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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

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Our Offers

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Other Options

The lodge offers 3 different types of accommodation: Lelapa (meaning "family") Dithaba (meaning "mountain") Kopano (meaning "small gathering")  All are set overlooking the hills and plains of the malaria-free Madikwe game reserve. Each "lodge" has its own lounge and dining area, giving you the exclusive feel of a lodge within a lodge. African artwork, traditional lamps and artefacts give a real authentic sense of the bush. The rooms are in thatched villas have a private deck with outdoor shower, plunge pool and views across the reserve. Wood-burning fireplaces for cool nights, air conditioning and ceiling fans for when it's hot.  Rooms at Dithaba Lodge are set further up the mountains and have some of the best views over the plains, while those at Kopano Lodge have a more private, exclusive feel.  Meanwhile, Lelapa Lodge offers family rooms.  Activities include Game drive, Game Walks & Bird Watching

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe

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As one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten's Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience. It is a destination that captures the true meaning of being in the bush. Family owned and run it is probably our favourite camp in the region. A magical atmosphere is created by minimal use of electric light, lamps and candles enhance the feeling of being at one with nature. Game drives are led by experienced and professional rangers in open-top vehicles and you're likely to see some if not all of the Big 5. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving you the opportunity of discovering the smaller treasures of the area. There's a restaurant and bar area overlooking the bush, there is also a spa and swimming pool for relaxing between game drives. The spacious rooms have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities, a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. Paraffin lamps and candles replace electric lighting, and all the rooms have air-conditioning (and reading lamps and charging points for your devices). Activities include Game drives, Bush walks, Cultural Visits, Kruger National Park Day Trips, Boma dinners by the fire and much more. 

Nottens Bush Camp

Sabi Sands (Kruger National Park)

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Set in a spectacular and unique environment, Oceana offers a luxurious boutique hotel experience in a wildlife reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean. Home to more than 220 bird and 30 animal species. Daily game drives offer sightings of giraffe, zebra and a whole host of plains game. The drives are thoroughly enjoyable, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and learn a little about some of the different species. There's a huge private beach and picnics can be arranged, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, gym and bush walks can be arranged. The Ocean Suites are spacious and comfortable and are all air conditioned with tea and coffee making facilities, safe and WiFi. They have their own deck with fabulous views of the ocean and reserve. Pool Suites are newer and have private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

Port Alfred

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How our Tent Ratings work

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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.​

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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

Email:

enquiries@briggatetravel.com

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