Big Skies Gugs & Ubunye

Hotels
9.4 (56 reviews)
D1849 Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve , Mabibi , za

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Family rooms
Ironing service
Massage services
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly and attentive staff
Incredible location
Delicious vegetarian food
Cons:
Difficult access
Misleading road signs

Categories

Cleanliness
9.31
The cleanliness was highly praised in several reviews highlighting the deco and upkeep.
Service
9.78
Many reviewers mentioned the staff being extremely attentive and friendly, reflecting high service standards.
Location
9.32
The setting was described as stunning, although access was noted as a challenge.
Room Quality
9.27
Rooms were noted for their decor and comfort, with an emphasis on authenticity partnered with luxury.
Amenities
9.3
Positive remarks on healthy food and general amenities, but specifics weren't detailed.
Value for Money
9.26
Overall satisfaction indicates good value, despite some mention of shuttle costs.
Food and Beverage
9.31
Vegetarian dishes received glowing reviews, highlighting the quality of food.
Overall Experience
9.68
The combination of the experience marked a memorable stay for most guests.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 09:16

Property Description

Beachfront Paradise with Exciting Amenities

Family-Friendly Accommodation: Gugulesizwe Camp offers comfortable family rooms, perfect for a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Fun in the Sun: Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and soak up the sun on the sun terrace. The evening entertainment adds a lively touch to your stay.

Adventure Awaits: Explore the area with snorkeling and cycling activities. Need a bike? No problem, bike hire is available at the hotel.

Experience the ultimate beachfront retreat at Gugulesizwe Camp. Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    No internet access available.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 2 years old to 14 years old stay for ZAR 840 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 56 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.31
Service: 9.78
Location: 9.32
Room Quality: 9.27
Amenities: 9.3
Value for Money: 9.26
Food and Beverage: 9.31
Overall Experience: 9.68
V
Verena couple ch
10
Schöner Ort zum entspannen
Pros:

Sehr schöne Lage in diesem einsamen Gebiet, sehr schöner Strand, mega nettes, herzliches und aufgestelltes Personal. Ausgezeichnetes Essen

Cons:

Kein WLan

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
K
Kathrin couple de
6
Nur etwas für naturverbundene,wenig anspruchsvolle „Backpacker“
Pros:

Aussergewöhnlich
Die Ruhe-Abgeschiedenheit

Cons:

Bei aller Freundlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft der Gastgeber:Es darf doch nicht verschwiegen werden,wie abenteuerlich die Zuwegung ist-wir sind jedenfalls im Sand stecken geblieben-und mussten mitten im Wald rausgezogen werden

2026-02-11 via Nuitee
P
Patrick family_with_children de
10
Pros:

Traumhafte Lage, hier muss man gewesen sein.
Unglaublich authentisch und dennoch luxery. Mit Sicherheit die beste Wahl zwischen Sodwana Bay und Kosi Bay.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple za
10
2026-01-04 via Nuitee
L
Lana couple za
9
2025-12-10 via Nuitee
M
Maaike couple nl
9
Geweldig!
Pros:

Zeer gastvrij! Personeel doet er alles aan om het je naar de zin te maken. De vegetarische gerechten waren heerlijk! We hebben hier een heerlijke tijd gehad. Transfer naar accomodatie is prima geregeld. Fijn dat gemeenschap betrokken is bij deze onderneming. Veel geleerd over de omgeving van de accomodatie door onze gids.

Cons:

Niks, maar let op, de weg ernaar toe is alleen bereikbaar met een 4x4 auto en rit duurt een uur.

2025-11-26 via Nuitee
J
Jean couple be
10
Amazing place
Pros:

Nice community and ecological inspired setup. Fantastic personnel. Amazing location

2025-11-07 via Nuitee
S
sarah couple fr
9
Un super moment dans un havre de paix
Pros:

Le cadre incroyable, la déco de la chambre, la propreté des lieux, la gentillesse du staff.
Nous y avons passé 2 nuits et ce n’était clairement pas suffisant.. Nous aurions aimé passé une à deux nuits de plus !

Cons:

Que la difficulté d’accès ainsi que le prix de la navette ne soit pas clairement mentionnés lors de la réservation. On nous a découragé de venir avec notre propre voiture. L’équivalent de 60 euros AR pour 2 personnes depuis le parking surveillé, ce qui n’est pas négligeable !

2025-09-14 via Nuitee
S
Susana couple de
10
I loved every minute
Pros:

The location is incredible. The attention to details and personal we had a 5 stars service.

2025-09-04 via Nuitee
P
Petri family_with_children za
10
2025-09-02 via Nuitee
D
Dan couple za
9
Relaxing and remote.
Pros:

Incredible setting in a stunning part of Maputaland. The accommodation is in keeping with the remote location but doesn't compromise on quality. The staff are extremely attentive and accommodating. The food is healthy and delicious.

Cons:

The signage to the property needs attention. There are misleading signs en route which lead to us getting lost. But it was fun finding our way nonetheless.

2025-09-01 via Nuitee
T
Thiam family_with_children za
8
Pros:

Friendly and helpful staff

Cons:

The road to get there and distance from property to the beach

2025-08-09 via Nuitee
L
Luis young couple za
9
Superb
2025-05-05 via Nuitee
E
Eric young couple us
10
A perfect place to rest , seek peace , with wonderful staffs and amazing beaches
Pros:

The property is located in a wonderful natural reserve, very remote
The natural habitat has been preserved and respected
Where turtle leatherback comes to hatch their eggs

2024-12-31 via Nuitee
R
Ralf young couple za
9
Superb
2024-12-23 via Nuitee
D
Daynia group za
8
Very good
2024-12-04 via Nuitee
M
Martin family with young children de
10
Jederzeit wieder
Pros:

One of the nicest camps I have seen during my numerous stays in Africa. The staff are friendly, courteous and helpful in every situation. The accommodation is beautifully furnished, very clean and well maintained. The excursions with the rangers take you to the most beautiful places you can imagine. A special highlight was the visit to the local elementary school. The approach to the camp is adventurous but excellently signposted. However, you definitely need a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Cons:

Nichts

2024-09-19 via Nuitee
C
Caroline family with young children za
10
A warm South African welcome to a beautiful place !
Pros:

The most hospitable establishment I’ve ever experienced!! Each and every one of the staff were so eager to make our stay a special experience. Drinks and outings were included in the package. Loved that it it’s community run and based and gave us a special window into the rural KZN coastland area of Maputaland. It is a truly experience.

Cons:

The camp was a bit further from the beach than what I expected but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

2024-08-27 via Nuitee
K
Karin family with young children nl
10
The best experience at a unique location in iSmangaliso!
Pros:

The staff was fantastic, really added to the overall experience. The location is absolutely fantastic

2024-08-10 via Nuitee
M
Marcel family with young children nl
9
Very relaxing and nice stay for a couple days in between a busy holiday trip.
Pros:

Awesome location in the middle of nowhere near the coast. It's a hell of a ride to enter the location but it's worth it. Accommodation, facilities, services and possible things to do a all very good. We had a very friendly and capable guide for our beach day and hiking trip near the coast.

Cons:

Almost everything is perfect. Two (small) things to note: our shower was dripping so in the night this was a bit frustrating. We report it but nothing happened. Second thing was that some of thed products wered out of stock pretty easy. The first day the Rosé and tfhe beer, second day the coke zero, the third day the whiskey.

2024-07-31 via Nuitee