Uvongo Newsletter December 2025

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Resort Upgrades | Celebrations | Reviews | Notices

Benvenuti to the latest Little Italy Diaries! As the year winds down, we’ve been busy giving your favourite getaway a little extra love. Refurbished units, Team additions, and celebrations big and small have kept us on our toes, and now it’s time to share the joy with you.

So grab a comfy seat, take a deep breath of sea air (or imagine it!), and enjoy a peek at all the fun, updates, and memories from the last six months at Uvongo River Resort.

Spread across 2,500 hectares of breathtaking bushveld, grassland, coastal forest, and wetlands, Lake Eland Adventure Park is a perfect blend of peace and excitement for the whole family. Founded in 2003 by brothers Eric and Trevor Dunstone to conserve this natural treasure, the park takes its name from the majestic eland, celebrated in San rock art for its strength and beauty. Whether you’re after a leisurely self-guided game drive, heart-pumping fun on our 80m suspension bridge and zipline, or action-packed adventures like horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, paintball, fishing, and 4x4 trails, there’s something for everyone. With picnic spots, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery around every corner, Lake Eland promises unforgettable memories for kids, adults, and the young at heart alike.

Here’s what one TripAdvisor reviewer had to say about the experience:
Lake Eland Adventure Park - Go for it, nothing to worry about!
Wow. Just wow. Went on the standard route, 16 lines, 4.5km. guided all the way by two very professional guides, at no time did we feel in any danger. Each harness has three safety lines, and there are two Zipline cables, the chance of something going wrong is infinitesimally small! I cannot recommend this activity enough! And I'm 67 years old!
- KenP

At Uvongo River Resort, we’re always finding ways to make your home-away-from-home even more special. From refreshing our units and adding thoughtful touches to planning moments of fun and relaxation, no detail is too small for us to perfect. Your “Little Italy” continues to be a place where laughter, joy, and cherished memories with family and friends are always on the menu.

Upgrading of the Main Bedroom Dressers
To help our lady guests look their best during their holiday, a light was installed at the dressing table in the main bedroom dresser. Additionally, a USB plug socket was installed to provide guests with a convenient charging station for their cell phones.

Braai Area Lights
A high-heat-resistant light was installed inside the built-in braais to provide better illumination, ensuring guests have sufficient lighting while enjoying a braai on the patio.

Unit Upgrade
Following the positive feedback from recurring guests regarding the upgrade of Unit 11, the Team took the opportunity to also upgrade Unit 5. This upgrade was facilitated after an insurance claim was paid out due to a burst geyser and the popping of tiles that occurred in the unit.

New Scatter Cushions
The scatter cushion covers began to fade, and new covers were ordered. A total of 172 covers were replaced to maintain the decor's fresh appearance.

Garden Lights
Coloured lights were installed in the gardens to highlight the plants and provide illumination along the pathways, enhancing both beauty and safety during the evening hours.

Soccer Goal and Volleyball Net
A soccer goal was installed next to the mini-golf area, allowing kids to test their soccer skills. Additionally, the old volleyball net was replaced with a new one, suitable for both badminton and volleyball.

This motto is at the heart of everything we do at Uvongo River Resort. Every member of our Team is dedicated to ensuring each guest enjoys a truly memorable stay. It also inspires the little touches and festive details we add throughout the Resort. 2025 has been no exception, here’s a look at how we’ve created lasting holiday memories with our cherished guests:

Mother’s Day 2025

At Uvongo River Resort, this year we celebrated our wonderful mothers by comparing them to flowers, because nothing surpasses the beauty and fragrance of colourful blooms. Each mother received a “sweet hamper” and a personalised key holder upon arrival.

Father’s Day 2025

The Reception staff decided that the theme for Father’s Day this year would be “Ties.” Even in a tie, our fathers will still braai! Each father received a wooden box containing a packet of firelighters and a box of matches.

Women’s Day 2025

All women received a URR-branded purse upon check-in. Divided into three compartments, the purse is practically designed for organising cash, cards, and small change.

