Thunzi Bush Lodge

Thunzi Bush Lodge Hotel / Lodge accommodation in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape

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Description

Country style accommodation, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Thunzi Bush Lodge is located in the tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest and African bush and offers country style Bed and Breakfast as well as self-catering accommodation 30 km from the centre of Port Elizabeth, at the start of the Garden Route. The lodge caters mainly for the traveller who enjoys a tranquil setting, forest & beach walks, bass fishing or bird watching. Walking trails around the lodge provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest where many bird species and animals including bushbuck, blue duiker and vervet monkeys can be spotted. Charming wooden chalets with private decks merge luxury, supreme style, spaciousness and comfort for the enthusiastic nature lover. Relax at our award winning swimming pool, experience our friendly staff, tasty cuisine and many interesting activities.An eco-diverse estate providing prime bird watching in 44 hectares of valley comprising of Wetland, indigenous forest, bass dams and grassland, home to 352 bird species. Revitalise your soul in the quiet privacy of one of our luxury log cabins, each with its own balcony and spectacular view of the surrounding forest.

Accommodation

 Thunzi Bush Lodge offers country lodge accommodation in the Eastern Cape in comfort and the ultimate in exclusivity, we have only 4 chalets to 44 hectares of indigenous surroundings. Let your soul revitalise to the peaceful sounds of the African bush in the quiet privacy of one of our luxury log chalets, each with its own balcony and spectacular view of the forest. There is a choice accommodation on either a self-catering option, bed and breakfast basis or dinner, bed and breakfast.
Television – There are no TV sets in the B&B chalets as we are keeping the chalets peaceful and are trying to install a “get back to nature” feel, please feel free to come and watch TV at the Bar if there is a specific program/sport you would like to view. Whatever your preference you will be pampered and spoilt by our attentive staff.

Turaco Family Suite

Exquisitely furnished two bedroom (double & twin) family chalet comprising of full bathroom (oval bath & separate shower) with heated towel rail, lounge with tea/coffee amenities and biscuits, stocked mini bar and private balcony leading from master bedroom and lounge which offers breathtaking views of the indigenous forest and wetlands.

Added extras for your convenience include waffle weaved dressing gowns, remote controlled ceiling fans, complimentary fruit bowl (peak season only) & chocolates, heating, hair dryer and laundry facilities.

Luxury Heron and Narina Chalets (perfect for the romantic couple)

Luxuriously furnished one bedroom cabin comprising of en-suite full bathroom (oval bath & separate shower) with heated towel rail, tea/coffee amenities and biscuits, stocked mini bar, waffle weaved dressing gowns , remote controlled ceiling fans, complimentary fruit bowl (peak season only) & chocolates, heating, hair dryer and laundry facilities.

French doors open from bedroom onto private balcony with spectacular views of the indigenous forest and wetlands.

The Hornbill Self-Catering Chalet

Comfortably furnished two bedroom (double & twin) family self-catering chalet comprising of full bathroom (bath & separate shower), lounge & dining area with open plan full kitchen. The private balcony leads from the lounge which offers breathtaking views of the indigenous forest and wetlands. A highlight for this chalet is its own private boma area situated in the indigenous forest where family and friends can sit around a cosy fire and enjoy their drinks while having a braai (barbeque).

Added extras for your convenience include various DSTV channels, waffle weaved dressing gowns, ceiling fans, tea/coffee amenities and biscuits, complimentary homemade seed brittle, heating, hair dryer, daily housekeeping service and laundry facilities.
 

Attractions

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. More information on birding on the estate or in the surrounding area can be obtained from the highly recommended Turaco Tours.

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! 

 Spa Treatment

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.

Horse-Riding

African Moon Horse Trails, just 13km from Thunzi offers peaceful and scenic forest rides, over hilltops and deep into the indigenous vegetation for all types of riders, experienced or not!

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 30 minute drive, you have access to many other game and wildlife attractions, modern shopping malls, oceanarium with performing dolphins and many other first world attractions.

Below is an indication of travel time and distance to attractions close to Thunzi Bush Lodge. Travel arrangements to these destinations can be made on booking or while at your stay with us.

KRAGGA KAMMA GAME RESERVE
"Rhinos & Cheetah are not the only interesting animals in this park!" All the modern shopping & entertainment needs 30 km, 25 min drive
14 km, 12min drive

BAYWORLD OCEANARIUM & MUSEUM
Performing Dolphins & Seals, Museum, Snake Park & Aquarium
35 km, 30min drive

ELEPHANT WALK RESTAURANT
6 km, 5 min drive

WALMER PARK SHOPPING CENTRE
All the modern shopping & 30 km, 25 min drive

MAITLAND BEACH & GIANT SAND DUNES
2 km, 2 min drive

BOARDWALK ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE & CASINO
A world of destination where anytime is playtime!
37 km, 35 min drive

ADDO ELEPHANT PARK
View the "Big Seven" at this internationally renowned Game Park
72 km, 50min drive

BLOUKRANZ BUNGI JUMP
World's highest bridge bungi jump - 216m of pure adrenalin!
180km, 1hr 45min drive

WEDGEWOOD GOLF COURSE
15,5 km, 13 min drive

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

ORGANIC CUISINE SERVED THUNZI STYLE

  All breakfasts are hearty South African breakfasts accompanied by  a variety of wholesome cereals, local creamy yoghurt and various flavours of filter coffee.

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.

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 Basket

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.

The Thunzi Breakfast Basket comprises of freshly baked muffins/scones, a fresh fruit salad, creamy yoghurt, gourmet breakfast sandwich of your choice and a flask of freshly brewed filter coffee

Weddings, Functions and Corporate Evenings

 Thunzi Bush Lodge offers a unique venue situated on a privately owned Estate set in a lush valley and unspoiled indigenous forest. In a safe and private environment, only 25km West of Port Elizabeth, Thunzi is the ideal breakaway and has the perfect setting for any peaceful getaway, exclusive wedding or function in Port Elizabeth.

Whether you want to escape and elope in the African Bush or go the traditional route and invite your friends and family, let Thunzi Bush Lodge be your venue of choice. For our corporates…awaken the night with African drum beaters and fire dancers in our boma, enjoy true local cuisine and impress your clients by ending the evening off in a specially erected “chill lounge” while enjoying the beats of Africa in the distance and sipping on Amarula!.

We offer exclusive dining facilities for up to 30 guests at our Nguni Lodge which overlooks a pristine wetland and indigenous forest. For a larger wedding or function we erect a modern free form tent (up to 200 guests). You may choose to have your ceremony at our lush bass dam or award winning swimming pool with the sounds of nature around you or one of the many quaint chapels in our vicinity.

We cater for up to 12 guests from our lodge kitchen. Off-site caterers are brought in for larger functions and we therefore are able to offer a menu to suit your individual needs. Specialised menus such as sushi and themed evenings are also available on request – As Thunzi prides its privacy and exclusiveness, we boast only four luxury chalets on the entire 44 hectare estate. Closest friends and family can be accommodated (12 guests) and can choose from a self-catering to DB&B option. You are therefore able to book out the entire estate for your own use with no worries of prying eyes!