Thunzi Bush Lodge, Maitlands | Quick reference Sheet

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DESCRIPTION:

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 1-bedroom chalets with en-suite bathroom and private forest deck suitable for 2 guests.
• Superior 2-bedroom family suite (double and twin) with full bathroom, separate lounge and private forest deck suitable for four guests.
• Superior 2-bedroom self-catering chalet with full bathroom, open plan kitchen and lounge leading onto private balcony with spectacular views of the indigenous forest and wetland. A special feature for this chalet is its own private boma nestled under a milkwood tree in the indigenous forest where family and friends can gather and enjoy a few drinks and braai (barbeque).

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 Basket
Enjoy a quiet, undisturbed, hearty 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.

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