Thonga Beach Lodge - Kwazulu Natal

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Thonga Beach Lodge - Kwazulu Natal

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EVERY NOW AND THEN SOMETHING SPECIAL COMES ALONG...

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.

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.

DINING

The outdoor dining deck - meals are served al fresco on the deck under the shade of giant milkwood trees.
The indoor dining area - buffet breakfasts and luncheons are set out in the dining room. This area is also home to a permanent tea and coffee station with delicious homemade biscuits. The mezzanine level is used when weather isn't conducive to outdoor dining.

BAR

The bar and bar lounge – a fully stocked bar where delicious cocktails and specialty coffees are served.

BEACH DECK

The beach deck is situated just above the dunes, where you can enjoy ice-cold drinks on wooden loungers overlooking the ocean.

Wi-Fi LOUNGE

A comfortable lounge area with a selection of books and board games to keep you entertained.

SWIMMING POOLS

There is a deep pool used for scuba courses and swimming, and a shallower pool, both complete with umbrellas and cushioned loungers.

SPA

This comprises of two indoor treatment rooms and a private outdoor treatment area in the forest, which caters for couples’ treatments.

RELAXATION AREA

The outdoor relaxing area is under the trees next to the pool on beach sand with comfortable outdoor couches and chairs.

MARINE CENTRE

The marine centre is fully equipped with SCUBA and snorkeling gear, as well as a TV for educational or kids’ movies (shown on request).

CURIO SHOP

A curio shop is located in the reception area where various curios, items of clothing and necessities are available.

EXPERIENCES

LET NATURE BE YOUR GUIDE

Make your journey all the more memorable when you enjoy close encounters with nature at its best. We offer our guests an authentic array of exciting experiences, with something for every adventurer, nature-lover and max-relaxer.

TURTLE TRACKING

Our guests have the privilege of experiencing the miracle of life. Under the cover of darkness, follow mother turtles as they return to the same beach where they were born to begin the cycle all over again. Watch mesmerised as the mother turtle digs a hole and goes into a trance-like state while laying her eggs before returning to the depths of the sea.

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.

FISHING

You’ll get hooked on the amazing fishing at Thonga! The Maputaland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s most popular fishing destinations, with a wide variety of game and reef fish. Please note: Permits and tackle are required at own cost. The lodge does not keep any tackle, so don’t forget to bring your lucky rod.

SCUBA DIVING

Become a local on the reef! SCUBA diving at Thonga Beach is phenomenal, with reefs located only a short distance from the lodge. Shoals of game fish, sharks and schools of bottlenose dolphins are often encountered. All enthusiasts are welcome, from the beginner to the veteran. SCUBA training is also available at our PADI dive centre.

SUNDOWNERS ON LAKE SIBAYA

Say cheers to the sun after another perfect day in Africa. Lake Sibaya is a perfect spot to watch an iconic sunset over southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake, just 6km and a 25 minute drive away. Enjoy your favourite drink and some tasty snacks as dusk welcomes the wild’s nightshift. No additional charge.

The lake’s diverse flora provides a variety of habitats for birds, mammals and aquatic life. Research reveals that hundreds of years ago, the lake was connected to the sea. When the estuary closed naturally, numerous fish and aquatic creatures were trapped in a freshwater environment, creating a biological treasure chest.

Lake Sibaya contains the second largest population of hippopotamus and crocodile in KwaZulu-Natal and is an important breeding, feeding and roosting area for a host of bird species. Surface water in the surrounding coastal plain often disappears completely during dry spells, making the lake the only source of permanent water for birds and mammals.

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

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 snorkeling. 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. There is an additional charge for this activity.

SPA AT THONGA

Put the sparkle back into your soul with a wide selection of rejuvenating treatments, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Considering the pristine surroundings, it’s only natural your body wants to return to its natural and biological best.

