A hundred shaded forest sites alongside a seven-kilometre lagoon. Power points at every pitch. Fish eagles calling from the tree canopy at dawn. Raffia restaurant on site for when you do not feel like cooking. Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge is the only camping and caravan park at Zinkwazi Beach, and it is the kind of place that gets people coming back for the same week every year. For anyone researching Zinkwazi camping options, this is where the search ends.
Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge: what it is
Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge sits between the lagoon and the coastal forest at 1 Mangrove Place, Zinkwazi Beach. The property runs several accommodation types under one roof: the Zinkwazi Forest Camp (the campsite), self-catering chalets, and B&B rooms and private lodges. For campers and caravan travellers, the Forest Camp is the draw.
The campsite
The Zinkwazi camping sites at the Forest Camp number over 100, set on seasonal grass with shade and vegetation providing privacy. Sites vary in size. Super Sites of at least 180sqm accommodate larger rigs and have built-in braais with benches. Standard sites are smaller. 15-amp power points are available at each site. Bring a 30-metre extension cord.
The campsite is set within indigenous forest alongside the lagoon. The campsites for caravans and tents are huge, shady and offer good foliage privacy. The sound of the Indian Ocean surf carries through the trees. The beach is approximately 1km from the campsite: a short drive or a walk along the lagoon edge.
Ablutions: Ablutions with hot and cold water, family bathrooms and laundry facilities are scattered throughout the camp for convenience.
Facilities on site:
- Swimming pool
- WiFi
- Shop on site
- TV room
- Security fenced and patrolled
- Pet friendly by prior arrangement
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pensioner discounts
- Credit cards accepted
Dining on site
Raffia Restaurant serves à la carte meals with a focus on fresh fish dishes and local curries. Sundowners are enjoyed at the elevated Isifonya Pub and Sundeck overlooking the lagoon, and special theme evenings are organised in the tropical Boma.
Having Raffia on site changes the camping calculation considerably. You can braai at your pitch every evening, or walk to Raffia when you want a proper meal. Both options are available without leaving the property.
What to do at and around Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge
The lodge sits directly on the lagoon with its own jetty. Lagoon cruises run aboard the Fish Eagle, and the lodge operates a ferry service to the beach. Kayaking, paddleboarding and canoe hire are available on site.
Padel courts are at the lodge and bookable through the Playtomic app.
Beyond the lodge, the Zinkwazi Lagoon runs approximately eight kilometres inland, good for a morning paddle before the wind picks up. The forest trails at 31 Palm Drive are a ten-minute walk from the campsite. For shore and deep-sea fishing, the Zinkwazi Ski Boat Club is 1km north at the main beach.
Birdwatching at Zinkwazi is particularly good from the lodge. Over 250 bird species have been recorded in the area, and the lagoon-edge habitat from the campsite is among the most productive spots in the village.
Rates and booking
Long stay 2025 rates for Zinkwazi beach camping: from R3,800 for one adult and R4,800 for two adults (excluding April and December). Sites have access to electricity. Nightly rates vary by season and site type. Contact Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge directly to confirm current pricing and availability. For other accommodation options in Zinkwazi, self-catering accommodation in Zinkwazi Beach covers what is available across the village.
Contact: +27 32 485 3344 | info@zinkwazilagoonlodge.co.za | zinkwazilagoonlodge.co.za
What to bring
- Extension cord: 25 to 30 metres minimum for powered sites
- Your own braai if you want to braai at your pitch on standard sites (Super Sites have built-in braais)
- Ground sheet to protect the grass
- Groceries: the nearest supermarket is KwaDukuza Mall, 15 to 20 minutes on the N2. Stock up on the way in.