Question 1

What type of group tours do we offer?

Accepted Answer

Our school tours are tailor-made to balance educational study and fun activities, ensuring that learning is done in an interesting and memorable way. Select one of our fun, cultural or educational programs to take your school tour to new level. If none of our generic options fit your needs, send us your curriculum and our team of creative and academic managers will tailor make a program specifically for your school.
 
The tour packages that we do offer are:
Fun bonding tour
Life Orientation tour
Geography tour
History and Sociology tour
Biology tour
Sports & speciality tour
Service learning/ Community Engagement tour
For more detailed information about what each tour entails please view our tour packages.

Question 2

General information about group tours to Sugar Bay

Accepted Answer

Although our specialty is holiday camps, Sugar bay invites school groups to join us for an educational or fun tour during the school term. Sugar Bay welcomes groups from all over South Africa, Africa and even international schools. The resort is located in the tranquil village of Zinkwazi Beach, which is only a one hour drive north of Durban.​
 
Travel options
Groups either travel by bus or fly to King Shaka International Airport (Durban) where groups are collected by a chartered bus company and brought directly to Sugar Bay. Accommodation for bus drivers can be arranged as long as this is arranged in advance with us.
 
Full-time supervision
We realize the importance of enabling teachers to relax and observe the students, while we take care of the rest. School tours are often a sort of 'vacation' for teachers too, and we try our best to make their stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible. We have recently completed the construction of our luxury teachers cabins which has received a 3-star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
 
The Sugar Bay staff can run all activities and programs and provide 24-hour supervision for the duration of the trip. With our staff to child ratio of 1:5 during school group camps and at least 2 counselors sleeping in each cabin with the children, teachers can be rest assured that the children are in capable hands.
 
Indemnity forms & how we deal with emergencies
As a group organiser, we recommend that you obtain all medical details of your learners before the tour in order to avoid searching for details in the unlikely event of an emergency.
 
At Sugar Bay we have an infirmary stocked with basic first aid materials, and medication for common ailments such as headaches and stings. If a student requires any specific medication due to allergies please ask that they bring it with them. If a student is very sick, we can arrange that they see a doctor.
 
Indemnity forms are problem-free at Sugar Bay. The teacher in charge signs one indemnity form on behalf of all your students - less for busy parents to worry about!
 
Our cash-free camp store system
Sugar Bay runs on a cash free system so that students do not need to carry any cash with them. When you arrive cash is handed in and this is put into our tuckshop system. If there is any money left in this account it is refunded to the students in cash on departure day.
 
During camp store sessions they will be able to purchase items from our tuckshop up to the value of the amount deposited. Please note that the cost of paintball bullets is deducted form this account as well.
 
What should children bring/wear?
Sugar Bay recommends that students bring clothing that is functional but not too expensive, as children do get dirty and wet during activities. Please see our recommended packing list for full details.

At Sugar Bay camp, the safety and well-being of your children is always our top priority. From our activities to our camp policies, every decision we make is designed to ensure that your child is protected while having the best possible camp experience.

As part of this commitment, we kindly remind you to pack the correct swimwear:

Girls: A full-body costume with swim shorts worn over it (no bikinis).
Boys: Swim shorts only (no speedos).

This policy is in place to keep all children safe and comfortable, both in and out of the water. Please note that if campers do not bring the appropriate swimwear, they will still participate in swimming activities, but they will not be included in any camp photos or videos.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe and caring environment for every child. Together, we can ensure that their time at Sugar Bay is not only fun and memorable but also secure and worry-free.

Question 3

What is the accomodation like, and what facilities do we have?"

Accepted Answer

We have luxurious accommodation for both teachers and students. We can cater for up to 200 learners. With a minimum of 40 learners to make a booking. 
 
Teachers stay in their own 3-star cabin, separate from the students, complete with mini bar, DStv and jacuzzi. Teachers can chill out on their own private deck, take a stroll on the beach, cruise on the lagoon or join in on the fun camp activities while our staff take care of everything.
 
Students are treated not only to all the great activities we have to offer, but to luxury en-suite stilted log cabins nestled in the tree tops. 
 
Click here to view photographs of our accommodation and facilities.

Question 4

How much does it cost, and what is the minimum for a group booking?"

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to contact our school tours manager who would be happy to assist you with group booking dates & rates. 
 
We do not recommend booking for two nights, and we strongly recommend booking well in advance, as our calendar for schools are often fully booked 6-12 months in advance.

Please note that we require a minimum of 40 learners.

