Thunzi Bush Lodge…feel the delicious torment!

Thou art to me a delicious torment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson…

All month February Special R1195.00 per person sharing inclusive of:

 One night in an enchanting private wooden chalet comprising of en-suite full bathroom (oval tub for two & glass shower), waffle weaved dressing gowns, mini Lindt chocolates, tea/coffee and biscuit tray and a King size bed covered in rose petal sprinklings overlooking your private deck with views of the indigenous forest and wetland.

 One sumptuous three course dinner based on true South African cuisine accompanied by a complimentary glass of ice-cold pink JC Le Fleurette bubbly.

 One night open air private dining experience at our forest clearing where you will be exclusively served seated near a cosy fire surrounded by burning lanterns.
 One hearty South African breakfast accompanied by freshly baked scones or muffins in the morning, a fresh fruit platter, a variety of wholesome cereals, local creamy yoghurt and various flavours of filter coffee.
 Romantic Couples Spa treatment to be done in the privacy of your chalet, includes a Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage for him and her, Mini Manicure/Pedicure for her and an Indian Head Massage for him (Adjustment to rate will be accommodated if only one guest requires the treatment).

Idyllic, perfect start to a Garden Route holiday!

"Even before we arrived, the staff at Thunzi couldn't do enough to help plan our trip, including arranging airport transfers and car hire. We did the Addo / Big five package with meals included and it was perfect. The breakfasts were amazing and the evening meals were absolutely spot on for interesting local food for us, but also suitable for the children. We had a picnic delivered to our balcony for lunch on the first day which was just what was needed to recover from the long flight from London. The accommodation and setting were both tranquil and exquisite. Lounging by the pool was the perfect way to unwind and relax to start our holiday". (Review from Tripadvisor 27 April 2010)

Thank you Thunzi!

My fiance booked us into Thunzi as part of our World cup tour around South Africa and we were thrilled with it! We were welcomed warmly on arrival with a refreshing drink and then lead down to our delightful chalet. The chalet was perfect for us; clean, decorated by the owners with wonderful artefacts they had gathered on their travels around South Africa. It felt like our little home for the few days we resided there. The bath was fabulous with rose petals and candles...and a glass of wine! We had a lovely balcony (which was not overlooked by anyone) across the bush and surrounding areas. The guest information in the rooms was great, helped us to plan what we wanted to do in the short time we had in PE. The food which was carefully prepared by Chef Betty was eXcellent. We really wanted some home made food by this point on our travels and we were not disappointed. The butternut squash soup was delicious!! The location is secluded and due to the fact there are only a few lodges, it is not over run with people which was even better. Michael was always around to answer questions and even gave us some hints on accessing the stadium for the England match we went to watch! We would love to go back just so we can see more of PE and stay in such a wonderful place. Oh and the Lion reserve a few km up the road is a MUST!!! (Review from Tripadvisor 28 June 2010)

2010 La Femme Bridal Fair!

We finally decided to take a stand at the annual bridal fair and wow are we glad we did! It was hugely successful and we managed to get the "Thunzi" name out there. Amazing to speak to PE locals and find out how many of them don't even know about the Maitland area only 20 minutes from their doorstep, it is like a mini Tsitsikamma with beautiful forests and never ending white beaches with enormous sand dunes.

Many people entered our competition and the lucky winner was Quinten Lamprecht, who will be staying over at Thunzi this Saturday night.

After 5 very successful functions (1 wedding, 3 corporate dinners with drum beaters and 1 farewell party) we are now convinced that Thunzi is THE place to have your wedding or corporate function. If you have been lucky enough to spend a night you will know what i am taking about. So if any of you are deciding on a function where you would really like to impress anyone then give us a call. We are also offering a special...the first 10 functions booked don't have to pay the R3500 hire fee!!!!

Vervet Monkey trying to escape

This is a sneaky monkey that managed to creep through the office, and into the kitchen looking for a quick bite to eat. When I opened the door to let him out he decided that wasn't good enough! He ran up and down the window sill for long enough for me to grab my phone and record him. But he would of course only break the ashtrays as I manage to open the window to free him!! These monkeys are really something you need to see for yourself to understand why they are so entertaining.

Finally time to Blog!

I can't believe i have finally managed to get the time to set this blog up! I feel as though i have been in the dark ages for the past two years (i have two year old triplets...doesn't leave much time to do anything else!!! :)
I am very privelaged to be able to live in one of the most amazing places in South Africa. Thunzi has a special feel about it which everyone notices on arrival. It took seconds for my husband and i to decide that this was going to be the place we discover our dream and build a bush lodge...that was 7 years ago!
We are very popular with honeymooners as well as for any special occasion. The birding is magnisfiscent and you will seldomly go for more than 5 minutes without spotting a Knysna Loerie. The mist normally rolls in from the sea in the evening and this is the best time for our very elusive buff spotted flufftails to emerge and "hoot" (sounds like a fog horn) till the early hours of the morning. We have yet to see one even after many hours of searching, sometimes getting as close as a meter away and yet still no luck! (We have an on going "competition", if any guest spots and photographs a flufftail for us at Thunzi their entire stay will be on the house!) Our two bass dams attract many more of our feathered creatures and normally also bring in the cormorants from the ocean which is only two km away. Which reminds me a must is the sand boarding, the sand dunes are MASSIVE and offers hours of fun for you and the kids.
I'm quite excited about this "blog thing" and hope that all our guests that have stayed with us join us in writing about their experiences and adventures at Thunzi and throughout South Africa.
For now Michael (Thunzi manager) and I are trying to figure out how to load the clip of the Vervet Monkeys trying to steal food.
We'll get the hang of this...eventually :)

This is Thunzi Bush Lodge!

In the shadow of the valley, the call of the Fish Eagle breaks the tranquil night's silence
The sun rises lazily over the hill, its reflection in the dam waters rippling across the surface
The sounds of the nearby sea dance over giant sand dunes on the morning breeze while the marsh reeds rustle as streaks of sunlight filter through indigenous trees
The jade green of dew-tipped leaves echoes in the feathers of perching Knysna Loeries
Monkeys clutch their sleepy young, and survey their surroundings from safe branches
Bushbuck lift their heads and twitch their curious ears in anticipation of the new day
This is another dawning of Africa in all its raw beauty -
This is Thunzi Bush Lodge.