Thunzi Bush Lodge

Capacity

Style

On-site stay

On-site stay

I would like to warn everyone about the unethical and sketchy behaviour from this accommodation. Wishing I could give below one star. On 12 March 2026, I booked an accommodation at Thunzi Bush Lodge via booking.com but cancelled within the free cancellation period before 14 May 2026. The original amount I was charged for the accommodation was R7,047. I struggled for weeks to get booking.com and Thunzi Bush Lodge to refund my money even though I had cancelled for free. Booking.com claims that the payment was facilitated and deducted directly by Thunzi Bush Lodge so the refund should come directly from them. I contacted Thunzi Bush Lodge and after giving me the run around for weeks, they finally agreed to refund me directly. They asked for my bank account details and refused a chargeback refund. They refunded me R6,457 instead of the R7,047. They charged me R263,38 for their “credit card processing fee” and they also snuck in a cancellation fee of R326, even though I had cancelled for free, which means I should get back the entire R7,047. They basically violated my right to free cancellation and stole my money. When I raised this with the owner, I received a nonsensical, highly suspicious explanation claiming that the “cancellation fee” is actually a commission fee that was deducted by booking.com. They also admitted that they reimbursed themselves by deducting from my refund for their bank fees. Booking.com denies charging the accommodation any commission fee so the story clearly isn’t adding up there as well. Please be aware that if you ever need a refund from this business, you are in for a nasty surprise.

This property simply doesn’t meet four-star standards at all and is clearly overpriced for the quality offered. Yes, you get a chalet in the middle of nature, but the cleanliness is below expectations, the staff is not forthcoming/professional and you can easily get fooled by the pictures online (see real pics attached). Having stayed at several other, lower-priced lodges during our trip that were far superior, this was a very disappointing and misleading experience (so surprised by the high ratings!) and price is simply not justified.

Zero stars!!! They don't even answer their phones! Don't bother booking with these people. No website to enquire on either. Don't use booking.com

This place is a hidden gem. Chalets are spaced in the indigenous forest hidden from the adjacent chalets. Chalets are sparkling clean, and well equipped. Wood was supplied at the private boma. There is a swimming pool and play area for the kids at the reception area and the beach is a mere 2 kms away. Easy drive (30 mins) to nearby towns like Jeffreys Bay with wide variety of shops and restaurants. Will definitely come back