Email
Thonga Beach Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland
coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This 24-bed luxury lodge is
the ideal place to discover one of the most unspoilt wilderness
beaches left on the African continent. Mabibi is a magical place
of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite
sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s
best snorkelling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving.
Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled into beautiful
coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the stunning beach below.
The thatched bush suites provide guest privacy and were carefully
constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
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The lodge offers luxurious accommodation, mouth-watering meals and one
of the best dive sites in the South Africa.
Thonga Beach Lodge is situated only metres from the beach and a 25 minute
drive from Lake Sibaya (Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake),
which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised
as a World Heritage Site.
Thonga Beach Lodge Accommodation
Set above a private, sandy beach and nestled into magnificent coastal
dune forest, Thonga Beach Lodge captures the essence of a luxury Robinson
Crusoe hideaway. Traditional Thonga fishing villages provided the inspiration
for this unique retreat that celebrates the true spirit of Mother Nature.
Main Lodge
Large coastal Milkwood trees set the scene for the ultimate beach experience.
Carefully constructed into the coastal dune forest, Thonga Beach Lodge
takes full advantage of its incredible position while being in complete
harmony with the environment.
The dining area – a large thatched ‘rondavel’ - opens
on to an expansive wooden deck, where guests can enjoy Maputuland’s
sultry weather and the lodge’s sumptuous meals. Most meals will
be served al fresco, or, guests can head for the beach and dine by candlelight
on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The lounge, with its comfortable couches and a cosy fireplace, is the
perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach. Located upstairs from
the diningroom, it offers spectacular views of the beach as well as the
incredible forest surrounding the lodge. It’s the ideal spot to
relax with a sundowner or catch a breathtaking sunrise over a steaming
mug of coffee.
To beat the midday heat, guests can take it easy beside the lodge’s
swimming pool or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar with its unique
“ocean” bar counter. For those needing a little pampering,
the lodge also has a rejuvenation centre where guests can revitalise body,
mind and soul.
Bedrooms
The spacious, thatched suites are hidden in the coastal dune forest and
raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the sensitive dune
soils. Inspired by Thonga architecture, the rooms have been carefully
positioned to guarantee guest privacy. Some rooms offer sea views (see
rates), whilst others are set within the dune forest. All have private
balconies. Luxuriously decorated, the rooms exude a romantic ambiance.
Bleached wood, glass and natural materials have been wisely used to create
an open, airy feel. The en-suite rooms have a bathroom with bath, shower
and twin vanity. Every suite has air conditioning.
*** Please note that Thonga is an eco friendly lodge in a World Heritage
site and is built into an extremely sensitive Milkwood Forest. In order
to preserve the natural vegetation, we are not permitted to cut down any
of these trees and as a result, over the years this forest has grown and
now some Seaview rooms do not have a full 180 degree seaview.
Activities at & around Thonga Beach Lodge
Snorkelling
Mabibi offers superb snorkelling opportunities with a great diversity
of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. The shallow reefs
along this protected stretch of coastline are home to an array of brilliant
sub-tropical fish including moorish idols, parrot fish and blue surgeons.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make this the ideal spot to snorkel
or guests can simply soak up the sun and savour the tranquility of this
pristine, sandy beach.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving at Mabibi is phenomenal, with reefs located a short distance
from the lodge. Shoals of game fish, sharks and schools of bottlenose
dolphins are often seen. Our professional lodge diving team accommodates
all enthusiasts; from the beginner to the veteran, wanting a tour of the
very best our reefs have to offer. 1,250 fish species (Great Barrier Reef
has 1500) occur on the reefs in this area. Dives are from a semi-rigid
dive boat which accommodates a maximum of 8 divers at a time. The boat
launches from straight in front of the lodge directly through the surf.
This can be exciting and strenuous so a reasonable level of fitness is
required. Diving is limited by weather and the tides and cannot be guaranteed.
Guests must have proof of their diving qualifications. We regret no children
under 12 years or adults over 65 years.
Open Ocean Experience
This adventure activity offers guests a rare opportunity to experience
the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. An exciting
launch through the surf, in front of the lodge, takes you beyond the breakers
to a world of dolphins, whales, whale sharks and snorkelling. The warm
Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life. Guests can sometimes
swim with dolphins or whale sharks or snorkel with manta rays and giant
turtles. No experience is required for this activity, but the launch through
the surf can be strenuous. We regret no children under 12 years or adults
over 65 years. Maximum number of guests is 10. Weather and tide dependent.
Lake Sibaya
The lake is 6km from the lodge, a 25-minute drive.
Sundowners are offered on the shores Southern Africa’s largest
fresh water lake – Lake Sibaya (70 square km). The Ramsar Convention
assures its international conservation status. The lake has 125km of untouched
shoreline, good bird watching and a great diversity of fauna and flora.
Guests can also explore parts of the lake by guided kayak with the chance
of seeing hippo and crocodile en route. A reasonable level of fitness
is required.
Bird Watching
Birding at Mabibi and its surrounds is excellent and the variety of habitats
attracts a great diversity of species. Typical coastal species include
Livingstone’s and Purplecrested Lourie, Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill
and Green Coucal. Waders are common along the shoreline, and Pinkthroated
Longclaw and Rufousbellied Heron frequent the marshy areas. Lake Sibaya
has recorded 279 bird species including the Palmnut Vulture, the only
fruit-eating vulture in the world. Pel’s fishing owl and pygmy goose.
Guided Walks
Guests can head out on foot and explore this natural wonderland through
coastal dune forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. The wild
beauty of Maputuland will enthrall naturalists and photographers alike.
Turtle Tracking
In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying
turtles can be arranged. Guests can witness the culmination of an incredible
journey as Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay
their eggs in carefully prepared nests. Turtle tracking is offered in
the evening from November to end February. Every precaution is taken to
ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying
process.
Fishing
The Maputuland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s most
popular fishing destinations. Guests can try their hand at surf fishing
or fly-fishing. Hully Point at Mabibi, is a well-known fly-fishing spot.
The enthusiastic angler can experience the thrill of bagging the catch
of a lifetime from these brilliant waters. Thonga Beach Lodge encourages
guests to “catch & release”.
Tsonga Cultural Experience
Visit a Tsonga homestead and learn about their unique heritage and culture.
Spend some time with community members discussing their rural lifestyle
and their vision for South Africa. You also have an opportunity to see
one of the local schools and see how these young South Africans are striving
for a better future under trying conditions.
Email
Thonga Beach Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com
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