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| Maputaland | Kwazulu/Natal
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Africa Safari | 6 Day Safari
| Rocktail Bay
Sardine Run | Mozambique -- Bassas Da India
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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