Heritage Day 2025

Instead of the usual boerewors roll, Uvongo River Resort decided to treat all guests to traditional malva pudding and custard upon arrival. The Reception staff dressed in traditional Zulu attire to enhance the experience.

As the festive season is upon us, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Uvongo
River Resort. Your support and loyalty mean the world to us, and we are truly grateful for the
opportunity to serve you.

May this Christmas bring joy, peace, and happiness to you and your loved ones. Wishing you a
wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Thank you for being part of our Uvongo River Resort family.
Warmest wishes

We love celebrating life’s special milestones with our guests. Whether it’s a joyful birthday, a romantic honeymoon, or a fun meet-and-greet, we take every opportunity to make these moments extra memorable. From thoughtful touches to little surprises, we delight in creating experiences that our guests will cherish long after their stay.

Anniversary Celebration
In September 2025, Uvongo River Resort received several requests from guests who booked with us to celebrate their anniversaries and honeymoon stays. Our Housekeeping staff went above and beyond to decorate the units, making these special occasions even more memorable.

Annual Team Building
On Tuesday, 2 September 2025, Uvongo River Resort invited the Kridzil Woonstelle staff for our annual Olympics-themed team-building event, where all staff were divided into five groups representing the Olympic colours and took part in a vibrant Dance Off Challenge and spirited Choir Contest that showcased their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm, making for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable performances.

Birthday celebrations
During the week of 4 – 8 August 2025, Mr. Shongwani celebrated his 50th birthday at Uvongo River Resort.

Meet and Greet Evening
During the June school holidays, Uvongo River Resort hosted a vibrant meet-and-greet event, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both guests and staff. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful interactions, strengthening connections within the Resort community. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and the positive feedback received highlighted its success.

Sardine Run 2025
On Thursday, 17 July 2025, the annual sardine run brought an exciting spectacle to St Michael’s Beach, where large shoals of sardines washed ashore. This natural phenomenon, a much-anticipated highlight along the South Coast, drew great excitement among both guests and staff from Uvongo River Resort. Everyone had the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere, participate in the activity on the beach, and share in the unique coastal tradition that continues to bring communities and holidaymakers together each year.

At Uvongo River Resort, we believe in giving back to the community that surrounds us. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, lending a helping hand, or creating opportunities for meaningful connections, we’re always looking for ways to make a positive difference.

Mini Golf with Senior Citizens
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, Uvongo River Resort had the privilege of hosting a mini-golf day for the members of SHAFTS (Self Help Association for The Seniors).

Road Assistance
Due to the heavy rains and storms experienced on the South Coast this year, the roads are in poor condition. The Uvongo River Resort maintenance team promptly responded by filling the potholes along the road leading to the Resort, helping to improve safety and accessibility.

Uvongo River Resort welcomed the following new staff members to the team.

Martin Havenga
Martin has been promoted to Maintenance and Stock Manager following Hannes Dippenaar's transfer to Kridzil Woonstelle as Resort Manager. With over 20 years of experience in maintenance, Martin brings valuable expertise to the Team. Uvongo River Resort is looking forward to his leadership and contributions.

Sne Shazi
Sne joined Uvongo River Resort on 4 January 2012, as a casual worker in the housekeeping department. Through dedication and hard work, she was promoted to Housekeeping Supervisor in 2023. When a receptionist position became available in May 2025, Sne applied and was successfully appointed to the role. On 1 September 2025, she transitioned to her current position as Stock Controller. Sne is a quick learner and a diligent, upright individual who takes her responsibilities seriously. We wish her the best of luck in her new role.

Chadne Ratz
When Sne Shazi was promoted to Stock Controller, the Reception position became vacant. Chad's interview for the role was successful, and he accepted the position effective 1 September 2025. Chad brings over two years of experience in reception and as an Events Coordinator, along with a Diploma in Business Management. Uvongo River Resort is excited to welcome him to the team.

External Training
Due to the expiration of certain certificates in 2025, training sessions were scheduled from 03 to 07 March 2025. Four staff members received Fire Safety training, two members completed First Aid certification, two members completed Scaffold Erecting training, and two members completed Working at Heights certification.

