Lodge
The Oyster Box
About the lodge
An overview of The Oyster Box.
Set on the beach with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the 86-room Oyster Box stands as one of South Africa’s most celebrated for its warm hospitality, meticulous service, and exquisite cuisine. The Oyster Box seamlessly blends the colonial elegance and nostalgia of a bygone era with the modern comforts and amenities of today.
Highlights
- Close to Umhlanga Village and city centre
- Directly on the beach with direct beach access
- Exceptional Umhlanga cuisine
- Luxury accommodation
- Kids club - The Holiday Club
- Chef's Table Experience
You Should Know
Children are warmly welcomed at The Oyster Box. The Holiday Club offers a dedicated recreation facility open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, catering to ages 4-12. Children aged 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 and under (maximum 1 per room) stay free with two full-paying adults, including breakfast.
Children 13-16 incur a charge of R750.00 per night with bed and breakfast. It is recommended to have separate rooms for children 17 and older. Deluxe Sea-Facing Suites and Superior Garden Villas accommodate families of 4, with a surcharge applicable for the second child. Family Rooms accommodate families of 2 adults and 2 children 12 and under. Additional beds and cots are available upon request. Child-minders can be arranged for a fee with 24-hour booking.
The Details
Positioned on the ocean's edge and just a five-minute stroll from Umhlanga Village Centre, The Oyster Box Hotel offers effortless access to the vibrant Afro-chic Durban city centre, international airports, and numerous upscale shopping destinations.
8 Classic Garden-Facing Rooms
These refined Classic Garden-Facing Rooms offer serene views of the hotel's lush, tranquil gardens.
18 Classic Sea-Facing Rooms
Each exquisite Classic Sea-Facing Room features a private balcony with uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and the stunning coastline of KwaZulu Natal. These rooms are elegantly appointed with either a bath or shower and a single vanity.
25 Luxury Sea-Facing Rooms
The elegantly designed Luxury Sea-Facing Rooms each feature a private balcony with uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and the breathtaking coastline of KwaZulu Natal. The bathrooms are lavishly equipped with double vanities, spacious separate showers, and baths.
3 Junior Cabanas
These exquisite Junior Cabanas, located on the lower ground level, offer stunning sea views and direct access to the lush grassed area in front. Each room features a luxurious four-poster king bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and single vanity.
4 Sea-Facing Cabanas
The exquisite Sea-Facing Cabanas, situated on the lower ground floor, showcase opulent king-size four-poster beds and offer individual spacious balcony terraces with exceptional beachfront views.
5 Sea-Facing Family Rooms
At The Oyster Box, every family is assured absolute comfort. The 5 private Sea-Facing Family Rooms feature a master bedroom along with an additional room or loft, thoughtfully designed for the younger members of the family.
5 Sea-Facing Luxury Suites
Exquisitely adorned and individually designed, each of the remarkable Sea-Facing Suites features a sumptuously appointed bedroom complemented by a lavish separate lounge area.
2 Sea-Facing Deluxe Suites
Each uniquely adorned, the Sea-Facing Deluxe Suites feature a luxurious bedroom paired with a lavish separate lounge area. Situated on the lower ground level, these suites offer exclusive access to private plunge pools and terraces, ensuring unparalleled luxury and relaxation.
8 Superior Garden Villas
Nestled within the lush gardens of the hotel, the breathtaking Superior Garden Villas boast inviting private plunge pools, expansive terraces, and luxurious lounges complete with a bar. Each villa is complemented by an opulent and spacious bathroom, offering a sanctuary of indulgence. For added flexibility, 4 of the 8 villas can be transformed into two-bedroomed havens by reserving additional Garden Villa Lofts.
4 Garden Villa Lofts
The charming Garden Villa Loft Rooms, overlooking the picturesque gardens, offer exquisite accommodation for the discerning traveler. Available as standalone units or in combination with a Superior Garden Villa, they cater to the needs of those seeking a luxurious retreat. Individually adorned with superb décor, each room features a delightful king-size four-poster bed and generous living space for added comfort.
1 Presidential Suite
A pinnacle of luxury, the magnificent Presidential Suite embodies grandeur and sophistication across two meticulously designed levels, complete with a private elevator. The extravagantly adorned master bedroom features a serene seating area and an intimate personal study, while two lavish marble bathrooms provide indulgent comfort. Unmatched sea views enhance the ambiance of luxury and tranquility. Additional features of this gracious suite include a private rim-flow swimming pool, an elegant lounge, and a refined dining room accommodating 8 guests, complemented by a bar and a beautifully appointed kitchen. A second bedroom adds to the suite's unparalleled allure, adorned with white timber floors and exquisite marble and white Caesar stone finishes.
Price Includes
Accommodation and breakfast.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 2 Jul 2027
Why book through us
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows The Oyster Box personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.
By season
Green season
16 May 2026 – 2 Jul 2027
Bed & Breakfast - Daily breakfast, and daily-replenished minibars in Junior Cabanas and higher
R 5 620
Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.
Exclusive offer
Available right now.
Stay & Pay
Take advantage of our Stay 4, Pay 3 special offer, valid from 12 January to 18 December 2026. Excluding block-out dates. Terms & Conditions Apply
Honeymoon offer
For couples celebrating a wedding.
Documented from Red Carnation Hotel Collection's 2026 rate sheet. A formal offer you can claim, not marketing language.
Wedding. Honeymoon. Anniversary Value Adds
Welcome canapés and a glass of Moët & Chandon in your room on arrival at 17 h00; Romantic Rose Petal Turndown
Guests of The Oyster Box celebrating their wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary who stay for 4 or more nights receive two complimentary romantic inclusions: welcome canapés with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne in-room on arrival day at 17 h00, and a Romantic Rose Petal Turndown service.
- Minimum stay
- 4 nights
- Valid
- 13 January 2026 – 18 December 2026
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Terms and eligibility may change. Your specialist confirms all offers at the time of booking.
Family policies
Travelling with children.
What our safari specialists know about bringing children to The Oyster Box: minimum ages, activities, family rooms and child rates, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .
Minimum ages
- Stay
- All ages
- Game drives
- All ages
- Walking safari
- All ages
Programmes & care
Kids' programme
Babysitting available
Accommodation
Family unit available.
Child rates
Children 12 and under (max 1) sharing with two full-paying adults stay free, including breakfast. Children 13–16 (max 1) sharing are charged R950.00 per child per night B&B. Children 17+ require a separate room at standard rates. In Deluxe Sea Facing Suites and Superior Garden Villas, a R950.00 surcharge applies for a second child.
Notable exceptions
- The Oyster Box is a family-friendly hotel where children of all ages are welcomed. The Holiday Club runs daily 10h00–19h00 for ages 4–12; children 3 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Sea Facing Family Rooms (5 available) include a master bedroom plus an additional room or loft and accommodate 2 adults + 2 children (12 and under). Sea Facing Deluxe Suites and Superior Garden Villas also suit families of 4, and directly inter-leading room combinations are available on request. Classic Sea Facing and Luxury Sea Facing Rooms cannot accommodate a third person (2 adults max). In Deluxe Sea Facing Suites and Superior Garden Villas, the first child is free on a day bed but a second child on a rollaway incurs a R950.00 surcharge. Child-minders may be reserved through the hotel at a fee, with at least 24 hours' notice. Note: this is a coastal hotel — game drives and walking safaris are not offered on-property.
Imagery
A closer look.
22 photographs · click any image to expand
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your dream safari at The Oyster Box.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at The Oyster Box: multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Ready when you are
Let's design your stay.
Your specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours with availability, exact pricing, and suggestions for what to combine it with.