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South Africa's most pristine wilderness beach lodge awaits you on the azure shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Situated deep in this wilderness of white beaches, blazing corals and freshwater lakes lies South Africa's premier beach destination. Every now and again something special comes along... We welcome you to our 24-bed luxury lodge, where nature is our sanctuary and our purpose is to preserve it.
About Thonga Beach Lodge
This 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to connect with one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness beaches and rediscover your place in it. The 12 thatched eco-sensitive rooms, with ocean or forest views, boast an earthy elegance, and are positioned to afford maximum privacy and minimal environmental impact.
Natural materials of thatch, reeds and wood, sourced from the area create a seamless flow, while providing authentic textures to the minimalist spaces. Each room is on a raised platform nestled among indigenous forest in undulating dunes. Expansive glass windows and doors let in the ocean breeze and sounds, freeing one’s spirit and senses.
Dreamy crisp linen and mosquito nets adorn the beds, while soft down-lighting creates a peaceful, serene ambience, perfect after a day under the African sun. Your very own wooden deck reaches out into the forest where you can enjoy morning coffee amidst birdsong, or cocktails under starlight.
You can also enjoy excellent cuisine, al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. Treading lightly in this paradise will make you feel rejuvenated by nature and give you a special connection with the harmony of this extraordinary place.
ACCOMMODATION
This 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to connect with one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness beaches and rediscover your place in it. The 12 thatched eco-sensitive rooms, with ocean or forest views, boast an earthy elegance, and are positioned to afford maximum privacy and minimal environmental impact.
OCEAN VIEW ROOM
Experience a room with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, an airy bedroom complete with open plan bathroom and private deck.
DELUXE OCEAN VIEW FAMILY ROOM (very secluded)
This stunning room with exquisite sea views is perfect for families who want a seamless connection with the ocean, all the way to the horizon. (This Room consists of 2 ensuite bedrooms joined by an expansive deck with its own private plunge pool)
DELUXE OCEAN VIEW HONEYMOON SUITE (very secluded)
This spacious suite has sweeping views of the ocean and a private plunge pool, a setting you’ll fall in love with. Thonga Beach Lodge is a perfect destination for an idyllic “Robinson Crusoe” beach honeymoon.
Your private luxury beach Honeymoon Suite is situated in an indigenous forest, surrounded by sounds of the sea. A romantic king size bed is dressed in crisp linen and dreamy mosquito netting. Enjoy a wide bath with complimentary bubble bath and candles in the privacy of your beach retreat.
FOREST VIEW
These rooms have a uniquely tranquil charm, nestled in the coastal dune on the forest’s edge, which throngs with bird life.
FOREST VIEW FAMILY ROOM
These rooms are ideal for families travelling with children, perfect for sharing this unique location and intimate connection with the spectacular setting.
THE LODGE FACILITIES
The lodge facilities are designed to enhance your experience by complementing the exquisite surrounding wilderness, with comforts of a slightly more modern nature. After a day of adventure in the sand and sea, there’s nothing better than retiring to a little barefoot luxury and a few mod cons.
THE SEA SPA
Your much-needed me-time starts at our onsite spa, which offers a wide selection of rejuvenation and beauty treatments for you to look and - more importantly - feel your best. Enjoy the ultimate in beachside bliss when you spoil yourself with an invigorating session at our world-class spa. Take a look at the tempting treatments on our spa menu… you deserve it.
SPA ETIQUETTE
Spa Facilities
Our spa experience is relaxing, calming and rejuvenating to our stressful bodies. To ensure the best experience for all guests using the spa, please keep your voices low.
Punctuality
Please arrive 15 min early to assist with the paperwork for your pampering.
Spa Treatments
As in nature, things outside of our control can change and prices are subject to change without notice. Please note, the spa does not accept credit cards directly and treatments will be charged to the guest’s room account.
General
All ages are welcome, guests under the age of 16 years adult supervision is required.
TURTLE MONITORING IN THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
During turtle season (Nov-Feb) we arrange one turtle drive every night at low tide. Due to the concession legislation we have access to the beach at the low tide mark for 4 hours. We are permitted to drive the length of the beach looking for the females and the hatchlings. There is a charge for the turtle drives but no charge for turtle walks.Night drives are tide-dependent and may happen just after dinner or in the early hours of the morning and can sometimes be as long as three hours.
SCUBA DIVING AT THONGA BEACH LODGE
SCUBA diving at Thonga Beach 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 (the 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.
BIRD WATCHING
Thonga’s abundant coastline and shady forests provide a haven for both birds and birdwatching alike. The diversity of flora attracts a wide variety of species, which include Livingstone’s and purple-crested touraco, green twinspot, grey waxbill and green coucal. A variety of waders and the palm-nut vulture are also regulars. Guided birding is available at no additional cost.
SNORKELING
Mabibi is regarded as one of the best snorkeling sites in South Africa. The coral reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to thousands of species of tropical fish. Our rockpool snorkeling area is home to mostly juvenile fish, but you can see octopus, fire fish, moray eels and electric rays too. The snorkeling is in the bay, about 400 metres south of the lodge. Snorkeling is tide dependent and is best at low tide. Guests can also experience the thrill of snorkeling in the open ocean on shallow reefs. Age restrictions do not apply to rock pool snorkeling, however our fin sizes start at 36/37 and you must be a competent swimmer. Children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult.
KAYAKING ON LAKE SIBAYA
Early morning guided kayaking is offered on Lake Sibaya, southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Guests are driven up to the lake (20 minute) drive where they can enjoy an early morning paddle when the waters are calm and the possibility of seeing hippos and crocs is fair. This is also an excellent birding opportunity. Regret no children under 12 years may partake of this activity. There is no additional charge for this activity.
The untouched shoreline of Lake Sibaya stretches for 100km; at 70 square kilometres, it is South Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Lake Sibaya falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and the Ramsar Convention assures its international conservation status.
OPEN OCEAN EXPERIENCE
We like to think of our Open Ocean Experience as an “ocean safari” or “game drive on the sea”. 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 where you spend approximately an hour experiencing the beauty of the ocean and enjoying the scenery of our beautiful coastline, where dolphins, whales and whale sharks swim freely. Depending on sea conditions guests may have the opportunity of snorkeling off one of our shallow reefs. If mother nature decides to give you a special treat you may see bottlenose or spinner dolphins, manta rays and giant sea turtles.
What makes the trip so special, is that we are the only operator launching this far north, so our reefs are in pristine condition and it is just our boat out at sea.
Contact Us
iSimangaliso Wetland Park GPS: S27° 19’ 47.00”E32° 45’00.00”
Tel: +27 (0) 35 474 1473