Sodwana Bay Resort accommodation is uniquely style, symbolic of the dwellings of the San people who once lived in these mountains.
With its many exciting coral reefs and outstanding climate, the camp has distinguished itself as one of the premier sport diving destinations in the world. Sodwana Bay National Park is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This wonderful resort set in the sheltered bay on the Maputaland coast attracts many visitors all year round to discover its many hidden treasures.
Accommodation
4 Bed Log Cabins has two separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom with bath and shower and a lounge area. The cabin has a microwave, dstv, gas stove, fridge and freezer and braai facilities.
Some of the cabins have sea view.
6 Bed Log Cabins has three separate bedrooms with single beds only, fully equipped kitchen, two separate bathrooms and a lounge area. The cabin has a microwave, dstv, gas stove, fridge and freezer and a braai area outside.
Some of the cabins have sea view
They have some activities - all booking has been done through Reception, such as:
- Bird watching
- Diving
- Fishing
- Coral Divers
General
- The Rhino Club Card is accepted at Sodwana entrance gate only (no beach access), however a once off R5 Community Levy fee is payable upon entrance into the Park.
- No pets are allowed in the park.
- Please ensure that all possible precautions against theft are taken at all times.
- Firearms must be declared on arrival at the reception office.
- Safety deposit boxes are available for hire to safeguard firearms and valuables.
- No quad bikes or motorbikes are allowed in the park.
- Illegal power connections in the campsite will not be tolerated.
- Beach permits are required for 4x4 vehicle access to the beach near the resort.
- 200 permits are issued daily on a first come first served basis.
- Vehicles may only access the beach on Saturdays and Sundays, Public Holidays and peak school holidays.
- Air compressors may not be used in the campsites. A facility is available at the beach.
- Portable generators may not be used in the park.
- Fireworks are not permitted in the Park.
- Visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria before, during and after a visit to Sodwana Bay.
- Attendants are available to assist in the campsite and on the beach.
- Entrance gates are open 24 hours. Arrival after reception office hours will require a refundable deposit.
- Personal cheques will not be exchanged for cash.
- Please note that physically disabled people have to apply to the Minister at Marine and Conservation Management for special permission to access the beach. The application has to be done in writing prior to visiting the area.
Services
- Chalets are serviced daily
- Lodge and cottages offer the services of a personal chef
- Hiking/ walking tour guides
- DStv
- Office facilities including internet
- Cell phone reception (Vodacom, Cell C)
- Child- minding services
- Thendele shop with curios, firewood and basic amenities, The shop in the reserve is run by a concessionaire and stocks curios, groceries and fishing tackle.
Gate opening and closing times:
The gate is open 24hrs.
Reception: Monday to Thursday - 8am to 4:30pm, Friday and Saturday - 7am to 4:30pm, Sunday - 7am to 3pm.
Check In after 2pm and Check Out before by 10am.
What to do on arrival
All overnight visitors must check in at Sodwana Bay Camp reception office on arrival.
Office hours are from 08:00 -16:30 (Monday - Thursday) and 07:00-16:30 Friday, Saturday and public holidays, and 07:00-15:00 on Sundays. If you arrive after hours you will be required to pay a R200 cash deposit which will be processed into your account the following morning.
Attractions in Sodwana
- Conditions for driving are good throughout the year, but the best diving is from April- September.
- A 5 km self- guided walking trail for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts leads around the coastal forests and dunes and the are in rich in cultural history with evidence of ancient shell middens still found along the coastal dunes.
- Many popular dive sites with a great diversity of underwater seascapes an marine flora and fauna including branching, table and plate corals, beautiful overhands, drop-offs and mushroom rocks, as well as spectacular night dives
- There are also excellent snorkeling spots in the rock pools and off the beach.
- Other activities include night tours in December and January which offer camp residents unique opportunities for turtle watching.
- The 5 km self- guided Mngobeselen Trail is popular with visitors and conducted walks are available most weekends and in peak sessions.
All bookings are confirmed once payment or partial payment is received.
Cancellations greater than 45 days prior to arrival = 10% of amount (min R100)
Cancellation within 45 to 30 days of arrival = 25% of the amount.
Cancellation within 29 to 15 days of arrival = 50% of the amount.
Cancellation within 14 days & arrival date = 100% of the amount.
Amending booked dates is as good as cancelling a booking if it falls within the cancellation period. Same policy applies to amending a booking.
Cancellation policy are voided when booking dates are amended to be cancelled to avoid cancellation policy. So once dates are amended, cancellation policy are not applicable.
High season is applicable over public holidays, school holidays, long weekends, events and high occupancy periods. Tariffs may differ to those advertised.
The Jozini road is often not in a good condition
and the recommended route is to continue through to Hluhluwe and to
follow the Sodwana Bay signage.
From the south turn off at the Hluhluwe town off-ramp and follow the Sodwana Bay signage.
The park is 97 km from here through Mbazwana on a tar road.
From the north turn off the N2 at Jozini and follow the signs to Mbazwana and on to the park.
The alternative is to turn off the N2 into Hluhluwe village and take the new SDI road which is tarred all the way to Mbazwana.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Hluhluwe which is 80 kms away.
