THUNZI BUSH LODGE
Bush Lodge Accommodation
in Maitlands, Eastern Cape
Thunzi in isiXhosa, the local African language, means "in the shade"
describing a typical lazy afternoon in the forest valley. This tranquil
sanctuary of coastal forest can be found in the Malaria free Eastern Cape
Province nestled at the base of a 44 hectare (100 Acres) private valley
overlooking the pristine and lush De Stades river wetland. Conveniently situated
en-route to Cape Town only 25km from the friendly City of Port Elizabeth and 2km
from the untouched Maitland Beach perfectly positions Thunzi as a charming
natural destination to complete a scenic Garden Route adventure. This
unforgettable property reflects the magic of Africa ensuring supreme relaxation,
superior accommodation, friendly hospitality, refined cuisine and an endless
source of interesting activities.
"Just when you think you have seen the best and experienced the ultimate you
arrive at this paradise." Fred Orban, Boggomsbaai, South Africa
Accommodation:
Combining an expression of natural design ideas gathered from years of travel in
Africa by the owners Mark and Trenwyth Pledger resulted in the creation of a
collection of charming natural wooden chalets merging luxury, supreme style,
spaciousness and comfort for the enthusiastic nature lover.
Let your soul revitalise to the peaceful sounds of the African bush in the quiet
privacy of one of these luxury chalets, each with its own private forest deck
and magical view of the wetland and forest. All chalets are exquisitely
furnished comprising of full bathroom (large oval bath & separate shower) with
heated towel rail, Infra Red heaters, lounge with tea/coffee amenities ,biscuits
and a fully stocked mini bar.
Added extras for your convenience include remote controlled ceiling fans,
complimentary mineral water & chocolates, hair dryer and laundry facilities.
Options at Thunzi include the following chalets:
- Superior one-bedroom chalets with en-suite bathroom and private forest
deck suitable for two guests.
- Superior Two-bedroom family suite (double & twin) with full bathroom,
separate lounge and private forest deck suitable for four guests.
Cuisine Served Thunzi Style
Traditional South African cuisine prepared and served by Betty, our in-house
Xhosa cook offers sumptuous dinners that are lovingly planned and prepared. We
do our best to source the freshest ingredients as well as organic vegetables and
meat which are grown in the countryside.
All breakfasts are hearty South African breakfasts accompanied by freshly baked
scones or muffins each morning, a fresh fruit platter, a variety of wholesome
cereals, local creamy yoghurt and various flavours of filter coffee.
Private Moonlight Dinner
Try our open air private dining experience at our forest clearing where you will
be exclusively served seated near a cosy fire surrounded by burning lanterns.
While gazing at the stars and milkwood canopy sounds of frogs and wood owls
evoke a special evening feeling known as an absolute "Mind Unwind".
Private Breakfast and Dinner Experiences
Hearty Breakfast - Enjoy a quiet, undisturbed breakfast on your balcony
where you can watch wildlife from a colourful spectacular of the Turaco birds to
glistening bush buck in the morning sunlight.
Sumptuous Dinner - Let our friendly staff serve you your dinner in the
comfort of your own private balcony, set with candles and lanterns, while you
drink in the beauty of nightfall at Thunzi.
Activities & Surroundings:
Thunzi offers a variety of activities namely, bird watching, horse riding,
fishing tackle hire for the challenge of exiting Bass fishing ,shady forest &
beach walks, sand board hire and even relaxing Spa therapies in the privacy of
your own chalet. Our elevated award winning swimming pool the "Lazy Lizard" is
also a perfect excuse to soak up the sun in true lounging fashion.
While most of the Estate is classified as Coastal Indigenous Forest, the close
proximity of Grassland, Acacia Thicket and the De Stades River Wetland, creates
an ideal eco-diversity for bird watching and indigenous game viewing. The lodge
supports abundant wildlife with over three hundred and fifty-two bird species
having been listed in the area, including many elusive species such as the
Narina Trogon, African Rail, Grey Sunbird and the often heard Buff-Spotted, Red-Chested
and Striped Flufftails.
You are always assured of seeing the colourful Knysna Turaco, our signature
bird, with its magnificent crimson and green plumage.
Enchanted Forest walks on the reserve provide access to the dense indigenous
coastal forest where a natural life of wild orchids, tagged trees, the rare Blue
Duiker antelope, Bushbuck and Vervet Monkeys can be spotted.
The lodge is also situated on the doorstep of the Maitland Nature Reserve, a 127
hectare property comprising of three nature trails ranging from 3Km to 11 Km,
with the famous giant Maitland sand dunes and pristine shores of Maitland Beach
a mere 2km away.
.
While it is easy to immerse yourself entirely in the natural beauty of Thunzi
Bush Lodge, it is also amazing to know that within a 30 minute drive, you have
access to a variety of game and wildlife attractions, modern shopping malls,
Oceanarium with performing dolphins and many other attractions
Packages
Thunzi Bush Lodge's personalised two and three night packages range from Spa
treatment to Honeymoon and Game packages ensuring the ultimate as a "Complete
Nature Destination".
Owners Background:
After an adventurous working experience in Africa Mark & Trenwyth Pledger
privately established Thunzi Bush Lodge in February 2004. After acquiring the 44
hectares (100Acres) of unkempt land in 2002, they set out to transform the
property from scratch. Complimenting each others skills by utilizing Mark's
Mechanical Engineering and Construction experience and Trenwyth's hospitable
service background, together they uniquely created Thunzi Bush Lodge to its
pristine state that it is today.
A day in the life of an African Bush Lodge
Set in the Malaria Free Eastern Cape Thunzi Bush Lodge is a sanctuary for
travellers who want to experience true Africa...come and Discover the Secret
with us!
Contact Us
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