The lodge grounds, with its sparkling pool, offer good birding without leaving the venue.
When not birding, the lodge is a great place to just unwind.
What better way to start your birding day with coffee and rusks.

The venue

  • Ngoya Lodge and Nguni Cottage offer a serene retreat in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nestled in lush, indigenous gardens, these accommodations provide a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Ngoya Lodge features spacious, units with modern amenities, offering comfort amidst the wild. Each room opens onto beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

    Nguni Cottage, a charming and more intimate option, provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for couples or small families. With its rustic design, it captures the essence of traditional African living while ensuring modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living space.

    Both Ngoya Lodge and Nguni Cottage are ideally located for exploring nearby nature reserves, hiking trails, and cultural sites, offering an authentic and tranquil South African bush experience.


The rooms at the lodge offer a truly luxurious feel.
The self catering rooms are well equipped.
Nguni cottage offers a more isolated and private experience.

Accommodation

  • The lodge offers 5 en-suite rooms.

    The beautiful Deluxe and Standard rooms offer a king size bed that can be made into 2x single beds. En-suite bathroom and refreshment station with coffee and tea tray with bar fridge and air-conditioning. The Standard room has as an outside shower.

    The spacious Superior Suite has its own fully equipped kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, private entrance, DSTV and is air-conditioned. Making it one of the best B&B accommodation options in Mtunzini.

    Nguni cottage has 2 en-suite rooms, each with T.V., fridge and air-conditioner. The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, dining table and lounge as well as tranquil veranda which is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or a sundowner and bird watching.

Birding

Birding in the Mtunzini areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal is a rewarding experience, with a mix of coastal forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Eshowe’s Dlinza Forest is home to some amazing species, while the Umlalazi Nature Reserve in Mtunzini offers amazing coastal specials. These areas are ideal for birders seeking diverse habitats and a variety of bird species.
So many sites, so little time
Eshowe’s Dlinza Forest is a key destination, known for its Spotted Ground Thrush and Narina Trogon. The forest's aerial boardwalk allows birders to observe these elusive species from the treetops, along with the Scaly-throated Honeyguide and Chorister Robin-Chat.

Ongoye Forest is a hidden gem that attracts birders from all over the world. This unique forest is the only place in South Africa where the endemic Green Barbet can be found, making it a must-visit for those seeking rare species.

In Mtunzini, the Umlalazi Nature Reserve adds coastal and mangrove ecosystems to the mix, offering sightings of Palm-nut Vultures, Mangrove Kingfishers, and Rufous-winged Cisticolas. Together, these areas provide a diverse and rich birding experience that showcases the unique avian treasures of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Narina Trogon is often considered mythical but does exist here.
Courtesy Patty McGann.
Spotted Ground Thrush is one of the most sought after thrushes.
Orange Groud Thrush is an equally secretive thrush that can be found with careful searching.
Green Barbet, found at Ongoye Forest, is the main reason many birders travel here.
The baby-like call of Trumpeter Hornbill can he heard daily.

Facilities and services

Rooms (double and twin)
Birding on site
Functions
Self catering

For the birder

Self drive
Birding walks
Local guides available
Breakfast / lunch packs available
24 hour entry / exit
Birding at the lodge

Top ticks

Spotted Ground Thrush
Narina Trogon
Orange Ground Thrush
Palm-nut Vulture
Mangrove Kingfisher
Green Barbet
Scaly-throated Honeyguide
Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon

Nearby hotspots

Dlinza Forest
Ongoye Forest
Umlalazi Nature Reserve
Emoyeni Grasslands

Recommended accommodation discount