Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and excellent birding opportunities. Guided birding, scorpion & spider walks & Turtle Tracking are offered in season. The 12 thatched bush suites offer either Ocean or Forest Views with Deluxe Ocean Views room sporting private plunge pools. The suites are positioned to afford maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. 

Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, SCUBA divers or anyone who wants to simply relax. A civilized distance from civilization.

Ocean View Room

(3 ROOMS)

Double or Twin Ocean View Room , double vanity, shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned, overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers.

Twin Forest Room

(5 ROOMS)

Double or Twin Forest View Room , double vanity, shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned, overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers. The rooms are nestled into the Dune Forest.

Deluxe Ocean View Suite

(1 ROOM)

Double or Twin Ocean View Room, double vanity, bath, indoor and outdoor shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned, overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers. This suite has a private plunge pool on a private deck.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal. Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran. For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles. Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.

Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5 minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools. Guided snorkeling is included in the rate.

Turtle Tracking - in season only

In summer there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. 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 of February. The turtles lay their eggs from November to February. Hatchlings arrive from end December to end February.

Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process and data collected from the turtle drives is submitted to the Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring program. Turtle walks take place 3 times a week and are included in the rate. Nightly turtle tracking in 4x4 vehicle is at an extra cost.

Ocean Experience

Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life. Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles. Ocean Experience is an extra charge.

Sundowners at Lake Sibaya

A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's , Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are Included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.

Cultural Tours

Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi. This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit. Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a cost. Standard tours are included in the rate.

For more information on Thonga Beach Lodge, click HERE