South Africa Accommodation,
Kwazulu-Natal

Thonga Beach Lodge

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Situated in the greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site on the pristine shore of northern KwaZulu Natal. This small luxury lodge is set within the coastal dune forest, with views of the unspoiled Mabibi Beach below.  With all the makings of a perfect seaside lodge: thatched roofs; ocean blue décor; and glass doors; all surrounded by the sound of the sea, choose Thonga as a chance to relax in luxury and privacy. The elevated lounge is in line with the forest canopy, offering panoramic ocean views.  Al fresco meals are served in the dining room or expansive wooden deck area and sundowners are sipped on the beach or on the cool deck under the milkwood trees.

The food at Thonga Beach Lodge has received international acclaim, and the chef prides himself on finding the very best of local, seasonal produce. Sustainable fish, an array of healthy and delicious salads and vegetables, not to mention decadent teas and desserts are served in dappled shade on an open deck with ocean breeze.

Facilities

The 12 thatched suites are raised on wooden stilts ensuring minimal impact to the environment. All the suites are air-conditioned and the sitting areas have ceiling fans and mini-bars. The king or twin beds are draped with mosquito netting and the en-suite bathrooms have separate baths as well as indoor and outdoor showers with views. These spacious suites have private balconies with breath-taking views of the ocean and the natural surroundings.

Local Wildlife

Lake Sibaya has 100km of untouched shoreline and, at 70 square kilometres, is South Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The lake falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, now a World Heritage Site, and the Ramsar Convention assures its international conservation status. 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 once connected to the sea and with the natural closure of the estuary, numerous fish and aquatic creatures were trapped in a fresh water environment. 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.

Optional Activities

There are many exciting activities on offer at Thonga – indulge in a rejuvenating sea-weed based treatment at the Sea Spa, or relax at the secluded swimming pool. Get active with scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking, or relax on the ocean on a sunset cruise or dolphin and whale watching excursion. Be sure to go on an incredible turtle-tracking excursion, when the females come ashore to lay their eggs between November and January.

Alan Godwin

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding our South Africa tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.

Mr RA - Basingstoke