The Mantis and Moon

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I had planned to head directly to Durban from Coffee Bay but most people (tourists and S. Africans alike) advised me to skip it and stay at smaller villages along the coast, so instead I went to the Mantis and Moon hostel in Umzumbe, about an hour and a half south along the coast from Durban. It’s a one-of-a-kind place—you basically feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle. (I originally thought the plants must have been imported since I hadn’t seen tropical plants like that anywhere else in S. Africa, but I was informed that right around that area is where the climate becomes sub-tropical.) There are lantern-lit wooden paths that lead around the property—very romantic! I opted for a double which was basically a little bungalow with a semi-outdoor bathroom attached. It was awesome. They also have treehouses, but those were all occupied. There is a swimming pool and the beach is about a 10-min. walk away. (That is the only thing missing to make this place perfect: direct beach access. You have to leave the property—which is not that pleasant, because immediately upon exiting the gate you leave paradise for a suburban-type neighborhood where well-to-do Durbanites (I’m presuming) have summer homes. It’s quite a shock!)

Anyway it was such a lovely place I ended up staying two nights. I just hung out on the beach all day and finished my Ludlum novel. One thing to take note of is that—given its location in a suburb—there is no food anywhere within the Mantis vicinity. The nearest shops/restaurants are a 15-min. drive away, so bring groceries. They do have a set dinner, which on the night I ate there was fantastic—steak on the grill, roasted potatoes. There are also supposed to be monkeys around the property but I didn’t get to see any while I was there! I did see some lovely birds though. The Mantis is one of the only places in the neighborhood that has allowed native plants to grow pretty much wild, so it seems like the fauna flock to it (including the two kittens who made my bungalow their home for an evening).

Umzumbe was really lovely but I don’t think it’s a place I would stop unless your destination is the Mantis and Moon specifically. There’s not a whole lot going on around there, but that worked very well for me (coming off of finals and all!).

Love,

martina

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Photos

My room at the Mantis
Very cozy as you can see...

My bathroom at the Mantis
Even more impressive! It was the nicest shower I have had since the amazing water pressure in Knysna.

Two kittens recently adopted by the Mantis
They were completely inseparable the whole time I was there.