If you are interested in nature, wildlife, and "getting away from it all", then this is the place for you. We selected Sodwana Bay because it is a more remote, unspoiled area on the Elephant Coast. However, I was a little nervous that the accomodations would not be suitable. I didn't want or expect 5 star facilities, but just something acceptable for a family on their first trip to Africa. I was very pleasantly suprised with Sodwana Bay Lodge and can happily recommend this place to any families. We stayed in a cabin, and it was just right for us. It had a double bed for my husband and I, and on the other side of a dividing wall, twin beds for each of our kids. There was a bathtub, shower, A/C, large deck with chairs, and a mini-fridge. What more do you need? The place was nicely landscaped and very well kept up. We ate all our meals at the lodge and found them all to be good value and tasty. Nothing gourmet or fancy, but just right for a family on a relaxed vacation. There is a lovely field and playground facility, as well as a pool. We arranged a snorkeling trip through the dive center onsite, and also a turtle tour. Both were fantastic! The place is about 5k away from the actual beach, but none of the places are actually on the beach (which is what is great). You have to pay to drive into the public beach, but there is parking and all. The ocean itelf is quite rough, but even for small kids, there is a little river to play in, and they can explore the rocks and tide pools during low tide. The turtle tour was fantastic and we got to see two nesting turtles. My husband did a micro-flight and said it was one of the coolest things he has ever done. We had a great trip here! There is not much around, so don't expect fancy accomodations, waterslides, and the like. But if you want to see a beautiful piece of unspoiled coastline, be around friendly people, and stay at a nice facility, this is the place for you!
Jennifer (India)
December 2010