Question 5

Do we cater for day-only visits?

Accepted Answer

We do cater for day-only visits/excursions. Depending on availability. We require a minimum booking of 40 learners.

Please contact our office for more information: 032 485 3778 | tours@sugarbay.co.za
 
Cost: R300 per person. This inlcudes lunch and a snack. (2026 price)
 
Time: 09:00 - 15:00
 
Free visits to your school can be arranged.

We are willing to bringing our staff to visit your school for the day or part of the day. Some schools invite us to their events or ask us to hold activity workshops for them. This great service is subject to our availability, but it is absolutely free!
 
We will bring our enthusiastic and energetic counselors, our equipment and we will entertain your learners with our Sumo Suits, Mechanical Surfboard, Poi while we encourage them to be active outdoors and away from technology.
 
If this is something that interests you, please email tours@sugarbay.co.za or call our offices to arrange our visit.
 
Some schools we have visited, just to name a few:
St. Dominics - Drum Majorettes Event
Lycée Jules Verne (International French School) - Fete
Brescia House - Open/ Fun Day
Treverton

Question 6

How far in advance should you book?

Accepted Answer

Our group bookings calendar fills up very quickly! Most groups who would like to secure exact tour dates book up to a year or more in advance.

Question 7

Why choose Sugar Bay, and what are the benefits for learners?"

Accepted Answer

We adhere to the American Camping Association's standards
Based on the American Summer Camp system, Sugar Bay stands out above every other South African camp. We are the only resort in the country that has been specially designed and built as a kids-only holiday camp. The well-established American Summer Camp model combined with our more than 15 years of experience places Sugar Bay in a league of our own.
 
Beautiful location
We are situated in the idyllic village of Zinkwazi Beach on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal and are surrounded by sugar cane farms, coastal forests and pristine beaches.
 
Customized programs with over 100 activities to choose from
Over and above our exciting range of activities, we tailor make dynamic educational programs to suit each individual school.
 
Exceptionally qualified staff
Our counselors are fully trained and qualified in Emergency First Response and child psychology. We also have our own team of qualified lifeguards to supervise all water activities.
 
Benefits for learners:
 
1. Independence – Children learn to live independently from their parents and all their electronic gadgets. Sugar Bay further promotes independent decision making by giving each child the freedom to choose what activity they want to do and when, without influence from parents, friends and teachers.
 
2. Confidence - In a happy and supportive environment, children can build confidence and grow outside of the classroom. We embrace the concept of experiential education and always see results at the end of camp.
 
3. Positive Attitudes – Luxury cabins, home cooked meals, over 100 activities plus having a cool role model for the week that listens, cares and teaches is guaranteed to put a smile on any child’s face.
 
4. Healthier mind and body – Students have the opportunity to disconnect from technology and spend time outdoors to learn in a natural and healthy environment. Their mental skills are put to the test in our educational programs and new knowledge is gained throughout camp.  
5. Knowledge – "What we learn in fun, we never forget" is one of our favourite quotes. Sugar Bay's comprehensive educational programs encourage students to 'learn by doing' rather than through traditional rote methods. Students will not only expand their academic knowledge, but they will learn valuable life skills too. Allowing learners the responsibility and freedom to choose their own classes results in a much higher level of participation, concentration and skills development.

Question 8

How Do We Select Our Staff?

Accepted Answer

At Sugar Bay Camp, the safety and wellbeing of our campers is our highest priority. That’s why our counselor selection process is thorough, structured, and uncompromising.
Every staff member goes through a multi-stage screening process before joining our team.

1. Application & Screening
All candidates complete a detailed application form outlining their experience working with children. We conduct a telephone interview and require references from previous employers. A criminal background check is mandatory before any appointment is considered.

2. Training & Evaluation Week
Shortlisted candidates attend an intensive training week at camp. During this time, they are trained in:
• Emergency First Response
• First Aid and CPR
• Child development and basic child psychology
• Age-appropriate instruction techniques
• Activity leadership and safety protocols

Candidates are continuously assessed on their maturity, leadership ability, responsibility, communication skills, and how they engage with children.

3. Practical Trial Period
Before being formally employed, counselors complete a practical trial week where they work directly with campers under supervision. This allows us to evaluate how they perform in real camp conditions, including long days and 24-hour responsibility.

Only those who meet our high standards are invited to join the Sugar Bay team.
We look for more than qualifications. We look for patience, energy, integrity, and the ability to create a safe, positive environment where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

TEACHER INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions