Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, known as the Elephant Coast, Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent.
Wonderful secluded lodge on the shores of the Indian Ocean, set in a sheltered bay
Crystal clear warm waters offer fabulous snorkelling and scuba diving
Private rooms with air conditioning, all with wonderful ocean views
Just a short drive to Africa's largest freshwater lake
Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and sandy beaches. Its clear, warm waters offer snorkelling and offshore scuba diving, some of the best scuba diving in Africa.
Thonga comprises 12 Robinson Crusoe style suites. The thatched en-suite rooms have been carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum impact on the environment and guest privacy as well as offering breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. All suites are air-conditioned. The lounge, nestled high in the canopy of the dune forest, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, enjoy sundowners in the bar lounge or the cool deck under the Coastal Milkwood trees.
Activities include turtle tracking, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and guided wilderness walks. The snorkelling and scuba diving are incredible - with a wealth of underwater seascapes and prolific marine flora and fauna, the scuba diving here is really very special. Just off the shore is a shallow reef which runs the length of this protected coastline, and is home to a huge number of sub-tropical fish including parrot fish, blue surgeons, and moorish idols. The lodge offers scuba diving training in its own swimming pool with excellent instructors on hand.
The lodge is just metres from the beach, and is only a 30-minute drive from Lake Sibaya, which is Southern Africa's largest freshwater lake. The lake is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site.
When to visit
Take a scuba diving course at the lodge in the brand new swimming pool before exploring the reefs offshore
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Thonga Beach Lodge is situated right on the Maputaland Coast in South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal region, on the eastern side of the country.
10-hour overnight flight to Johannesburg, followed by a flight to either Durban or Richards Bay. It is then a road transfer of either 3.5-hours or 5-hours to reach the lodge.
South Africa Uncovered
Feel on top of the world as you road-trip through the Drakensburg Mountains, passing jaw-dropping scenery. Take to the trails on mountain bikes, go wild swimming in beautiful dams and waterfalls and hike through vast vistas, learning about the Anglo-Zulu battle in the heart of the Drakensburg. Track white rhino on foot with a renowned guide and explore the massive sand dunes and wetlands of St Lucia. This trip is ideal for second timers to Africa, wanting something truly unique.
&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Suspended in the Sand Forest, under great towering torchwood trees, is Phinda Forest Lodge. There are 16 large stilted glass suites have a Zen feel, floating between the forest floor below and the dense canopy of leaves above.
&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Rock Lodge is located in the southern section of the reserve and is the most private. Built into the side of a mountain it comprises six large air conditioned suites overlooking the beautiful leopard rock. Each suite has its own plunge pool.
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Vlei Lodge offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour. The lodge comprises six elegant thatched suites to offer that exclusive safari experience.
&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge is a great safari destination on the private Phinda Game Reserve. The lodge offers 25 suites in individual rondavels, scatted along the mountainside, with the focus on authentic African architecture and ethnic design.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Perched along the peaks of Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge commands sweeping views of the wilderness, where lions call at night and rhinos roam among the trees. Luxury and nature blend, for an inspiring safari that awakens the senses.
Fugitives' Drift
Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse are simple and charming retreats with eight cottages and six rooms respectively, very close to the sites of two of the most famous battlefields in the history of the South African wars, Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
Oyster Box
Situated on the ocean’s edge, the Oyster Box Hotel has 86 rooms and is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Durban city centre, International Airports and numerous stylish shopping centres, yet has maintained a feeling of classical elegance.
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Montusi Mountain Lodge is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Amphitheatre in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. The lodge is an ideal base for those looking to enjoy a variety of activities such as horse riding, hiking, biking or to simply relax
GweGwe Beach Lodge
GweGwe Beach Lodge is a hidden gem along the Wild Coast in South Africa, this is where luxury and adventure take centre stage. There are not many places in the world you can watch wildlife, whales and dolphins together.
&Beyond Wild Child programme
Specially designed activities ensure your children get the most out of their safari experience, with activities such as tracking footprints and making traditional bows and arrows to add to game drives with their parents.
Activities at Montusi Mountain Lodge
A stay at Montusi Mountain Lodge can be as active or relaxed as you like, either enjoy the stunning views from the comfort of the lodge, or get out and about on foot, bicycle and much more.
Pangolin Rehabilitation Experience
Participate in a pioneering pangolin initiative at Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Rorke's Drift Tour
Listen at sunset as this tour follows the famous story of Rorke's Drift. Following on from the Isandlwana morning tour, you'll learn of how the remaining British fell back to the mission station to protect the church and hospital.
Activities at Rhino Ridge
During a stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge you will head out on twice daily game drives into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve to find an incredible array of animals, from elephant, lion, wild dog, and of course rhino.
