Lidiko Lodge

Destination

St Lucia

Lidiko Lodge is a well appointed 4 star lodge centrally situated in the village of St Lucia, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge is family owned and managed. Set above the Great St Lucia Lake, on a coastal dune and with views of the lake, accommodation in the well appointed 16 garden rooms is provided on a bed & breakfast basis. The main building of the lodge is one of the original buildings erected in St Lucia and with its thatch oozes an old world Zululand charm. It houses the reception area; drawing room; art gallery, showcasing the best of the local artists and crafters, a small library for guests as well as the dining deck with views of the Great St Lucia Lake. The lodge has 12 standard double/twin garden rooms as well as an interleading family unit, and two triple rooms. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary Afro-Colonial style and fitted with a bar fridge; wall safe; television; hairdryer and complimentary coffee and tea facilities. All the rooms are generously proportioned, offering full air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms (bath and separate shower). Each room has its own foliage shaded patio and private entrance. All the rooms overlook the sparkling pool or magnificent lodge gardens. Convenient on site parking is provided. For families traveling together Lidiko offers a cottage consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, dining room, private deck and a self contained kitchen. At Lidiko guests are accommodated in style and comfort and it is the ultimate destination for those seeking the best of both a beach and bush holiday or simply to escape for a sense of serenity. Lidiko Lodge is the ideal place from which to explore the surrounding game parks, unspoilt beaches and the wetlands.

Lidiko Lodge Amenities

Lidiko Lodge is a TGCSA 4 STAR lodge situated in the village of St Lucia, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (“iSimangaliso Wetland Park”), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set above the Great St Lucia Lake, on a coastal dune and with lovely views of the lake, accommodation in the well-appointed 16 garden lodges is provided on a bed & breakfast basis. Being within walking distance of all the restaurants in the village, dinner is only served by prior arrangement for groups. Sandwiches, scrumptious cakes, crisp salads and drinks are served all day on the dining deck or outdoor lounge area. The main building of the lodge is one of the first buildings that was erected in St Lucia and with its thatch, oozes an Old World Zululand charm. The main building houses the reception area, an art gallery showcasing the best of the local artists and crafters, a small library for guests, a wireless hotspot as well as the dining deck with views of the Great St Lucia Lake. The main building leads to the tropical pool area and the rooms. The park like gardens and outdoor lounge of the lodge is ideal for bird watching, conversation or just to enjoy quite time. The pool is ideal to cool off or to do some sun soaking on the loungers round the pool. The lodge offers a range of traditional massages. The massage table is set up in the guest’s room for ultimate privacy and relaxation. Lidiko Lodge is centrally situated in St Lucia and within 5 minutes walking distance from all the restaurants, craft market, walking trails and main attractions. Lidiko Lodge is the ideal venue to visit the surrounding wetlands, big 5 game parks as well as pristine beaches. It is a safe haven for joggers, cyclists and walkers. It is also the only known village with hippos roaming the streets at night. The lodge has 15 garden rooms of which 12 are standard double/twin lodges, a family unit (sleeping 4 pax) and 2 family lodges (each sleeping 3 pax) as well as a cottage sleeping 6 – 8 pax. There is on site parking. The lodges are decorated in a contemporary Afro-Colonial style and fitted with a bar fridge, wall safe, television, hairdryer and complimentary coffee and tea tray. They are spacious, fully air conditioned and en-suite (with a bath and shower). Each lodge has its own patio with patio furniture and private entrance. All the lodges overlook the pool area or lodge gardens. ACCOMMODATION TWIN / DOUBLE LODGES The 12 fully air conditioned luxury double/twin garden lodges are built around the tropical pool area. These spacious rooms, decorated in a contemporary Afro-Colonial style, all have a private entrance and private patio that leads onto the pool area. The spacious bathrooms are en-suite, have a separate shower and bath, a big vanity area and are fitted with fluffy white towels and toiletries. The rooms have either two twin beds or a king size bed, two easy chairs; a remote controlled color TV; a hairdryer; personal safe; bar fridge; crisp white linen as well as a complimentary tea & coffee making facility with accompanying biscuits or rusks. FAMILY UNIT The family unit consists of two rooms and two bathrooms with an inter-leading door between the two rooms. It has a private patio and own entrance and is also decorated in a contemporary Afro-Colonial style. The bathrooms each have a shower, vanity and toilet and are fitted with fluffy white towels and toiletries. The one room has a double bed and the adjoining room has two single beds, all made up with crisp white linen. The unit has a remote controlled color TV; a hairdryer; bar fridge, personal safe as well as a complimentary tea & coffee-making facility with accompanying rusks or biscuits. The unit is ideal for a family of four where there are 2 children aged between 6 and 12. FAMILY LODGE The 2 family rooms which also serve as triple rooms are ideal for 3 adults traveling together or 2 adults with a child. It consists of a huge thatched rondavel type room with an en-suite bathroom. It is part of the original colonial building and also has a private entrance and patio overlooking the gardens towards the Great St Lucia Lake. The room has 3 beds made up with crisp white linen, two easy chairs, a remote controlled color television, bar fridge; hairdryer; complimentary tea and coffee making facility and accompanying rusks or biscuits. COTTAGE The cottage is ideal for a family of more than four people traveling together. It consists of 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms, a private lounge, dining room and self contained kitchen. ACTIVITIES The following activities can be arranged from the lodge: World Heritage Tours (full day); Early morning kayaking on Estuary (2-3 hours); Horse riding on the beach (1 - 2 hours) or in the Park (1 hour – full day); Lake cruises on the Great St Lucia Lake (2 hours); Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Safaris; Whale watching from a boat (1 June - 1 November); Night drives into the Wetland Park (and turtle tours 1 Nov – 28 Feb); Deep-sea fishing from a ski boat; Cultural village tours; Walking trails; Golf; Guided birding and cycling.

