Thonga Beach Lodge

Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled into beautiful coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the stunning beach below on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast in KwaZulu-Natal. This is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. The crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa's best snorkelling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, scuba divers or anyone who wants to simply relax.

Thonga Beach Lodge is situated only metres from the beach and a 10 minute drive from Lake Sibiya (Southern Africa's largest freshwater lake), which is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (also now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park), an internationally recognised World Heritage Site. Lake Sibiya also contains the second largest population of crocodile and hippopotamus in KwaZulu-Natal and is an important breeding area for a host of bird species.

The 12 spacious thatched rooms offer either ocean or forest views. The Deluxe Ocean View rooms also have a private plunge pool as well as an outside shower. The rooms are all hidden in the coastal dune forest and raised on wooden stilts and have been carefully positioned to guarantee guests complete privacy.

Luxuriously decorated, the rooms exude a romantic ambiance. Bleached wood, glass and natural materials have been wisely used to create an open, airy feel.

Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. 

Rates Include

Meals; tea/coffee; return transfer from the secure car park (either 12:00 or 15:00 departure); use of snorkelling equipment; guided walks; canoeing; sundowners at Lake Sibaya (guests are entitled to one of the following sundowner drinks - glass of wine, local beer, cider or soft drink); and the Isibindi Conservation Levy are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. A babysitting service is available (must be pre-booked). Children under 10 years are not permitted excursions, but can do a Discover SCUBA Diving (DSD) or Open Water Diver Course.

Directions For Drivers

A 4x4 vehicle is required to get to Thonga Beach Lodge.  The lodge offers twice daily 4x4 transfers from Librodi Lodge  in Sodwana Bay where guests can leave their vehicles in a secure parking area. The 4x4 transfer is approximately one hour. Pick up times are 12:00 or 15:00 and must be pre-booked - your Travel Butlers consultant will take care of this for you. Please note that there will be an extra charge per person per transfer (payable to the lodge) for all late/early arrivals and departures. If guests are running late/early it is of the utmost importance to contact Thonga Beach Lodge and notify them of the change.

Guests travelling in their own 4x4 vehicles can drive all the way through to the lodge.

Due to the condition of the road, guests are advised to plan their journey to arrive no later than 16:00. There is little to no cell phone reception for the last hour and there are often cattle on the road which are very difficult to see after sunset.

There is no fuel available at the lodge so please ensure you fill your tank either in Hluhluwe or Jozini.

From Durban if taking the 4x4 transfer (allow 4 hours): Proceed on the N2 North to Hluhluwe. Take the P453/R22 Hluhluwe off ramp and turn right over the highway towards Hluhluwe Town. Proceed through the town until you reach the last (4th) roundabout. Turn left following the R22/Sodwana Bay signpost and proceed for 1.3 km then turn right over the railway line on the R22 towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana.

Follow the tarred road (R22) for approximately 76 km to Mbazwana town. You will then reach two roundabouts. Continue until you see the signboard 'Sodwana Bay' - you will also see a petrol station on the right-hand side. Turn right and continue down the road until you reach the stop street. Turn right and continue until you reach the stop sign. Turn right here, continue over the roundabout and drive for approximately 11 km. This is a tarred road and takes about 15 minutes.

Continue to Librodi Lodge where there is secure parking for your vehicle. Please wait here for your transfer. You will transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and be driven through to Thonga Beach Lodge which takes approximately 1 hour.

The contact numbers for Librodi Lodge if required are 027 (0) 35 571 001 or +27 (0) 60 529 377.

From Durban if driving a 4x4 (allow 5 hours): Continue on the R22 for 76 km to Mbazwana town. Proceed straight over the first and second roundabouts. Do NOT turn right at the intersection next to the SuperSpar. Continue straight until the third roundabout where you will turn right (third exit from the circle) onto the D1848. After approximately 1.3 km the tar road becomes a dirt road. Another 0.2 km further you will keep left and follow the D1848 sign. Continue on the D1848 for approximately 12.2 km until you come to the iSimangaliso gate. Please note that this gate is currently unmanned. Lake Sibaya will be on your left at this point. From the gate continue straight on the D1848 for another 13.6 km through the coastal forest and Mabibi community until you reach a Y junction. At this junction take a sharp right (120 degrees) and for 3.7 km follow the signs to the Thonga Beach Lodge/Mabibi Campsite entrance gate. Once through the gate keep left to Thonga Beach Lodge and follow the road to the boom gate. There is very little cell phone signal along this route.

From Johannesburg: Travel on the N2 through Piet Retief and Pongola then proceed on the N2 South to Hluhluwe for approximately 110 km. Turn off the N2 at the Hluhluwe offramp. After taking the offramp, turn left towards Hluhluwe, proceeding through the town until you reach the last roundabout then follow the directions as above.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have indoor showers, air conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito nets, a room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, mini bar, telephone, and a hair dryer. The distance between the rooms is approximately 10m.

There is a spa and a main swimming pool.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lodge area only. It may be slow and intermittent at times, due to the satellite connection.

There is no mobile phone coverage at the lodge.

A laundry service and babysitting services are available (additional cost).

Credit cards are accepted. Strictly no debit cards.

There is a ZAR 40 per person per stay Park Fee (subject to change), which will be added to your room account for settling directly with the lodge on departure.

Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5 minute walk away from the lodge at low tide in beautiful rock pools.

Scuba diving (additional cost) here is phenomenal, with reefs located a short distance from the lodge. The professional lodge diving team accommodates all enthusiasts - from the beginner to the veteran, wanting a tour of the very best the reefs have to offer.  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. Children under 10 years are not permitted, but can do a Discover SCUBA Diving (DSD) or Open Water Diver Course.

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. Guided turtle walks take place 3 times a week. Nightly turtle tracking in 4x4 vehicle is at an extra cost.

Your rate includes a contribution towards the Isibindi Foundation, which does significant work in the impoverished communities living alongside this protected area, as well as supporting conservation initiatives too within the area. The lodge can arrange on request a free tour to view the projects they are supporting in the neighbouring communities.

The Emergency/After Hours number is +27 (0) 60 972 4810.

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