will be peeping at you from behind the trees – the Giant Eagle Owl sits above and watches you all with a superior attitude and grunts his approval at the tranquil setting.
The region has a vast diversity of natural and cultural resources that are all within easy access to the lodge. Visualize an open vehicle game drive among the Big Five in the oldest park in Africa, walk the fossil lined shores, canoe or horse ride through the open water system and coastal sand forest of a World Heritage Site. These and other activities can be arranged from the lodge.
Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park is the province’s premier “Big 5” reserve, and one of the biggest in South Africa, covering 96,000 hectares of beautiful landscape, forests, hills, rivers and waterholes. It has the distinction of being the oldest formally protected area in Africa. The park is a 15 minute drive from Sand Forest Lodge.
False Bay Nature Reserve is 2km down the road, meander through the park or picnic on the shore of False Bay, view fossils and observe the prolific birdlife.
Mkuzi Game Reserve is a ½ hour drive north from our lodge, you may self-drive through the reserve and perhaps take a picnic lunch which you could eat at the Nsumo pan – this pan covers a large area and is home to families of hippo and crocodile, as well as terrestrial forest birds and a variety of aquatic birds, both fresh water and marine.
St Lucia is the gateway to the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site, unquestionably one of the world’s greatest destinations, the largest estuary in southern Africa. Indulge yourself and walk along the many hiking trails where a variety of game and birds can be viewed or take a guided boat tour to view hippos, go deep sea fishing and whale or turtle watching, walk along the beaches and snorkel in clear warm water at Cape Vidal.
Diving and snorkelling can be arranged at Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay – approximately 40 minutes from the lodge, Sodwana has a coral reef with 95 identified species of coral plus over 1,250 species of fish have been identified here.
There is a Zulu Cultural Village 12km down the road where you are able to watch Zulu dancing and view the village.
So yes – plenty to keep you occupied, if you don’t feel like doing anything then you can just bask by the pool and enjoy the birds. There are supermarkets in the village of Hluhluwe so all supplies are available locally.
Climate:
The hot summer months are from October to the end of February, temperatures reach between 35°c to 40°c during the day with high humidity levels. The days are long with sunrise at approximately 05h00 and sunset at 19h00, evening temperatures level at approximately 20°c. Winter temperatures are mild at approximately 25°c during the day and dropping to approximately 12°c at night. Sunrise is around 06:30 and sunset 17:30.
Malaria:
Malaria is endemic to the area, although low risk, it is advisable to consult your doctor before visiting the area during the summer months. Tick bites can occur and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures.
Confirmation of booking:
Low Season : 50% deposit of total booking High Season : 100% deposit of total booking.
Deposit is required to secure your booking, this may be paid by direct deposit or by credit card, a copy of the deposit must be faxed/emailed through to the lodge.
Cancellation policy:
AMOUNT FORFEITED IF BOOKING CANCELLED: 100% of value of booking – less than 14 days to arrival 75% of value of booking – 14 to 21 days to arrival 50% of value of booking – 21 to 30 days to arrival 25% of value of booking – 30 days or more to arrival.
The Elephant Coast is one of South Africa’s most beautiful and unspoilt areas. Few areas in Africa have the incredible diversity of fresh water eco-systems found on the coast. There are major rivers, broad plains, large coastal lagoons, deep clear coastal lakes, extensive swamps and semi-permanent pans. Abundant game and bird species and a wild variety of flora.
Visitors are encouraged to realize that this amazing area is a destination and not simply a stop-over!
We are active members of Elephant Coast Tourism association and feel highly privileged to live in the Kingdom of the Zulu – we invite you to experience our piece of heaven and become one with nature.
Help us to help you enjoy your stay
