Situated in the wilderness area at the mouth of the Mbotyi river lies Mbotyi River Lodge. Mbotyi is the perfect place for a peaceful or adventurous break, and is ideal for families. Activities include walking and hiking trails along the coastline or through indigenous forests, horse riding along the foothills and beaches, bird watching, fishing, swimming, or canoeing on the lagoon.
The accommodation is in comfortable sea facing and lagoon facing wooden log cabins and thatched cottages.
General Information For Guests
Dress is informal at all times. It is advisable to bring warm clothes for winter mornings and evenings, and in the summer to bring rain gear.
The lodge has a set menu. Should you have special dietary requirements please notify Travel Butlers or call the lodge direct well in advance. Special menus are provided for children.
There is a convenience shop on the premises selling such things as toiletries, simple medicines, bait etc.
A laundry service is available from Monday to Saturday.
Nannies are usually available, but should you request these services please do so in advance.
There is a games room for children and a games room and bar for persons 18 and over.
There is no mobile phone network, there is however a call box facility for your exclusive use in Reception, but unfortunately this equipment breaks down frequently! Phone cards are available from Reception, or there is cell phone reception about 15 km from the lodge.
Please ensure you have sufficient fuel for at least 70 km prior to leaving Lusikisiki.
Your bar and other incidental accounts are payable on your departure - the lodge accepts Visa and Master Card but regret that Diners Club Cards and American Express Cards are not accepted. It is advisable to bring some cash with you as a number of the activities available are provided by members of the community and are payable in cash only.
Activities available are
:Mountain bike trails - there are a number of trails for the adventurous explorer. As with all the trails, these can be tailored to your individual needs.
Canoeing and paddling on the Estuary - single man touring style with dry compartments and rod holders for fly or bait fishing. A guide may be hired to lead children around the estuary whilst ensuring their safety.
Hiking and walking trails - trails can be tailored to suite and range from 30 minutes to 10 hours. Some known landmarks include Waterfall Bluff, Magwa Falls, Fraser Falls, Colliers Rock, Sharks Point and Cathedral Rock .....all the above can be arranged by the lodge.
Horse trails - a must for the enthusiast or the casual rider!
Swimming pool - if the warm Indian Ocean doesn't entice you, laze in the sun or cool off in the sparkling pool and treat yourself to a ice cold drink at the bar which overlooks the ocean and lagoon.
Whale and dolphin viewing - Mbotyi lends itself to the avid whale / dolphin watcher as there are many vantage points from where these beautiful creatures can be admired.
Bird watching - One of Mbotyi's main attractions is the pristine coastal forest that cloaks the hills overlooking the sea, the most extensive patch on the entire Wild Coast. 2 days spent birding this forest and surrounding areas should produce over 100 species. Additional habitats include open grassland dotted with acacias, cliffs and gorges, estuaries and lagoons with limited stands of mangroves, and sandy and rocky coastline.
Tea plantation tours - this is a self drive tour to the Magwa Tea Estate. It is characterised by rolling hills, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls. Visit the plantation and see how tea is grown and processed.
Sport kites - a great way to take advantage of the endless beaches - sport kites are used to propel one along the surf zone, either on skis or a bodyboard.
Fishing - the area around Mbotyi offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for any angler.
