Thonga Beach Lodge

Explore the remote. Engage the present.

Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal which forms part of the 332 000 hectare iSimangaliso Wetland Park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches.

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.

Robinson Crusoe goes percale in the Thonga Beach Lodge chic, eco-sensitive huts. Each room is on a raised platform nestled in indigenous forest in undulating dunes. Natural materials of thatch, reeds and wood lend texture to the clear, minimalist spaces. The huts have full length glass windows and doors to let in the fresh breeze and sounds of the sea. Your own wooden deck reaches out into the forest where you may enjoy morning coffee amidst birdsong, or cocktails under starlight.

The beds have dreamy crisp linen and mosquito nets, complemented by soft down-lighting. The Deluxe Ocean View and Family Rooms romantic bathrooms with baths and double basins flow from the bedroom, while there is a separate shower and enclosed toilet. The Deluxe Ocean View Rooms also have refreshing outdoor showers which offer snippets of sea views. The Ocean View and Forest View Rooms have open-plan bathrooms with very spacious showers, double vanity and separate enclosed toilet.

Indulge your beach hut escape fantasies and nature’s gentle beauty from this space of serene luxury.

Location

Our Accommodation

Deluxe Ocean View Family Suite
This suite comprises two bedrooms each with own en-suite bathroom, an expansive deck area and private plunge pool.

Deluxe Ocean View Suite
This spacious suite has it's own private plunge pool set on an elevated deck under the shade of a Milk Wood Tree.

Ocean View Rooms
These rooms have views of the Indian Ocean and boast large bedroom with open-plan bathroom and private deck.

Forest View Room
The Forest View Rooms have a charm of their own nestled in the coastal dune forest which abounds in bird life.

Forest View Family Suites
These suites are ideal for families travelling with children offering two interleading bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom.

Bathrooms
All rooms have open-plan bathrooms with double vanity and separate shower and toilet. Deluxe Ocean View and Family Suites have free standing baths.

A CIVILIZED DISTANCE FROM CIVILIZATION


This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches.
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.

View Accommodation Gallery

Thonga Beach Lodge

Explore the remote. Engage the present.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal which forms part of the 332 000 hectare iSimangaliso Wetland Park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Bush, Beach and Lakes
Thonga Beach 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.
Romantic Beach Hideaway
Combined with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, Thonga Beach Lodge makes for an ideal bush and beach honeymoon offering safari and scuba diving opportunities.
More info
Turtle Tracking
Fascinating nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying turtles are available between November and February.

Exclusive Activities


Thonga Beach offers superb snorkelling opportunities with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. The shallow reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to an array of brilliant sub-tropical fish including moorish idols, parrot fish and blue surgeons. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make this the ideal spot to snorkel or guests can simply soak up the sun and savour the tranquility of this pristine, sandy beach..

More Info About Our Activities

Activities

Kayaking on Lake Sibaya
Early morning guided kayaking with the possibility of seeing hippos and crocs is available.
No additional charge.

Snorkelling
Excellent snorkelling is available within 500 meters of the lodge. Snorkelling equipment provided.
No additional charge.

Guided Forest Walks
Guests can head out on foot and explore this natural wonderland through coastal forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. No additional charge.

Birding
Birding at Thonga is excellent and the diversity of flora attracts a wide variety of species. Guided birding is available on request. No additional charge.

SCUBA Diving
Scuba diving at Thonga Beach is rated world class. Shoals of game fish, sharks & schools of bottlenose dolphins are often seen. Additional charge.

Open Ocean Experience
This adventure activity offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. Additional charge.

Turtle Tracking
In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying turtles are available every night (Nov-Feb). Additional charge.

Fishing
The Maputaland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s most popular fishing destinations. Please note: Permits and tackle are required at own cost. The Lodge does not keep any tackle.

Sundowners at Lake Sibaya
Sundowners are offered on the shores of Southern Africa’s largest fresh water lake – Lake Sibaya.
No additional charge.

Tsonga Cultural Experience
Visit a local homestead, school and clinic and experience how the peaceful Tsonga people go about their rural lifestyles. No additional charge.

Spa
Our spa offers a wide selection of rejuvenation treatments, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Additional charge.

Tread Gently


TREAD GENTLY
Thonga Beach Lodge, an Isibindi Africa Lodge, is fiercely committed to conservation and making a difference, a vision that was born in the African savannah.

View Our Conservation Information

Contact Us

  • GPS Co-ordinates:

    S27° 19’ 47.00”

    E32° 45’00.00”

  • 27 (0) 35 474 1473
  • [email protected]
  • isibindi.co.za
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What Our Guests Say

What our guests have had to say about Thonga Beach Lodge



  • All the staff members, from management, to all the hospitality personnel, waiters, cleaning ladies, were always extremely friendly, helpful, accommodating, well informed. Throughout our whole stay Siphiwe spoke to us in the finest Afrikaans. Chef Carl's food was exquisite - great variety, good quality meats, lots of fresh fruits, salads, veggies, and the nicest South African braai! The area is spectacular and secluded. Pristine coastal forest and beach. Snorkeling in the warm and crystal clear waters is probably the best in SA and for the 4x4 enthusiast, lovely patches of sand tracks! Really expensive (for South Africans!) but really worth ever SA rand! Stayed March 2016, travelled as a couple
    Testimonial
  • Bev and I (and the rest of the Sleep Party) wanted to thank you for an absolutely wonderful trip that you organized for us. Both Rhino Ridge and Thonga Beach Resort were outstanding. The accommodation, food and hospitality were world class and we were treated like royalty. Most notable was how all the staff treated all of us.
    Darryl and Bev Sleep
  • Everything was perfect and I will definitely recommend your resort to friends and family. Thank you for everything and for making our stay most enjoyable.
    Meinhardt
  • We spent the most amazing few days at Thonga Beach Lodge. The staff were friendly and helpful and the accommodation suited our needs and the environment perfectly. The lodge is cleverly-hidden by the trees and right on the beautiful, unspoiled and uncrowded beach with a wooden deck if you don't want to sit on the sand. We saw the turtles laying their eggs at night and hope to be back again soon to see the eggs hatch. We enjoyed activities like snorkelling and kayaking and treated ourselves to massages at the spa. I loved the sign "No shoes no news" There is limited wifi in the lounge and no cell phone signal. I would recommend Thonga to anyone wishing to have a quiet holiday away from the crowds.

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