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Umngazi Hotel & Spa

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Traveller (623)
Room & Suite (88)
Videos (6)
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About

#1 of 1 resort in Port St Johns
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Tucked away on the Wild Coast, in the heart of Pondoland, and encompassed by a rocky coastline, indigenous forests, secluded coves and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, lies the award winning Umngazi Hotel & Spa - an award winning family resort & spa. The thatch-roofed bungalows are situated amongst the indigenous gardens which provide the perfect setting for a totally relaxed holiday. Weekly fly-in packages are available Friday to Friday from Durban where you fly at 500 feet above sea level along the beautiful coastline - a wonderful way to start your holiday.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Beach
Tennis court
Babysitting
Public wifi
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Poolside bar
Entertainment staff
Fishing
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Spa
Facial treatments
Massage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Private balcony
Safe
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Hotel links
Special Offer:Seaside Romance Honeymoon Package

Location

Umngazi River Mouth, Port St Johns 5120 South Africa
Umngazi Hotel & Spa
1,685Review36Q+A100Room tips
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Harry998 wrote a review Yesterday
Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa26 contributions9 helpful votes
We returned to Umngazi after an absence of 13 years and we had high expectations for our return. Our welcome was warm and genuine with many "old", friendly faces smiling and making us feel we belong. Needless to say our expectations were surpassed! Full marks to the Umngazi team who deliver on every level. Congratulations from us and we hope to see you soon.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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bevdejager wrote a review 17 Mar
Ballito, South Africa1 contribution
First time to Umngazi River Bungalows and it exceeded our expectations. From the location, to the accomodation, to the staff, and the fabulous food. Ill definately be back. A very special home away from home
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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debbiebathray wrote a review 16 Mar
1 contribution
Absolutely breathtaking views and amazing facilities. Breakfast and lunch were great but some dinners a bit overcooked. Long walks to the rooms and spa. Having a golf cart could be a great investment. We had a lot of fun overall.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Laura J wrote a review Feb 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa3 contributions
Such a fantastic resort. Felt like i was in Mauritius. Right from Step 1 , making the reservation , to completion of stay. I could not fault anything. The service was amazing, the food options were varied and interesting, the attention to detail is superb and they cater for every kind of requirement. Highly highly recommend.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: you definitely want a sea view or river view. it enhances the whole beach resort experience.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Guest We are extremely humbled by your beautiful review. Your descriptions of all areas of the resort as well as your experiences are truly appreciated. Thank you for your high recommendation to future guests. Umngazi is such a hidden gem, that it truly does feel as if you are in a different country. The unspoiled beaches, scenery and beautiful Pondo people takes you away from everyday life that can be so busy and brings peace and quiet. We really look forward to welcoming you back soon. With warm Umngazi greetings from the team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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teendamase00 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
We had a very nice stay, everything was perfect from the rooms to the food👌We enjoyed at the bar, the Dj played our music 🤣😂🤣and he thanked us for giving him the new play list of songs❤️This place is a must repeat, I dnt normally repeat a destination but this one I will repeat it🥰
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Guest How fantastic to hear that you had such a nice stay with us. Our kitchen team is so passionate about cooking good, hearty meals and ensuring that everyone's tummy is full and happy. The ladies and gents behind the bar love hosting a good party and we know that good music gets a party going. Thank you for adding to our playlist. It will be fantastic to welcome you back with us and we really hope to see you soon. With warm Pondo greetings from all of us at Umngazi.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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moragleigh wrote a review Feb 2024
Durban, South Africa1 contribution
Umgazi was such a treat. On arrival they had a bottle of champagne in our cottage as it was my husbands birthday. It is so beautiful and relaxing, The staff are very friendly and the food is absolutely amazing. We made the most of umgazi by going on hikes, exploring the beach and going on the sunset river cruise. I have come home with so many photos and beautiful memories. The only sad thing is the travelling 6 hours on awful roads full of potholes and speedbumps with no warning on them.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Guest We are extremely grateful for your beautiful review and for sharing your experience with future guests. It is good to hear that your time with us was relaxing and that you also explored the activities we have on offer. Spoiling our guests is something we love doing and we are happy that we could make your husband's birthday special. Driving through the old Transkei is definitely a challenge. We offer fly in packages from Virginia airport from Friday to Friday. This is such a quick and easy way to reach Umngazi without the stress of a 6 hour drive from Durban. We really hope that we can welcome you back to our little piece of paradise. With warm Umngazi greetings from our team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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flymeaway2 wrote a review Feb 2024
Edmonton, Canada1910 contributions372 helpful votes
+1
