Munster (South Coast) – The Merry Crab Beach Lodge
Come and experience KwaZulu-Natal’s best kept secret: a charming, informal and secure self-catering holiday hideaway carved out of the lush tropical vegetation of the Admiralty Reserve. From the Lodge, a shaded pathway through the forest, inhabited by duiker and dassies, leads to golden sands and the warm blue ocean.
The area enjoys year round sunshine and the balmy weather continues throughout the winter.
Safe bathing and surfing, fabulous fishing and diving, stretches of unspoilt beach, restaurants, attractions and friendly locals make our little piece of paradise the perfect South African tropical holiday destination.
The Merry Crab Beach Lodge is situated metres from the surf in Munster, a small village on the east coast of South Africa, known locally as the Hibiscus Coast. Munster is an eighty-minute drive south of Durban, the country’s premiere port city and only fifteen minutes from the nearest commercial airport at Margate. The Wild Coast Sun is ten kilometres away and the nearest town, Port Edward, is 7km away.
On arriving at our little piece of paradise you will be met by The Crew, our helpful and friendly staff. You will be assisted to our reception/lounge and entertainment area which has been designed for relaxing with family and friends, playing board games, reading and watching television. Adjacent to the lounge is the fenced swimming pool and bar complete with loungers. The Potjie Boma, a large thatched boma with its own braai facilities and pizza oven, is ideal for all weather braais and parties.
After check-in your luggage will be carried to your accommodation which is nestled privately amongst the lush vegetation of the garden. Fully serviced accommodation is available in one-bedroom studios and casitas and two-bedroom cabanas. All are fully equipped with stoves, fridges, microwave ovens, crockery and cutlery, linen and bath towels (please bring your own beach towels), DStv (limited bouquet) and paddle fans. Each unit has its own safe and private sun deck and braai.
STUDIO: Sleeps 2 in a bachelor-style pad comprising an open-plan bedroom/kitchenette with an en-suite bathroom.
CASITA: Sleeps up to 2 Adults (+2 Children) in a one-bedroom, en-suite with separate living/kitchen area. This unit has 2 couches in the living area which can be made up to accommodate a maximum of 2 children u/12yrs. These are smaller than standard single beds therefore will not accommodate a large framed teenager/adult.
CABANA: Sleeps up to 4 Adults (+2 Children) A combination of a STUDIO & CASITA which sleeps 4 in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms + 2 children (in living area). This unit has an inter-leading foam insulated (soundproof) door which opens up to make up the Cabana or alternatively remains closed and is sold as separate units. This door is foam-insulated and as soundproof as any wall.
Each unit is allocated its own secure off-street parking bay and we are situated on the beachfront with only a short stroll through the Admiralty Reserve (protected vegetation belt) onto the beach.
The Merry Crab is the ideal getaway for couples, families or groups. As animal lovers who hate travelling without our own dogs we welcome fur-people by prior arrangement.
PET POLICY: All socialised (to humans and other animals), well-behaved, cat-friendly dogs welcome all year round. Birds and iguanas (and similar) are also welcome. Pets sleep inside; bring own pet beds, bedding, towels and bowls. Dogs are not allowed on the furniture (sofas and beds) and must be free of ticks and fleas. NB: we only accommodate dogs in our family units (Casita/Cabana), which are the only units with enclosed decks. As our units are not individually fenced we have strict pet rules so as not to disturb other guests without pets. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks our children and/or dogs are as wonderful as we do!
PLEASE NOTE: Easy access to walks. Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside and consideration must be given to resident cats and wildlife (small blue duiker that sometimes graze in our gardens). Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs, around the unit as well in our common areas of the garden and beach. We have one of the last remaining beaches that allows dogs therefore we request that our guests adhere to the by-laws and take packets to the beach and clean up after their pets. There is a strong lobby to stop dogs on the beaches as no one, pet owner or not, likes to step in a poop that someone else has decided to cover with sand rather than pick up. Pets are NOT to be left by themselves under any circumstances, be it inside or outside the unit. Pets are also not allowed to do any gardening, replanting or composting!
CHARGE for Pets: R50 per dog per day to spray/disinfect units after pets depart. Doggie Damages Deposit required: NONE however, pet owners are responsible for all damages caused by pets, either by teeth, claws, bad potty training or territorial markings.