TSONGA CULTURAL TOURS

The iSimangaliso area is home to the wonderfully hospitable Tsonga people, who have made this land their home for more than 1000 years. As part of the Thonga Beach Lodge experience, we believe in creating a human bridge between our wilderness areas and the local communities so that the flow of benefits to these communities motivates them to protect these precious resources. Our local Tsonga guides will proudly take you to a local homestead, school and clinic so that you can experience how the Tsonga people go about their day-to-day lives. There’s no additional charge for this activity.

GUIDED FOREST WALKS

Take a walk on the wild side and head out on foot to explore this natural wonderland through coastal forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. There are over 296 bird species in the area, 2,200 flowering plants, 282 butterfly and 228 spider species. The forest is home to localised arboreal mammals such as the tonga red squirrel, the thick tailed bush baby, the rare samango monkey and setaros dwarf chameleon. The walks normally take about 1-1,5 hours. Longer walks can be arranged. There is no charge for these walks.

BAREFOOT HONEYMOON LUXURY AT ITS BEST

The soft sand and sounds of the sea provide the most romantic setting in nature, perfect for your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Thonga Beach Lodge is an idyllic ‘away from it all’ beach honeymoon destination, where you can enjoy each other’s company and relax after the intense and busy wedding time.

With so much on offer at Thonga Beach Lodge, you can be as busy or laid back as you like. Take romantic walks and a picnic on an endless pristine wilderness beach. Go on a SCUBA dive, or snorkel and kayak. Enjoy a couple’s treatment at our peaceful spa or request your favourite drink for a sundowner session at the edge of Lake Sibaya. Dress up for dinner and let us prepare our favourite romantic treat for you – a candlelit dinner on a deck overlooking the sea.

You can also choose one of our ‘Safari to Sea’ honeymoon packages, combining your blissful beach time with an exciting African adventure in the country’s best game parks.

WE DO ROMANCE RIGHT

Thonga Beach Lodge has been voted the most romantic beach lodge accommodation on the Elephant Coast for a reason. We have a soft spot for romance, and we’ll go to every effort to ensure that the memories you create on your honeymoon will last forever. Unlike bigger hotels (which can make you feel ‘packaged and processed’) Thonga Beach Lodge is small enough to give our honeymoon couples the ‘royal romantic treatment’.

Our private Deluxe Ocean View Honeymoon Suite is situated in an indigenous forest, surrounded by sounds of the sea. This dreamy suite has a private plunge pool on an elevated deck under the shade of a milkwood tree with spectacular views of the breakers. A romantic, king-size bed is dressed in crisp linen and dreamy mosquito netting and complemented by soft down-lighting. Enjoy a wide bath with bubble bath and candles. We also have other rooms available that are just as luxurious and no matter which room you choose to stay in you will be sure to receive first-class treatment!

Our complimentary honeymoon treats include a bottle of sparkling wine, a private dinner and romantic turndown on the night of your arrival as a newly-married couple, a complimentary neck and shoulder massage and a beach picnic lunch.

THE DESTINATION WEDDING YOU’VE DREAMED OF

Exchange your vows on the beach deck under a canopy of palm leaves overlooking the pristine beaches of Maputaland. Thonga is quintessentially the most romantic place along this beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coastline and the staff and management at the lodge will gladly assist in planning and implementing a beautiful wedding.

OUR LOCATION

A 4x4 vehicle is needed to get to Thonga Beach Lodge. Guests without 4x4 vehicles will be collected from the secure, guarded parking at Coastal Cashews and transferred in open 4x4 vehicles to the lodge. The trip to the lodge from Coastal Cashews is approximately one hour. Please pre-book your preferred pick-up time, which is either 12h00 or 15h00.

Guests with 4x4 vehicles can proceed straight to the lodge by following the “Coastal Forest Reserve” and “Thonga Beach Lodge” signs. Due to the condition of the road, we ask that guests refrain from travelling after 16h00. We suggest filling your vehicle with fuel before getting to the lodge (either in Hluhluwe or Jozini) as there is no fuel available at the lodge.

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