RESEARCH
Ree-sir-ch: a place where people come to study the art of relaxation
Originally designed as a researcher’s retreat for delving into Maputaland's rich ecological and cultural tapestry, Research now welcomes guests seeking an exclusive, self-catered escape.
RESEARCH CAMP
Perched above the sweeping Maputaland coastline, the 4 tented rooms at Research Camp offer stirring vistas.
2 x ¾ mattresses’
En suite bathroom
Fully equipped kitchen
Hosted duties (dishwashing and geysers will be handled by our team)
Vegan, eco-friendly amenities
USB charging ports
Beach essentials – snorkelling equipment, umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels
The sole use of the camp on a self-catered basis, featuring four tented rooms accommodating up to two people each, with a maximum capacity of eight guests in total;
Fully equipped kitchen;
Services of the camp (dishwashing daily)
The applicable tourism levies and all relevant value-added tax (VAT);
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 activities;
All scheduled and private transfers between Big Skies parking lot and all Big Skies lodges.
Any spa treatments.
Any breakages, stains or damage to the camp during a guest’s stay will be charged to their account and payable on check out.
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 any 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.
Nestled atop a captivating dune with the Indian Ocean's vast expanse stretching before it, Research Camp marks an exceptional jewel in the Big Skies Collection. Originally designed as a creative and research retreat for delving into Maputaland's rich ecological and cultural tapestry, it now also welcomes guests seeking an exclusive, self-catered escape. Accommodating one group at a time, and up to a maximum of eight guests, Research Camp combines privacy with the simplicity of camping, offering an intimate connection to the natural wonders and artistic inspirations of the area.
We designed Research Camp to be self-catered, therefore, guests are responsible for all food, drinks and vehicle transfers. Guests without adequate 4x4s to explore the area.
The kitchen offers the following: a gas oven and 5-burner stovetop, a standing fridge and freezer, a microwave, kettle, toaster, a wood-fired braai and all cutlery, crockery and cookware.
We provide ground coffee, tea, sugar, salt and pepper. We can provide a chef and a driver only to guests at an additional daily rate.
We have a drop-in grocery called Big Skies Spaza offering selected basics. Check out the menu here. Please note that some items may not be available and certain items require 48 hours' notice.
Wood and firelighters are provided for the fireplace.
Additional wood can be purchased at R50 per crate.
Wellness Treatments
Treatments are run by our resident professional. Research Camp guests need to give us 24 hours warning. Click here to see the menu
Pet-friendly
Resarch Camp is pet-friendly but please note iSimangaliso is not and nor are the creatures in the area.
grocery store
We offer a grocery service for our self-catering guests. Please read the menu and take note of the lead time on orders.
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.
Beach essentials
A beach holiday would not be complete without towels, beach games, shade shelters and full cooler boxes
FISHTRAPS
Additional cost
A guided boat trip to Southern Africa’s oldest fish traps. Learn more
BEACH DAY
Additional cost
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 (seasonal). Learn more
WALKS & HIKES
Additional cost
Choose to walk our paths around camp either guided or unguided. Learn more
Additional cost
A guided snorkel trip to the rockpools in the nearby beach at Lala Nek. Learn more
SNORKELLING
COMMUNITY LIFE
Additional cost
A guided trip to meet the KwaMpukane locals and share injemane and Shisanyama. Learn more
Big Skies Research 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 Research
WELLNESS TREATMENTS
✓ Neck, head, back and full body massages
✓ In-room treatments available
Open-plan kitchen
✓ Open-plan, fully equipped kitchen which has everything you need and is perfect for hosting
✓ Small menu, available to fill in some of the gaps you may have left at home or just to enrich and compliment your experience
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Yes! We have sharp knives, crockery, cutlery, two large fridges, a five burner gas stove, a microwave, french presses, pots, pans, oven trays etc.
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The rooms are about 50 metres apart from each other
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No, our housekeeping team takes care of that twice daily
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Yes, but please be aware that dogs are not allowed in the National Park by law and that any damage to the interiors of the lodge will be added to your final invoice
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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.