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The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box

Umhlanga

Situated overlooking the historical and famous landmark, the Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels, which occupies a special place in the hearts of the countless guests who have enjoyed its warmth, caring service and relaxed elegance since it first opening in 1947.

Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, directly on the beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 86-room Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels. Renowned for generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine, The Oyster Box offers all the colonial charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities.

Perfectly situated on the ocean’s edge, a brief 5 minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre, the Oyster Box Hotel is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Afro-chic Durban city centre, International Airports and numerous stylish shopping centres…yet has a feeling of classical charm and elegance like nowhere else on earth.

Nearby tourist attractions of immense interest to travellers include Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Ushaka Marine World and Sun Coast Casino. Further afield, the historical Natal Midlands and majestic Drakensberg Mountains, as well as excellent Big Five game parks, lodges and historical battlefields can be explored.

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Amenities

Gym, Restaurant, Spa, Swimming Pool, Parking, Bar, Disabled Rooms, Kiddies Club, Beach, Luxury

Inclusions

Our Offers

Other Options

This distinctive lodge is nestled in the heart of Kenya's Aberdare National Park, which offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Designed to resemble Noah's Ark, this iconic structure overlooks a floodlit waterhole, attracting a diverse array of animals.

With multiple viewing decks, a photographic hide and open lounges, guests enjoy front-row seats to nature's spectacle; from towering elephants to elusive leopards, the Ark provides an intimate connection with Kenya's wildlife. As darkness falls, the waterhole becomes a magical stage, illuminated by spotlights, where creatures come to quench their thirst. A night guard ensures guests don't miss any of the action, adding to the thrill of this extraordinary safari experience. 

The simple rooms are like cabins but are very comfortable and with private bathrooms.

The Ark

The Aberdares

Mara Sopa Lodge is located on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, at the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Nestled in lush, landscaped gardens, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah and is ideally situated for game adventures. The architecture of the lodge is inspired by traditional Maasai culture, featuring large, round huts with thatched roofs that blend in harmoniously with the environment. 

Rooms at the lodge are spacious, each with a private veranda that provides panoramic views of the landscape. The interiors are tastefully decorated with local arts and crafts,  and you can enjoy the swimming pool and a restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes, and a cosy bar.

The lodge is a gateway to an unforgettable safari experience, with game drives in the Maasai Mara guided by experienced rangers, offering the chance to see the "Big Five" and witness the Great Migration, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.

Mara Sopa Lodge

Maasai Mara

The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Maasai Mara and is surrounded by 150 acres of lush gardens and indigenous woodlands, and offers an immersive experience in the African wilderness while providing exceptional comfort and hospitality. 

Featuring a variety of accommodation options, including tents and suites, all the rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The tents are spacious, with en suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private decks that offer stunning views of the Mara plains. All the interiors are tastefully decorated with Maasai-inspired décor, creating an authentic yet comfortable atmosphere. 

The camp's restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and you can enjoy meals in an open-air setting, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush. For a more intimate experience, private bush dinners under the starlit African sky are also available at additional cost. 

From game drives to witness the Big Five and the annual Great Migration, taking part in guided nature walks to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the region, and hot air baloon flights to cultural experiences with the Maasai people, one of the highlights of any stay is a range of activities on offer.

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Maasai Mara

How our Tent Ratings work

These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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