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 – an award winning family resort & spa. The thatch-roofed bungalows are situated amongst the indigenous gardens which provide the perfect setting for a totally relaxed holiday.
Spend idyllic days lounging on secluded beaches with only the waves crashing. Take a guided walk or strike on your own, explore the mangrove swamps, canoe up the river, myriad of birds and totally unspoiled natural beauty that this coastline has on offer. Immerse yourselves in our waterways and discover the patient dedication of fly-fishing or indulge your wild side in the adrenalin rush of sea fishing.
To compliment this wonderful escape; our chef’s offer delectable home cooking and fantastic local cuisine. Sample mouth watering home cooking & other delights while lounging on the deck or find a private spot in our wine cellar, the Green Door or the riverside Gazebo where you can tantalize your palates. Wind up the day by enjoying sundowners on a Fish Eagle Sunset cruise or on the deck where one can enjoy the stories of visitors from yesteryear in Basil’s bar.
Children enjoy the art of playing whether it is fishing with gillies or sand boarding on the dunes. This is truly a child’s dream holiday where they run around bare feet in the mud, slip & slide on the slippery slide or where they make holiday momentos in the creativity corner. Moms can soak up the sun around the pool or enjoy a bit of pampering at our Spa while little one’s are being taken care of by their nanny. However whatever you choose to do at Umngazi it is sure to be a fantastic way to leave the world behind!
Leisure:
The Spa – every guest is encouraged to enjoy a sumptuous treatment in our spa facility of which we are very proud. This is an experience unlike any- don’t just take our word for it; drop in.
Library – ideal holiday reading books available on loan.
Snooker – Enjoy a game or seven in Basil’s Bar with a friend (old or new).
Adults’ TV Lounge – So you don’t have to watch reruns of High school musical.
Gym – A highly recommended stimulating, healthy experience.
Tennis Court – a sure way of getting the blood pumping with friends and family. Talk about service with a smile.
The Pavilion – Here you can enjoy great views of the river, while spectating the odd tennis game from your lofty vantage poin
Umngazi Kids:
Our Creative Corner – a colourful and bright area designed to stimulate the creativity and imagination of your little Van Goghs and Henry Moores.
The Trampoline and Playground – always a fun outdoor option to keep children active and healthy while you bounce around on your own.
Children’s Dining Room (ages 5 years and under) – babies and toddlers can be fed in this special dining room outside of dining times, to fit in with your usual feeding routines. For you that means no mess, no fuss.
The Children’s TV Lounge – a cozy and relaxed area for kids to come together and enjoy some scheduled screenings of their favourite programmes (you know; loud, colourful, make no sense to adults).
Nanny Service – our wonderful local Pondo ladies offer their child-caring services at an hourly or daily rate, which ensures that you can relax in the comfort of knowing your child is in excellent, nurturing hands while you do…whatever you feel like.
Services:
Guest Laundry – laundry is collected from your room on a daily basis and garments are treated with the utmost care and returned to your cupboard for re-wear. It’s like magic.
Convenience Shop – a quaint little place pick up daily essentials, sweet treats and leisure wear, plus other novel curios and gifts.
Crafter’s Hut – for guests wishing to find curios and gifts, this facility offers distinctive African arts and crafts produced by members of the local community.
Fishing Guide Service – friendly and knowledgeable local fishermen offer their guide services at an hourly rate, with unique local insights into the top spots and best-practice fishing techniques.
DIRECTIONS & MAPS:
From the Wild Coast, Gauteng, Free State or the Cape, get yourselves onto the N2 North or South, which runs directly through Umtata. In central Umtata, look out for the intersection with a sign for the Port St Johns road; it’s hard to miss. Then you’ll have a beautiful 90km drive that meanders through lush valleys and gentle hills, with some spectacular views along the way. The road is spacious and tarred all the way to our (also clearly marked) turn-off.
From Kwazulu-Natal, take the Port Edward / Bizana / Flagstaff / Lusikisiki (R61) route and make your way to us past herds of cattle and friendly locals. Getting to Umngazi is not the cross-Africa odyssey you might imagine – even though once you’re here, you will feel miles away from the rest of the world.
Weekly fly-in packages are available Friday to Friday from Durban where you fly at 500 feet above sea level along the beautiful coastline – a wonderful way to start your holiday.
