We've put the following information together to make your stay, travels and perhaps your life a little easier.
Basic info
If you have a car, please make sure you remove all valuables and bring them into the lodge. Things that have little value to you are valued by others. We have a safe, please make use of it.
Office hours
The office is open between 8 am - 9 pm. If you want to check out before 8 am, please let us know.
Dinner
We cook dinner every night, if you want to join, let us know in time. The cost of dinner is usually R40 per person, unless otherwise specified.
Internet
Cost:
R1.00 a minute before 7 pm
R0.70 a minute after 7 pm
Please ask to be logged on and make sure you write down your name and the time that you log in and out on the sheet that is provided.
Telephone
Our card phone is located in the information corner. Phone cards are available at our office or the shop. Mobile phone airtime is also available at the shop.
Payment
We don't take credit cards or cheques. Let us know if you need a lift to an ATM.
Shops, post office and ATM's
Umzumbe
Turn right out of the lodge and walk about 500M, before the yellow building on the right you turn right. On the other side of the railway is the shop. They've got some take aways and basic groceries.
Hibberdene
It's 5 km north on the R102 costal road. There's a supermarket, pharmacy, bank, doctor and shops.
Port Shepstone
15 km south on the R102 coastal road. This is the main banking district, supermarkets, restaurants and specialty shops.
Fast food & restaurants
KFC & Wimpy
For a quick and fast bite, take a 5 minutes drive to Hibberdene.
Nando's, Spur, Something fishy, Wimpy and Debonairs
Fast food, all located in Port Shepstone.
Castaways
Italian restaurant is about 10 km south on the R102 (Southport). Enjoy the beautiful view while eating a pizza, pasta or a steak. Closed on Mondays.
Anchor Inn (Captain's anchor)
About 10 km south on the R102 is this seafood restaurant we absolutely recommend. The food is delicious, the service is good and it's well priced.
Maisies
A nice place with pizza, pasta, steak and seafood. It's 15 km south on the R102, just before the Umtentweni bridge.
Pit Stop
This place is just minutes away and serves fish and the biggest burgers you've ever seen. Lots of food for less money. Drive in direction of Port Shepstone, after 4 km turn left to Banana beach, follow direction of beachfront. It's next to the superette.
Fish on the river
Best fish and chips on the south coast as well as great calamari and prawns. Go towards Port Shepstone on R102. Turn right at Umtentweni traffic light. Go on to the N2, turn left to Batstones Drift, on low bridge turn right. Keep going, at large group of buildings on left side.
3rd Avenue
Stylish café in Umtentweni serving fantastic breakfasts (until 11 am) and lunches (from 12 until 3 pm). Dinner is on Fridays only, booking is recommended.
Zizi's
Quality food and trendy set up. Turn left at junction at Umtentweni, after 100 m on left hand side.
The Sultans Curry restaurant
A variety of curries served with rice, roti and sambals. They have a take-away menu as well. Turn left at junction at Umtentweni, take first right.
Transport
Baz Bus
We are a Baz Bus stop and booking agent. If you would like to book your onward journey or purchase a ticket we will be happy to help to.
Margate Mini Coach
This is a mini coach service that covers the route from Margate to Durban. It has a trailer for your luggage and is a safe and secure way to travel. The pick up point is from the junction of Umzumbe station road and the R102.
Example price:
R80 Umzumbe to Durban, one-way
R45 Umzumbe to Margate, one-way
Ask us for info on times, destinations and to book you a ticket.
Intercape, Greyhound & Translux
These coach services run from Port Shepstone or Durban to various destinations throughout South Africa.
Intercape: 021 380 4444 (VIP members get a 15% discount)
Translux: 086 158 9282
Greyhound: 021 505 6363
Oribi Gorge
If you want to have a go at any of the Wild 5 activities they will provide a return shuttle for R120 per person.
Need some shopping?
We go shopping every day, ask us in the morning for a free lift.
Dogs, cats and life in Africa
Our dogs, the two Rhodesian ridgebacks (golden brown) are Kaya (female) and Koki (male).
The two boerbulls (light brown) are Vega (male) and China (female).
Please do not feed them at all. It makes it impossible to train them. Other guests have fed them in the past in the kitchen or around the tables. This has caused the dogs to beg for food now. Just tell them 'out'.
Please be careful when walking near them, especially in the bar, as treading on tails and paws really hurts!
We keep the gate closed to keep the dogs in, they can get very excited and like to run out. Please keep them inside.
Our cat is called Kiko (black and white). She's very sweet and adorable, but very vocal. She is well fed, but always hungry, so if you're are cooking and she is a nuisance, splash some water on her to cool her off. Please don't feed her.
Sometimes things don't work. Our electricity, the internet and the weather sometimes act funny. Most of the times it's out of our control, so please be patient.
Safety
Please use common sense. If you feel unsure about something, please ask.
