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Thonga Beach Lodge

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stunning Remote Beach Lodge
- Protected Snorkelling from the beach
- Diving & Marine Safaris
- Big Beachs & Warm Seas

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Overview

Thonga Beach Lodge is in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the very north coast of KwaZulu Natal, almost on the border with Mozambique. A pristine section of the Maputuland coast with coastal forests, grasslands, bush, lakes and long stretches of beach. This Indian Ocean coast line offers snorkelling and off shore scuba diving.

We feel that Thonga is easily the best beach lodge in South Africa and highly recommend it. It is however much in demand and you will need to book early to get space here.

Set in the coastal dune forest, this low impact lodge is just metres from the beach. The dining area has spectacular ocean views which can be enjoyed from the expansive decks where most meals are served al-fresco or evening meals on the beach. The lounge area is upstairs with comfy sitting areas and fireplace to retreat to in the evenings. There is a central swimming pool with ‘ocean’ cocktail bar.

The bedrooms are spacious, thatched suites on raised wooden stilts, dotted around the coastal dunes, some with sea views and some hidden in the dune forest. The light woods, glass and natural materials used give the rooms a light and airy feel. All are air-conditioned with en-suite bathroom, shower and double hand basins.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has eight eco-systems, three lake systems, swamp forests, coastal dunes, sustainable fishing traditions and large diversity of bird life. Mabibi offers excellent snorkelling and all equipment will be provided by the lodge to enjoy the array for subtropical fish on the shallow reef. Lake Sibaya is only 25 minutes from the lodge and is Southern Africa’s largest fresh water lake, explore the lake by guided kayak excursion, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. There is a Tsonga homestead nearby and guided, interactive visits area available. Guided walks are suggested through the coastal dune forests, grasslands and sandy beaches.

Optional activities include scuba diving, the reefs are only short distance from the lodge and offer all from beginner to experienced divers to enjoy the 1250 fish species. Due to the nature of the ocean in the area, this will all be subject to sea conditions. Open ocean boat trip launched from the lodge, which can be strenuous but once out you may spot dolphins, whales, whale sharks and a variety of other fish and marine life. In the summer months November to February, careful, evening turtle tracking is offered, in search of Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtle nests.

Suggested Itineraries for Thonga Beach Lodge

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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