Directions To Lidiko Lodge

Johannesburg From Johannesburg International airport, head direction Germiston/Bedfordview, to find the Springs Highway N17. Stay on the N17 though Bethal to Ermelo. In Ermelo take the N2 to Piet Retief and Pongola. Remain on the N2 past Mkuze till Mtubatuba R618. Turn left to Mtubatuba and left again on the R618 to St Lucia. Once you have crossed over the bridge into St Lucia, turn right at the traffic circle into McKenzie Street. Follow McKenzie for about 800m and on the left you will find Lidiko Lodge. Come to Reception and we will direct you to the parking to off load your luggage. Durban From Durban International airport head north on the N2 passing Empangeni and Richards Bay. Turn right to Mtubatuba R618. At the T-junction turn left and at the 2nd road turn right onto the St Lucia R618. Follow this road for 25km to St Lucia. Once you have crossed over the bridge into St Lucia, turn right at the traffic circle into McKenzie Street. Follow McKenzie for about 800m and on the left you will find Lidiko Lodge. Come to Reception and we will direct you to the parking to off load your luggage. Swaziland Remain on the N2 past Mkuze till Mtubatuba R618. Turn left to Mtubatuba and left again on the R618 to St Lucia. Once you have crossed over the bridge into St Lucia, turn right at the traffic circle into McKenzie Street. Follow McKenzie for about 800m and on the left you will find Lidiko Lodge. Come to Reception and we will direct you to the parking to off load your luggage. Co-Ordinates 28°22’43.61”S 32°24’38.26”E

Area Attractions

ACTIVITIES A World Heritage Site is an area that is deemed to have outstanding universal value. It is inscribed in the World Heritage List by the World Heriatge Covnetion, a body established by UNESCO (United Nations Eduactional and Cultural Organization). Once chosen the site is protected against threats of changing economic and social conditions. World Heritage Tour (full day) Scenic game viewing on the Eastern Shores of the Great St Lucia Lake. Discover the Wetland and Grassland ecosystems of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site, with short walks on the beaches or snorkeling if desired (depending on tides). Early morning kayaking on Estuary (2-3 hours) Explore the estuary, its mangroves and islands. This is the ideal opportunity to look for water birds, fish eagles and mudskippers. Hippos and Crocodiles are viewed from a safe distance. This is a fun filled experience that is suitable for persons over the age of 12 years. No paddling experience is required Horse riding on the beach (1 - 2 hours) or in the Park (1 hour – full day) Ride along some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa or discover the beautiful Wetland Park on horseback. Suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Lake cruises on the Great St Lucia Lake (2 hours) Experience the essence of Africa on Lake St Lucia. Hippopotami and crocodiles are the main attractions, while a wide variety of bird-life is a treat for avid bird watchers. Mangrove swamps line the shores while the fish eagle watches everything from above. Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Safari Depart at 05h00 for an Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game drive. Hluhluwe- Imfolozi Game Reserve is one of the oldest and best reserves in South Africa and famous for saving the endangered Black Rhino. This Park is home to the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as a host of other animals. Great game and bird viewing potential and spectacular scenery make for a great safari. Whale watching from a boat (1 June - 1 November) Imagine coming face to face with the 5th largest animal that has ever lived on this earth (the size of 6 elephants). Experience this aboard a surf-launched boat with waves pounding and the wind touching your face. You will never forget the grandeur of sighting and watching the antics of these goliaths out in the deep blue. You may also encounter other sea life like dolphin, marlin, sailfish and sharks! Night drive (and turtle tour 1 Nov – 28 Feb) Go in search of a variety of nocturnal creatures including leopards, bush babies, hyenas, genets, hippos, rhinos and chameleons to mention but a few. Experience starry skies and the sounds of an African night. Then onto the beach to search for the loggerhead and leatherback turtle laying its eggs. Deep-sea fishing from a ski boat Bill, game and bottom fish. All tackle and bait supplied. Cultural village tour We take you into the heart of a real working Zulu community where age-old tradition meets contemporary Zulu society. Walking trails On the beach or through the bush, guided or unguided. Remember to save some time for relaxing… All safaris and excursions are done with qualified guides.

General Policies & Disclaimers

Cancellation Policy: Less than 7 days, forfeit the full amount of booking; From 8 - 14 days, forfeit 75% of the full amount of booking; From 15 - 21 days, forfeit 50% of the full amount of booking; From 22 - 30 days, forfeit 25% of the full amount of booking. No show: The full amount of the confirmed reservation period is payable. Early Departure: The full amount of the confirmed reservation period is payable. NB: 1 June - 31 July 2010 World Cup reservations: Non-refundable, full pre-payment at time of reservation. Check in: 14:00 / Check out: 10:30