Thunzi Bush Lodge is located in the tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest and African bush and offers country style Self-catering accommodation 30 km from the centre of Port Elizabeth, at the start of the Garden Route.
The lodge caters mainly for the traveler who enjoys a tranquil setting, spa treatments, forest & beach walks, bass fishing or bird watching.
The area supports an abundance of small game and birdlife with over 352 species of birds having been identified in the immediate vicinity.
Walking trails around the lodge provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest where many animals including bushbuck, blue duiker and vervet monkeys can be spotted.
Thunzi is ideally located to be the perfect start (or end) of a trip along South Africa`s famous Garden Route. We are a 2 hour drive from Plettenberg Bay and only a little further from Knysna, this gives you plenty of time to drive to any of these destinations and still ample time to explore once you arrive.
Other Garden Route attractions within easy reach are Tsitsikamma, home to the Bloukrans River Bungi (highest in the world at 216 metres) and Tsitsikamma tree canopy tours.
The route between Thunzi and Plettenberg Bay follows the coast with plenty of interesting coastal towns along the way.
Accommodation:
Let your soul revitalise to the peaceful sounds of the African bush in the quiet privacy of one of our luxury log cabins, each with its own balcony and spectacular view of the forest.
There is a choice of various accommodation available on a self-catering basis.
AA Accommodation Awards 2007 & 2008 -Superior Accommodation.
Portfolio Collection
Bird watching
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. Three hundred and fifty-two species have 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 Knysna Loerie (Turaco) our signature bird, with its magnificent crimson and green plumage. On a good morning guests have seen all 5 of our listed kingfishers within the estate, which in its own has been a highlight for some.
Thunzi Bush Lodge offers customised birding tours with a qualified bird guide, enabling you to fully experience the rich abundance of birdlife in the region.
Walking - Forest and Beach Walks
A number of walks, ranging from easy strolling to more strenuous expeditions, are within the vicinity of the lodge. Walking trails provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest, while close proximity to Maitland Beach provides the opportunity to trace the Eastern Cape shoreline on pristine sandy beaches.
Guided Forest Walk
For an unforgettable guided forest walk this is a must for nature lovers. Our nature guide will guide you through an adventurous night walk where you will possibly see bushbuck, various owls, bushpig, porcupine and various other nocturnal creatures. End it all off with a view of the bass dams and a warm mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows!
Mobile Spa Therapist
Enjoy a variety of relaxing spa treatments to be done in the privacy of your chalet with the sounds of nature playing in the background.
Bass Fishing
Enjoy a tranquil afternoon of bass fishing at one of our dams while the sounds of nature echo in the valley around you.
Beach/Sea Activities
The lodge's close proximity to the sea allows guests to enjoy a diversity of extra activities such as snorkeling, sand boarding, yacht trips, whale watching and canoeing.
Attractions close to Thunzi
While it is easy to immerse yourself entirely in the natural beauty of Thunzi Bush Lodge, it is amazing to know that within a few minutes drive, you have access to many other game and wildlife attractions, modern shopping malls, golf courses, restaurants and many more.
