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Rocktail Bay, Maputaland South Africa

Situated in northern Natal, within the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve and adjoining the Maputaland Marine Reserve, is Rocktail Bay Lodge. This lodge lies within a proclaimed World Heritage Site. The secluded lodge is situated meters from the Indian Ocean in the coastal forest, just behind the first row or forested dunes. It offers perhaps the most private breach experience in South Africa on 40 kilomoters of unspoilt, undeveloped and pristine coastline. Rocktail Bay received its name after a trawling ship, the Rocktail, was wrecked off shore.

Activities
In addition to simply sunning yourself on the clean olden beaches, a variety of guided activities are available. The Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkeling in search of tropical fish (fins and masks may be borrowed at the lodge), while surf and fly fishing is among the best on the east coast. Nature walks through the coastal forest and grasslands, or drives in open 4X4 vehicles to Black rock and other localities will enthrall naturalist and photographers. In summer, nocturnal walk and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying sea turtles are a highlight! Scuba diving is available giving guests the opportunity of exploring fantastically rich, undisturbed reefs offshore (extra cost).

Wildlife
We offer the Indian Ocean "Big Five" off Rocktail Bay. Ragged-tooth sharks congregate off rocky reefs, Humpback whales migrate to the tropics in winter, Bottlenose dolphins and Whalesharks sometimes investigate the boat inquisitively, and huge leatherback turtles heave themselves onto Maputaland's pristine beaches to lay their eggs. Birding is good and a number of rare coastal occur- Green Twinspot, Green Coucal, Grey Waxbill, Purplecrested and Linvingstone's Louries, Natal Robin and jewel like Emerald Cuckoo.

See our Rocktail Bay Seasonal Activity Chart

Accommodations
Ten wooden "tree house" chalets are raised up on stilts into the forest canopy. The chalets have en suite shower and toilet facilities and an outdoor shower. Twenty guests can be accommodated comfortably. There is an lounge/pub and diving area where meals are served under thatch or under the giant Natal Mahogany trees. A boardwalk winds from the lodge through the dune forest and down to the beach. The is a swimming pool and sun deck for those who want to relax around the lodge.

Wilderness Diving Safaris Rocktail Bay Factsheet

Location
Launch site at Island Rock, 12 km south of Rocktail Bay Lodge. The launch site is exclusive to Wilderness Safaris' own boat, Mokarran. A welcome center has been built at Manzengwenya.

Reefs
The reefs off Island Rock / Rocktail Bay have never before been commercially dived. There are numerous pristine reefs; two known ones are Illusive and M'bibi. The diving occurs on world-class dive sites, with the possibility of seeing shoals of game fish and sharks. The coral reefs are pristine, and divers' buoyancy will be strictly controlled to avoid the possibility of reef damage.

Cost
R250.00 per person per dive. This price is valid until January 31, 2002. Mokarran, our semi-rigid inflatable can take 10 divers.

Restrictions
Please note that Island Rock is a relatively inaccessible and wild part of South Africa's coastline. Sea and weather conditions may vary tremendously and, should either the divemaster or skipper decide that diving or launching is unsafe, they will cancel the days' diving, at their discretion. A minimum of 2 divers is required in order to secure a launch.

Accommodation
Accommodation is available at Wilderness Safaris' Rocktail Bay Lodge. This lodge consists of 10 chalets tucked away in the forest canopy of the Coastal Forest Reserve, and lies within a proclaimed World Heritage Site. The surrounding area has been widely acclaimed, and has received the following awards: British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow award 1999, and "Top 10 beaches of the World"- Outside Magazine.

Daily routine
Guests will leave Rocktail Bay Lodge after an light early morning continental breakfast, and arrive at Island Rock at around 07h30. The first dive will commence at about 08h30, and on returning, guests can enjoy a hearty alfresco breakfast on the beach. A second dive will be attempted at around 11h00. Guests will then be taken back to the lodge in time for lunch (13h30). We endeavour to complete the dives in the morning, as the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. Guests will be able to take part in the scheduled afternoon lodge activities.

Equipment
A full range of SCUBA equipment is available for daily rental.

Other Lodge Activities
Activities at Rocktail Bay Lodge include turtle drives on the beach during the summer months, exploratory birding (and other) trips to the surrounding forests and grasslands by means of Land Rover or by foot, snorkelling in the secluded bays or off our boat, and optional trips

Please email us or call us for price and details!

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Africa Dive Tours | Africa Safaris | Africa Live Aboards