Thonga Beach Lodge is a beautiful and secluded getaway in the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa. Situated on the pristine shoreline of the Maputaland Marine Reserve, it provides guests with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and easy access to the nearby world-class coral reefs, where they can snorkel and dive into an enchanting world of oceanic life and colour.
It is a small-scale lodge with only 12 luxurious thatched rooms which are discreetly nestled into the dune forest overlooking Mabibi beach. All rooms are decorated in a simple yet elegant style, with natural materials and warm earthy tones used to create a soothing and comfortable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the sea views from their private balconies or take a dip in the infinity pool and watch the waves roll in.
South Africa’s finest beach lodge is situated in the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site Isimangaliso Wetland Park which allows the guests to have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area by going on guided walks, safaris and boat trips. The area is rich in wildlife, with many different species of animals, including elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles, and many different kinds of birds.
A wonderful and unique experience at Thonga Beach Lodge is observing the sea turtles during nesting season (annually between November and March). The beach in front of the lodge is a nesting site for the endangered leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, which come to lay their eggs during the warmer months of the year. Guests can take part in guided turtle walks, where they can watch as the turtles come up to shore to lay their eggs, and later, in the season, they can see the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean. Not only will you get to see turtles nesting and hatching, but also you will learn about conservation efforts, the impact of human activities on sea turtle populations and how you can help protect them.
This barefoot luxury lodge also has its own restaurant which serves a delicious selection of local and international cuisine, made by chef Carl and his team with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can choose to dine indoors or al fresco, with sea views and the sound of the waves providing the perfect backdrop.
In summary, Thonga Beach Lodge is an idyllic location for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in one of South Africa’s most beautiful and unspoiled wilderness areas. With luxurious accommodation, delicious food, and a wide range of activities to enjoy, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure and natural wonder.
If you also feel like discovering this beautiful lodge, after reading this blog, I have designed a tailor-made trip especially for enthusiasts. In my opinion this is a fantastic value for money trip and experience (from €1809 per person for 8 days).
Follow this link for a video impression: Safari, Forest and Beach