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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 camp has earned itself a strong reputation over recent years and for very good reason; it was completely re-modelled in 2018 and the rooms are large with a modern, almost minimalist feel to them, but with a distinctive feel of the bush. Each one is open and airy with great views of the Zambezi and a private plunge pool on the deck in front.

The camp comprises 7 luxury rooms and the Kigelia House which is of the same style but is a 2-roomed unit with a shared sitting / dining area between the two bedrooms. 

The pristine Lower Zambezi National Park is superb and big game such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and big cats are seen regularly in and around the camp! This is a very exclusive camp where the emphasis is on making sure the guests are well looked after. 
 
Activities include the usual game drives and walks as well as all the river activities. The camp is very close to the Chifungulu channel which is ideal for canoeing.

Sausage Tree Camp

Lower Zambezi

Located in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park, this camp has been popular with visitors for many years. Tena Tena sits nestled among a thick grove of mahogany trees, and sits on a double-tiered river bank from which each room enjoys its own private view on to a long stretch of the Luangwa River. The location is a magnet for wildlife, and you don’t need to go far for magnificent sightings.

There are just six tents with plenty of space in between each one has its own bathroom, open to the skies. From your deck you might be lucky enough to spot the hippos wallowing or perhaps a lion roaming. The tented rooms are comfortable and spacious and truly give the feeling of being on safari.

Activities include game drives into the national park, walking safaris and there is also a hide which is open from August to October giving you a prime view of visitors to the river. All meals are included as are local drinks, there’s nothing more fun than swapping tales with fellow travellers over dinner.

For a truly exceptional safari experience, stay at Tena Tena and take a walking safari and overnight (1-2 nights) at Luangwa Bush Camping. 

Tena Tena

South Luangwa National Park

Located in South Luangwa National Park this is a friendly owner-run camp right in the heart of the bush. Offering different types of accommodation there’s something for all tastes and budgets. There’s a good-sized pool and plenty of space to relax in between game drives. The camp is one of the the first in Zambia to be awarded a Fair Trade in Tourism certificate and every night you stay they donate a proportion to support the conservation of wildlife in the local area.

Choose from family-friendly Chalet Rooms which can sleep up 6, the wild and luxurious Jackalberry Treehouse which overlooks a waterhole and is ideal for adventurous families, honeymooners or two couples travelling together, the traditional Safari Tents with 270° views, and the ultra-private Crocodile Nest which sleeps 4 – 6.

All meals are served in the restaurant, serving dishes using local produce and in many cases home grown! 

Safari activities include morning and night drives, as well as walking safaris. All are accompanied by an experienced ranger whose knowledge of the bush is second to none.

The South Luangwa National Park is a pristine wilderness in eastern Zambia, and is part of the broader Luangwa Valley. The Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of life, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants. Added to this, there is an amazing density of game, particularly along the riverine strip. Guests at Flatdogs often comment that ‘there’s something around every corner'.

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park

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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