To our incredible guests and treasured Shareholders: thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Your kind words and glowing recommendations bring extra sunshine to “Little Italy” on the coast, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have you as part of our family.

review

“Thank you once again for a memorable holiday to everyone at Uvongo Resort. The kids loved the new scooter track and the men spent the weekend in the games room. Special thanks to our cleaning lady, Pam. You are a special gem. Our unit was nice, clean and fresh every day. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back soon.”
– TripAdvisor User

review

“What a lovely place to stay at. This self-catering accommodation has so many amenities and activities, such as putt-putt, a pool, and each unit has their own braai facilities. We felt so welcome when we first arrived, and the Team even made it even more special for us, as can be seen in the pictures. Excellent daily housekeeping. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.”
– Michaela Wright

review

“From the moment we arrived at the gate, we were greeted with a smile. Made to feel like VIP's. Check-in was such a delightful experience with a complimentary gift for Heritage Day, with an ice-cold cool drink and malva pudding with custard. It’s the little things in life that make one feel special when someone takes the time to add a little extra effort, to let you know that you are valued. Thank you so much for making our stay magnificent once again. ”- Pbold

review

“One of our favourite Resorts and will definitely return. Well maintained Resort and the Units a are spacious and always clean. Highly recommended Resort.”
– Alfred Puth

Holiday Options: A Smart, Flexible Benefit for Every Shareholder

Holiday Options gives shareholders far more than standard exchange opportunities, it offers real flexibility, convenience, and value. Beyond traditional exchanges, members can enjoy Bonus Weeks, which allow for spontaneous, last-minute getaways without using points. Whether it’s a quick midweek break, a weekend escape, or an extra unit for family and friends, Bonus Weeks ensure you never miss out on quality holiday time.

Shareholders can also deposit their intervals (full weeks, midweeks, or weekends) and receive points valid for three years, making future planning easy and rewarding. As long as deposits are made at least eight weeks before occupation and levies are fully paid, points are allocated seamlessly. Even late deposits earn full points, offering additional peace of mind (late deposit fees are applicable).

Holiday Options also streamlines the management of your ownership with two rental placement options, allowing you to earn rental income on weeks you’re unable to use. Shareholders can list full weeks, midweeks, or weekend intervals on Gomelo at their preferred rate, update pricing anytime, and withdraw the listing if it hasn’t rented yet. MyResorts offer rentals based on a daily rate - ideal for Shareholders who prefer flexible, per-night rentals. This option allows your interval to be made available as daily reservations across the MyResorts network, increasing visibility and improving the likelihood of achieving rental income.

With Bonus Weeks, extended point validity, easy online levy management, and a simplified rental system, Holiday Options ensures that shareholders maximise the value of their ownership, through flexibility, freedom, and effortless control over every holiday opportunity..

TENDER WEEKS AVAILABLE!
Contact the RHS Property Admin team for more information.
propertyadmin@rhservices.co.za

Book Your Stay through MyResorts
There’s never been a better time to plan your getaway. With a simple and seamless way to secure your stay, you can focus on what really matters - soaking up the bushveld bliss.

Pick a place, pack a bag, and let’s get you sidetracked!
www.myresorts.co.za

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Join African Blessings on their journey to empower and uplift children in need. Read more about African Blessings and all their projects.
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Expand your Holiday Horizons.
Buy or Sell Holidays on Univate Properties. Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website to browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at a variety of destinations.
www.univateproperties.co.za

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Important Notices

Resort Calendar >
2026

Shareholder Documentation >
View Here

Website >
Visit Here

We would like to remind our valued Shareholders to kindly check and sign off on inventories upon arrival at your
home-away-from-home unit. An inventory list is available in your unit; any discrepancies must please be reported at Reception.

Keep in Touch With Us

In Closing…

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank you for being part of our extended Uvongo River Resort family. Your support, laughter, and shared memories make every moment here truly special.

From all of us at Little Italy on the coast, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo! We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026 for another year of unforgettable memories.

Cio for now!

Until next time, may your days be filled with sunshine, serenity, and the joy of shared moments.

Uvongo Greetings,

Marjorie Forssman

Kridzil