GUGS
guh-guh-leh-seez-where: pride of the people
Gugs is not just a stay; it's a journey into the heart of Maputaland's enchanting and mysterious story.
Medium ROOMS
En suite bathroom
2 x ¾ mattresses’
Vegan, eco-friendly amenities
USB charging ports
Standing fan
Beach essentials – snorkelling equipment, umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels
FAMILY ROOM
Vegan, eco-friendly amenities
USB charging ports
Standing fan
Beach essentials – snorkelling equipment, umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels
COMMUNAL SPACE
Reclaimed bar (built from the wood of the old camp and reclaimed scrap metal)
Open-air lounge area
“Take and leave” bookshelf
Forest boma area
Wellness deck
Shared swimming pool with loungers
All accommodation on a shared basis;
Services of the camp/lodge guides and staff;
The applicable tourism levies and all relevant value-added tax (VAT);
All meals are included in your stay. We serve primarily vegetarian food (sourced from our gardens as well as local producers). Twice a week we include freshly-caught fish from the world's oldest continuously used sustainable fish traps at Kosi Bay
Alcoholic beverages except for selected wines, champagnes and all cocktails (all drinks to be purchased in camp only).
All scheduled camp excursions, excluding the turtle activities (seasonal). Excursions are scheduled in camp and are weather permitting.
Park fees, vehicle entrance fees and porterage
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance;
Staff gratuities;
Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control.
Any non-scheduled activities as well as turtle excursions.
All scheduled and private transfers between Big Skies parking lot and all Big Skies lodges.
Any spa treatments.
Check-in is at 12h00 ,check-out is at 10h00;
To guarantee an early check-in or a late check-out, you will be charged for an additional night before or after your stay.
Please ensure that you are aware of our booking conditions. Taking this journey with us implies your acceptance of these conditions.
Before confirming the booking, we strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel, medical, cancellation, curtailment and default insurance for the duration of your trip.
Due to the remote area in which we operate, you must have adequate coverage for emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances. We cannot be held responsible if you travel without insurance.
Our cancellation policy will apply if you fail to join or start your journey for any reason, including flight delays or missed connections.
Maputaland is a low–risk malaria area. Please consult your medical practitioner, pharmacist or travel clinic and follow their recommendations as to appropriate precautions.
open-air dining
Beach essentials
The night sky is absolutely magnificent so our outdoor dining space enables long, lovely dinners under the stars.
A beach holiday would not be complete without towels, beach games, shade shelters and full cooler boxes
Family options
Wellness
Gugs is a family friendly destination. We have one family room, however, we can also accommodate additional family sharing requests (subject to availability).
Treatments are run by our resident professional spa therapist. Click here to see the menu
Shared plunge pool
Sometimes you need a plunge after or before going down to the beach so feel free to make use of our pool area.
FISHTRAPS
Included in the nightly rate.
A guided boat trip to Southern Africa’s oldest fish traps. Learn more
BEACH DAY
Included in the nightly rate.
We will set up beach shelters and a picnic basket for you. Learn more
TURTLE TRACKING
Additional cost
A guided drive or walk along the beach to find leatherback and loggerhead turtles. Learn more
WALKS & HIKES
Included in the nightly rate.
Choose to walk our paths around camp either guided or unguided. Learn more
Included in the nightly rate.
A guided snorkel trip to the rockpools in the nearby beach at Lala Nek. Learn more
SNORKELLING
COMMUNITY LIFE
Included in the nightly rate.
A guided trip to meet the KwaMpukane locals and share injemane and Shisanyama. Learn more
Big Skies Gugs is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso. The section of the park is called the coastal forest section. This section of the park is particularly quiet and close to unspoilt beaches, warm Indian Ocean reefs, ancient Thonga fish traps and magnificent mangroves.
PLANE
Consider flying to King Shaka Airport, and then choose between renting a vehicle or taking a recommended transfer service to reach the camp. Driving or transferring to camp via another recommended service is necessary without a 4x4 rental.
Car
This is the quickest way into camp but most expensive. We have an airstrip which is just twenty minutes from camp. If you would like to land there, you can use this service to enquire about flights. Additionally, you can read our landing document to see all fees & terms.
Private Transfer
The drive to our camp, while scenic, includes frequent trucks, potentially extending travel time. Embrace the journey at a relaxed pace and have a look at our guide for stops here. Remember, access requires a 4x4; for other vehicles, secure parking is available in Manguzi with scheduled transfers to the camp, provided by our community partner at an additional cost. Details and pricing can be found here.
Why you’ll love Gugs
WELLNESS TREATMENTS
✓ Neck, head, back and full body massages
✓ In-room treatments available
FULLY INCLUSIVE
✓ All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
✓ All drinks (excluding top shelf items)
✓ All experiences (excluding turtle experience)
TURTLE TRACKING
✓ Guided turtle in an extremely productive laying zone
✓ Lead by one of the most experienced turtle guides in South Africa
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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To reduce carbon footprint and focus on locally available ingredients.
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All beverages except for selected wines, champagnes and all cocktails;
Accommodation;
All experiences except the turtle excursion
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Unfortunately not unless you have rented the camp out on an exclusive use basis
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Sadly, we do not accept furry friends at Gugs, however, they are allowed at Research
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Turtle season commences on the 15th of November and ends on the 15th of March. Laying season (big turtles) is from the early part of the season and hatchlings (babies) are from the mid to end part of the season.
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Maputaland enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, with the best conditions typically occurring between March and July.