Rejuvenate at Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge

Situated close to the warm aquamarine waters of Mabibi beach, in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s most pristine wilderness beach lodge awaits. Thonga Beach Lodge lies among a plethora of white beaches, blazing corals and freshwater lakes in KwaZulu-Natal.

With only 12 thatched, recently refurbished, eco-sensitive rooms, Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal place to connect with one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness beaches. Each room boasts ocean or forest views, and are positioned to afford maximum privacy and minimal environmental impact with an earthy elegance and all modern amenities. Think ‘beach chic meets Africa’s contemporary cool’.

Living pods have been set up throughout the lodge creating chill zones for guests. A sun tanning beach deck, hammock laze zone and forest fire pit all offer quiet private moments of, leaning into the Isibindi philosophy of sense of place.

Guests are spoiled by the innovative culinary team led by Group Executive Chef, Carl Möller, not only for the delicious fare, but also for the ethical and sustainable philosophy which underpins how everything is sourced and prepared.

While guests can indulge in all day lounging on the beach or at the pool, indulging in a restorative spa treatment or pursuing the multi-level activities offered at the lodge, everything revolves around nature.

The breath-taking, bucket list, Turtle Tracking (from November to February) is a MUST at Thonga. Brace yourself to witness first-hand, the miracle of life as these massive reptiles launch out of the sea and up the beach under the cover of darkness. 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.

SCUBA diving at Thonga Beach is on the list of every scuba enthusiast. The reefs, located only a short distance from the lodge, host shoals of game fish, sharks, schools of bottlenose dolphins and thousands of species of tropical fish. (SCUBA training is also available at the PADI dive centre). Mabibi is regarded as one of the best snorkelling sites in South Africa and a renowned fishing destination with a wide variety of game and reef fish.

The open ocean experience gives guests a rare opportunity to experience the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. An exciting launch through the surf, takes you beyond the breakers marvelling the raw beauty of the ocean, where dolphins and whales swim freely.

Walkers and hikers can explore this natural wonderland through coastal forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. The diversity of flora attracts a wide variety of species with over 440 species listed for the area. Guests are also encouraged to take a cultural tour around the local Mabibi village and spend time getting to know the wonderfully hospitable Tsonga people, who have made the iSimangaliso area their home for more than 1000 years.

A short drive from the Lodge, Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake, with its abundant coastline and shady dune forests, provides a haven for both birds and birdwatching alike. For the more active traveller, it’s the ideal environment in which to put your kayaking skills to the test, while for the rest of us, there’s no better spot to end another perfect day, over sundowners and an iconic African sunset.

Great for families, solo or group travel, Thonga Beach Lodge is also a popular destination for weddings and idyllic honeymoons.

Spoil yourself with the “Ocean & Adventure Pay Stay Special”

PAY FOR 3 AND STAY FOR 4. Spend 3 nights at Thonga Beach Lodge in the months of May, June or September and get one night for free.

INCLUDES:

4 nights’ accommodation, all meals, guided snorkelling, guided forest walks, community tour, guided kayaking & sundowner excursion at Lake Sibaya.

To book contact res@isibindi.co.za or visit their website www.isibindi.co.za