Sodwana Bay Resort

About Sodwana

With its many exciting coral reefs and outstanding climate, Sodwana Bay has distinguished itself as one of the premier sport diving destinations in the world.
Many popular dive sites with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna, corals, beautiful overhangs, drop-offs and mushroom rocks, as well as spectacular night dives have made this place a not-to-be-missed destination for the scuba diving enthusiast.
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.

Log Cabin Accommodation

4 sleeper log cabins consist of:
Two separate bedrooms.
Fully equipped kitchen.
One bathroom with bath and shower.
Lounge.
Extra bed on request is available.
Facilities: micro wave, DSTV, gas stove, fridge and freezer, braai facilities.
Some of the cabins have a sea view.

6 sleeper log cabins consist of:
Three separate bedrooms with single beds only.
Fully equipped kitchen.
Two separate bathrooms.
Lounge.
Extra bed is available on request.
Facilities: micro wave, DSTV, gas stove, fridge and freezer, braai area outside.
Some of the cabins have a sea view.

Gwalagwala Camping & Caravaning

Camp grounds feature 413 open space campsites that accommodate both caravans and tents, set into shady surroundings in the coastal forest.
Campsites have shared coldwater taps and barbecue facilities.
A number of campsites feature electrical plug points.
The ablution facilities provide hot and cold running water, flush toilets, showers, baths, dishwashing , and laundry facilities.
A smaller, more modern camping area is available with 33 electrified campsites that can take caravans or tents, each with their own barbecue, electric lights, running water and modem communal ablution blocks.
Freezer and refrigeration facilities are also available.

What to do on arrival

All overnight visitors must check in at Sodwana Bay Resort 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.

How to get there

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. Sodwana Bay Resort is 97 km from here through Mbazwana on a tar road.

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.
Scuba diving equipment is available for hire.

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 they 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.

Vital Information

Gate Opening and Closing Times: The gate is open 24 hours a day

Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 16h30 from Monday to Thursday.
The office is open from 07h00 to 16h30 from Friday to Saturday.
The main reception office closes at 15:00 pm on Sunday Afternoons.
Should guests arrive after office hours, they are to please proceed to the camp gate, where they will be assisted.

Camp Telephone Number: (035) 5710051/2/3
Camp Fax: (035) 5710115
Check Out time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00

Shop:
The shop in the reserve is run by a concessionaire, and stocks curios, groceries and fishing tackle.

Special Precautions:
Sodwana Bay is in a malaria area, and special precautions are necessary.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Hluhluwe which is 80 kms away.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil

General Info
The Rhino Club Card is accepted at Sodwana Bay Resort 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.
Accommodation fees are payable in full in advance.
Personal cheques will not be exchanged for cash.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s tariffs are available on request, and are subject to change without prior notice.
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.