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.
Highlights
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.
&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
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&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
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&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 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
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Fugitives' Drift
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Oyster Box
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Montusi Mountain Lodge
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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.
Pangolin Rehabilitation Experience
Participate in a pioneering pangolin initiative at Phinda Private Game Reserve.
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.
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.
&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 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.
