The Oyster Box, KwaZulu-Natal | Namibia Tours & Safaris

This longstanding Durban icon by The Red Carnation Hotels Collection is one of South Africa’s most famous hotels.

Please note: Our review of this property has not yet been added. Watch this space. We're working on it.

As a tailor-made tour operator, we often have to get creative when designing your perfect itinerary.

For example, your travel consultant might add this property to your itinerary if:

Location is a significant factor
It offers a unique feature that will enhance your experience
This is a last-minute booking and room availability is limited
Cost is a factor and you'd rather splash out on another part of your trip
This is a newly opened or refurbished property that we have not inspected yet

When designing your custom itinerary we have much to consider not least of which is the value proposition of every product and service included in your quote. In all cases we strive to give you the best experience possible within your budget so please feel free to ask your travel consultant to share their reasons for including this property in your itinerary.

Perching proudly on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box is instantly recognisable. An easy 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, KwaZulu Natal’s grande dame features trademark red-and-white candy-striped sunloungers, elegant guest rooms and suites that showcase a love for floral textiles, spacious marble bathrooms, and an outstanding private art collection.

The hotel is also renowned for its incredible staff and warm personable service, with many team members having been with Red Carnation for decades.

Explore the lush sub-tropical gardens, cool off in one of the two large pools, admire the collection of antique clocks and first edition books in the guest-exclusive The Clock Library, and retreat to the award-winning spa for nurturing treatments using Red Carnation’s plant-based B|Africa products.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean or verdant gardens, each of the 86 rooms features carefully curated furnishings and artworks, with selected suites and villas also offering private plunge pools. For lunch, enjoy seafood at The Oyster Bar, or KwaZulu-Natal-inspired dishes and sea views from the al fresco Ocean Terrace. Pre-dinner drinks at the scenic rooftop Lighthouse Bar are a must, followed by a refined dinner at The Grill Room. And don’t miss the hotel’s famous High Tea, served in The Palm Court – book well in advance to secure a table.

Lodge Facilities

2 pools
2 restaurants
3 bars
The Chef’s Table
wine cellar
high tea in The Palm Court
spa with 6 treatment rooms, hammam, plunge pool, manicures & pedicures, tranquillity lounge, and health bar
fitness centre
children’s holiday club
24-seater private cinema
library
24-hour concierge service
complimentary valet parking
complimentary Wi-Fi
complimentary shuttle service
beach equipment (including sun umbrellas, beach bags, balls, bats, and suntan lotion) available from reception

Room Facilities

86 rooms and suites
large ensuite marble bathrooms
daily breakfast included
complimentary mineral water, tea and coffee-making facilities
well-stocked mini-bar
fresh fruit and flowers in-room
a selection of current magazines and books
individually controlled air-conditioning
ceiling fans
flat-screen satellite TV with more than 25 channels
bespoke B|Africa in-room amenities
soap and pillow menus
luxurious bathrobes and slippers
housekeeping service twice daily
two direct-dial telephone lines with voicemail
complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
heated towel rails
iron and ironing board
hairdryers
in-room safe
private plunge pools, outside showers, terraces, and separate lounge areas in certain suites and villas

Activities

Catch a film in the private 24-seat cinema at the hotel, try a wine or whisky tasting, book a Durban curry masterclass, and let your little ones run wild at the Children’s Holiday Club. With the beach on your doorstep, you can also enjoy swimming or try your hand at surfing, and you’ll have easy access to the Umhlanga promenade. The Oyster Box can further plan Indian or Zulu cultural tours, wildlife experience tours, local market visits, deep sea fishing & diving on request, plus historic battlefields excursions and, further afield, game drives.

Sustainability

Energy Efficiency

Waste Management

Sustainable Sourcing

Water Conservation

Community and Environment Benefit

Site and Building Impact

Map Location

Meet the Team

We’ve travelled. We’ve adventured. We’ve experienced. We're eager to share our world, never forgetting that each itinerary is as unique as the traveller.

"We can't wait to return"

I can't thank you enough for helping to put together this trip. It exceeded all our expectations and we fell in love with your country.

Jun '24

"We loved our experience with NTS"

We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.

Jun '24

"We had a wonderful time in Namibia"

All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.

May '24

"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"

Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.

May '24

~ more reviews ~