About Us
The word “ISINKWE” (pronounced “I” – “sink” – “we”), is the Zulu translation of the Thick Tailed Bushbaby. These strange nocturnal animals are classified under the primate family and frequent the lodge at night. Their distinctive and thrilling night-time cries are part of the evening bush sounds.
Reception
- Reception is open from 08h00 to 19h00
- Check in time: From 14h00
- Check out time: 10h00 on day of departure
- Our reception offers friendly service and information on the activities in the surrounding area.
- All activities and meals are booked at our reception.
- Laundry service available.
- Our reception shop sells snacks, chocolates, sweets, ice cream and toiletries.
- We also sell postcards, wildlife books and Zulu beaded jewelry.
- Credit card and Debit card payment facility available at reception.
Communal Self-Catering Kitchen, Pool and Boma
If you would like to relax, while enjoying a real bushveld atmosphere, then our pool area is just the place for you. Here you could relax and soak up the sun, while lounging around the swimming pool on the raised wooden sundeck. Play a game of pool, while watching the African skyline silhouetted against the magnificent sunset.
Share memorable winter evenings around the fireplace in the Buffalo Boma. Look out for the Bushbaby visitors!
- Communal Boma with BBQ stand & Fireplace
- Communal Kitchen area with gas stoves, ovens, fridges and freezer
- Swimming Pool
- Wooden Sundeck
- Pool Loungers
- Pool Table
Green Policy
CLIMATE:
- Water Conservation:
- Water is obtained from a borehole and every effort is made to conserve water.
- Energy Conservation measures:
- Lights are on a day-night switch.
- Energy efficient globes are in use.
- Monthly record of energy consumption meter reading on a monthly basis.
- Staff and guests are encouraged to conserve energy consumption in the workplace and the lodge.
ENVIRONMENT:
- Contribute to conservation of wildlife and the Environment: Isinkwe is based on a conservancy, a 22 ha tract of coastal forests, where we as the owners and staff are looking after and caring for the land, plants, animals and natural resources in a way to ensure that all of these are protected for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
- Environmental awareness programme for local people in the community: As a safari company we have conducted educational tours to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve for local schools. Isinkwe Backpackers Bushcamp has hosted groups from orphanages and also volunteer projects at discounted rates.
- Recycling programme: We separate and sort our waste in order to recycle paper, glass, steel and organic matter. We manage our own waste disposal system.
SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT
We endeavour to improve working conditions in the tourism industry for local people.
All employees are paid at least the minimum wage or more as prescribe to the Hotel and Hospitality Sector and we abide by all the labour regulations in terms of working hours, off days, annual leave and paying of overtime. The majority of our current and past employees have all been from the local community, in which case training has been given to members of the community who have never had any work experience before.
We encourage our staff members to increase their skills levels and constantly challenge them to be ambitious in their career path. Many of our previous staff members have moved on to work in 3-5 star establishments in this area and as far a Durban, without any formal education. They obtained these positions based on the in-house training they received from working at Isinkwe Safaris and Backpackers.
ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT
- Financial aid for education offered to local community: Second hand book sale on offer at our reception, with the proceeds donated to the Hluhluwe Primary School Book Fund.
- Economic benefits for the local community generated: Isinkwe reception offers information on all local activities and products, offered by our local community or employing members of the local community, with the hope that our tourists will support these businesses during their visits:
- Zamimphilo Craft Market
- Mbonise Cultural Concepts
- DumaZulu Cultural Village
- Bonamanzi Game Park
- Ilala Weavers
Terms and Conditions
CANCELLATION TERMS:
- All cancellations made more than 30 days prior to arrival date will be subject to 25% forfeiture of deposit amount paid as cancellation fee.
- All cancellations made 15-29 days prior to arrival date will be subject to 50% forfeiture of the total booking amount, as cancellation fee.
- All cancellations made 1-14 days prior to arrival date will be subject to 75% forfeiture of the total booking amount, as cancellation fee.
- Non arrivals will be subject to 100% forfeiture of the total booking amount, as cancellation fee.
- Cancellations and/or amendments to bookings must be made in writing to info@isinkwe.co.za. No telephonic cancellations/amendments will be accepted.
- Should a guest amend the date of travel of an existing booking, the new booking must be within 3 months of original travel to avoid cancellation fees.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- GROUP RESERVATIONS (8 or more persons) can not be booked online. Please email info@isinkwe.co.za.
- Check in time from 14h00. Check out time 10h00.
- Reception open from 08h00 to 21h00.
- Balance of payment payable upon arrival.
- Visa/Master/Amex accepted. No cheques.
- No refunds for early departures.
CAMP RULES AND REGULATIONS:
- No noise allowed in the camp. Come enjoy the sounds of nature.
- All rooms and public areas are NON-SMOKING.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the swimming pool.
- No alcohol may be brought onto the premises. Licensed bar open daily from16h00.
- No illegal substances allowed on the premises.
- Day visitors are not allowed.
- No pets.
- No fires to be made outside of the allocated braai area.
- Harming or removing plants or animals on Isinkwe is prohibited.