4 star Thunzi Bush Lodge, close to Port Elizabeth - an intimate bush retreat.
Excellent birding area!

Thunzi Bush Lodge is located in the tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest and African bush and offers country style Bed and Breakfast accommodation 30 km from the centre of Port Elizabeth, at the start of the Garden Route. The lodge caters mainly for the traveller who enjoys a tranquil setting, forest & beach walks, bass fishing or bird watching. The area supports an abundance of small game and birdlife with over 352 species of birds having been identified in the immediate vicinity. Walking trails around the lodge provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest where many animals including bushbuck, blue duiker and vervet monkeys can be spotted.

Thunzi Bush Lodge offers country lodge accommodation in comfort and the ultimate in exclusivity, we have only 3 chalets to 44 hectares of indigenous surroundings. Let your soul revitalise to the peaceful sounds of the African bush in the quiet privacy of one of our luxury log chalets, each with its own balcony and spectacular view of the forest.

Three hundred and fifty-two species have 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 Knysna Loerie (Turaco) our signature bird, with its magnificent crimson and green plumage. On a good morning guests have seen all 5 of our listed kingfishers within the estate, which in its own has been a highlight for some. Thunzi Bush Lodge offers customised birding tours with a qualified bird guide, enabling you to fully experience the rich abundance of birdlife in the region.

A number of walks, ranging from easy strolling to more strenuous expeditions, are within the vicinity of the lodge. Walking trails provide access to the dense indigenous coastal forest, while close proximity to Maitland Beach provides the opportunity to trace the Eastern Cape shoreline on pristine sandy beaches. For an unforgettable guided forest walk this is a must for nature lovers. Our nature guide will guide you through an adventurous night walk where you will possibly see bushbuck, various owls, bushpig, porcupine and various other nocturnal creatures.

Enjoy a variety of relaxing spa treatments to be done in the privacy of your chalet with the sounds of nature “playing” in the background. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon of bass fishing at one of our dams while the sounds of nature echo in the valley around you. African Moon Horse Trails, just 13km from Thunzi offers peaceful and scenic forest rides, over hilltops and deep into the indigenous vegetation for all types of riders, experienced or not!

The lodge's close proximity to the sea allows guests to enjoy a diversity of extra activities such as snorkeling, sand boarding, yacht trips, whale watching and canoeing.