Tented Camps · Maputaland Marine Protected Area, South Africa
Big Skies Gugs
Overview
Gugs Camp is situated on KwaZulu-Natal’s north eastern seaboard, a diverse region of forested dunes, wetlands, sandy beaches, woodlands and warm seas.
It lies just outside of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s UNESCO world heritage sites which spans a range of ecological zones. Situated offshore is the sanctuary of the Maputaland Marine Reserve with prolific marine life, spectacular coral landscape, dolphins and whales.
The camp is located 4km from the beach with breathtaking views overlooking the coastal forest and ocean. Enjoy the 8 en suite rooms (including 1 family room with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom), as well as the bar, kitchen, lounge, pool deck and boma. At Gugs you can set your own schedule, guided only by the tides and your own wishes. This is your time, and however you choose to spend it is just fine by us.
At Big Skies, we value a holistic model of tourism, a model that emphasises community, environmental conservation and an outstanding guest experience. The most important members of our community are the people who work in and live near our camps. They are the original custodians of the land and the people who know it best. By partnering with local communities, we have been able to benefit from their profound knowledge of the area and offer incredible experiences to our guests. The warm hospitality that you’ll experience in our camps has been extended to us from the earliest days of Big Skies and gives us the privilege of feeling that we also belong here.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Gugs Family Room
The Family Room can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (2 to 14 years old). This room is raised on concrete plinths and connected to the main area by sandy paths. It is equipped...
Gugs Medium Room
The Medium Rooms can accommodate 2 adults. These rooms are raised on concrete plinths and connected to the main area by sandy paths. They are equipped with bedding and towels (for both the shower...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
Afrikaans, English, Zulu
Ideal for
Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Property facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Accommodation & amenities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Verandah
Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)
On-site activities
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Massages, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Nearby activities
Beach, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Marine Tidal Pool, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Location
Where you'll be
Activities
What you can do
Beach Day
Gugs is located in an area that boasts some of the most pristine and isolated beaches in Southern Africa, beach days include packed lunches, soft drinks, shade shelters and staff to assist with the setup and packing up of all the beach equipment. Beach days are offered at Lala Nek which is the closest beach to camp, a 15-minute 4x4 drive along the dunes and through the national park. A full day excursion is also on offer to Black Rock beach, further north of camp, approximately 1-hour drive. This is a stunning beach and this activity is highly recommended for guests who are booked for long stays.
Bird Watching
The area boasts various bird species and a number of "lifers" such as the Palm nut vulture, long claws and more. Guests can enjoy the scenery and birds around camp or for the more enthusiastic birders, guided bird tours can be arranged with the camp guides. Guests will depart with a guide to various locations in search of birds.
Kosi Bay Lakes & Fish traps
Experience the ancient fish traps and natural beauty of the Kosi bay Lake systems. Included in the rate is a transfer to and from camp to Kosi Bay (1.5 hours one way) and a boat tour which includes snorkeling in the lake and a picnic lunch. The transfer is lengthy, however the experience and beauty is worth it as the lake system and communities surround it is unique.
Massages
Massages are available at an additional charge. A small spa, with a stunning view, is located on the property offering a selection of relaxing treatments.
Snorkeling
Just a 15-minute beach 4x4 transfer from camp (included in offering) along the dunes and through the national park is Lala Nek beach, which has family friendly snorkeling in beautiful, pristine rock pools where a variety of tropical fish and ocean life can be viewed. Snorkeling is determined by the tides and is run on a schedule which is communicated with guests in camp the night before. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided and guests can choose to have this activity as guided or unguided. National Park entry fees and permits are included in the offering.
Turtle Nesting/Hatching - mid-November to mid-March
Loggerhead and the endangered Leather Back Turtles nest along the coastline and can be found nesting between mid-November and mid-March each year. Guided turtle tours (walks or drives) are on offer at an additional charge. These tours take place at night and determined by low tide. Guests can walk or be driven along the beach to locate and observe nesting or hatching turtles. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, however, due to research and conservation efforts we are located in one of the most highly populated turtle nesting grounds along the coastline.
Walks, both guided and unguided
Various walks and routes are available for guided walks. The camp will tailor a route based on the guests desires and can include community, grassland, forest and beach walks of various distances. Short, unguided walks are also available to guests. The team in camp is more than happy to collect guests from the beach should they wish not to walk back to camp.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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