Booked a sea facing lower bank room and we were so very pleased with the room assigned. A beautiful view, and the room seems brighter since our last visit in 2016, everything seemed to have had a fresh coat of paint. What was especially nice was how clean the room was. New management since our last visit is hands on. They are very approachable and check with guests on their stay. So thoroughly enjoyed our stay - maybe should have booked longer than our four nights! Hope to return sooner than another 8 years!!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Guest We are extremely grateful for taking the time to review your stay with us at Umngazi. Our Sea facing lower bank units are definitely the most popular as they are next to the river mouth with a view of the beach and ocean. You will awaken in the mornings with the sound of waves crashing and watching the tide come in and go out. Both our Housekeeping and Maintenance departments will be extremely proud to hear your compliments. They take such pride in making sure that all the bungalows are always in top condition and very clean. Thank you for making special mention of this. As management, we always try our best to connect with all of our guests and ensure that needs are met, information provided and questions answered. But most of all, to ensure that everyone is relaxed and experience a home away from home environment. We are really grateful for your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back and agree that you should stay more than four nights next time. There are always packages and promotions available during our out of season periods throughout the year. Sending warm Pondo greetings from the entire Umngazi team until we meet again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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pamlaphumla wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
The standard of service has dropped compared to the last time I was there.There’s just a lot of things I was not happy with. I was with a 6 year old and we were booked in a room far from the main hotel and no parking. And this was not communicated prior. The walk from dinner at night was a bit uncomfortable and we felt unsafe. There were very few options available for food. And I had the Worst spa experience ever, very disappointing!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 07 Feb 2024
Dear Phumla. Thank you for taking our call so that we could discuss your feedback in perspective. We take all feedback exceptionally seriously and we appreciate your clarity so that we can improve. Your last-minute booking was in our last lovely room available, with a sea view. It is a gentle walk through our natural subtropical gardens. Umngazi is renowned for its amazing community, safe, peaceful and quiet surroundings. We're pleased that you confirmed that the food was great but that you misunderstood the availability of our delightful kiddies dining room. Umngazi is known for its friendly relaxed service and atmosphere and our previous reviews are testimony to this. Our spa on top of the dune overlooking the sea is stunning beyond words with only the sounds of the ocean in the distance to ensure complete and utter relaxation. Our passionate therapists receive amazing reviews and are so proud of their spa. Your points are assessed constructively as we continuously strive to offer our guests the very best holiday in paradise on the Wild Coast. Wishing you well from team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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243regina wrote a review Jan 2024
1 contribution
I guess one can call this paradies. Rooms, service, food and atmosphere are outstanding. The only thing bad about this hotel is the road leading to it. Uncounted potholes for the last 12 km But it is worth the trouble
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 07 Feb 2024
Dear Regina. We're so pleased that you label Umngazi as paradise and thank you for posting this for our future guests benefit. We highly appreciate your rating as outstanding for our rooms, service, atmosphere and what our chefs so passionately prepare for our valued guests. We are working tirelessly with the department of public works to repair the last 10km public road to the hotel. In the meantime we do fill the potholes ourselves which holds well in dry conditions but we've had unprecedented rains the last year. We hope to welcome you back in paradise soon and wish you well until then.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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gundireck wrote a review Jan 2024
Bad Waldsee, Germany18 contributions2 helpful votes
We have had a lovely stay at the umngazi river cottages. Good food hood service. An easygoing atmosphere. Nice excursions with the boat. We saw fish eagles and brown snake eagles and giant king fisher. A really lovely place! Friendly staff.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Keith Craig, General Manager at Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Responded 07 Feb 2024
Thank you for your 'best accommodation' review of your stay with us at Umngazi. We're delighted that you enjoyed your time spent with us on the Wild Coast and hope to welcome you back again soon. Pondo blessings from the Umngazi team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Port St Johns area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
umngazi river bungalows hotel port st johns, umngazi river hotel, umngazi river resort
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapePort St Johns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
68
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA - Resort Reviews (Port St Johns, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Which popular attractions are close to Umngazi Hotel & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Silaka Nature Reserve (5.6 km), Dwesa Nature Reserve (5.9 km), and Second Beach (6.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Umngazi Hotel & Spa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Umngazi Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Umngazi Hotel & Spa?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Umngazi Hotel & Spa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Umngazi Hotel & Spa have airport transportation?
Yes, Umngazi Hotel & Spa offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Umngazi Hotel & Spa have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Umngazi Hotel & Spa accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.