frequently asked questions
To help you plan your ideal getaway, we've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to get to Thonga Beach Lodge?
Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is required. However, we offer twice daily 4x4 transfers at 12:00 and 15:00, which must be pre-booked with our reservations office. Guests traveling in their own 4x4 vehicle are advised to arrive at the lodge no later than 17:00, due to the conditions of the road. There is little to no cell phone reception for the last 1½ hours, so we recommend downloading directions before you travel.
For further information, visit our website https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/contact-us/(opens in new tab)
Where do guests leave their vehicles before transferring to the lodge?
Guests using the lodge 4x4 transfer service currently meet at Librodi Lodge based in Sodwana Bay. Thonga Beach Lodge has a dedicated secure parking area for all guests vehicles. For further information, visit our website https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/contact-us/(opens in new tab)
What time do the scheduled 4x4 transfers depart?
Scheduled transfer times are fixed and should be confirmed when booking, the current offered times are 12h00 or 15h00. Guests need to arrive in time for the scheduled departure, as late arrivals may not be able to travel to the lodge after the permitted access times.
Can I arrive later than the scheduled transfer times?
Yes, unscheduled 4x4 transfers are available at an additional cost and are subject to availability. Please check with the Reservations Office for availability and pricing. Guests arriving at the designated 4x4 transfer point after 18:00 will be required to overnight at an alternative location before proceeding with the transfer to the lodge.
Do you offer air shuttle transfers?
Yes. We offer a daily air shuttle service, operated by Legend Aviation, providing a convenient and scenic way to travel between Durban, Richards Bay and Zululand.
The shuttle departs daily from Durban Virginia Airport and Richards Bay Airport, with authorised landings at the following airstrips:
- Hluhluwe Airstrip – for Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Mkuze Airstrip
- Manzengwenya Airstrip – for Thonga Beach Lodge
- Phinda Airstrip*
- Mkuze Falls Game Lodge Airstrip*
*Landings at Phinda and Mkuze Falls airstrips are subject to permission from the respective lodges.
Our reservations team will be happy to assist with flight schedules, seat availability, rates and onward transfers to your lodge.
What is included in the accomodation rate?
The rate includes accommodation, meals and selected lodge activities such as; guided snorkeling, guided forest walks, kayaking, a sundowner excursion to lake Sibaya, Tsonga cultural tour and guided turtle tracking walks (in-season from Nov-Feb). For more information about our rates, visit our website https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/rates/(opens in new tab)
What is not included in my stay?
Your stay includes accommodation, meals and a range of guided experiences as outlined in your booking. The following items are not included:
- Flights
- Road transfers
- 4x4 transfers
- Park entrance fees
- Isibindi Foundation levy
- Beverages
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Spa treatments
- Open Ocean Experience
- SCUBA diving
- 4x4 turtle tracking drives (available November to February)
If you have any questions about what is or isn't included in your booking, our reservations team will be happy to assist.
What is the difference between Forest View and Ocean View rooms?
The rooms are exactly the same in terms of their interiors, layout and amenities; the only difference is the view and location.
Ocean View Rooms are positioned higher up on the dune and offer views from the deck towards the ocean, while Forest View Rooms are located closer to the beach, with decks looking into the surrounding sand forest.
Both room types offer the same relaxed beach-lodge experience, with privacy and minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Which room category is best for families?
We have three family-friendly room options available at Thonga Beach Lodge.
The best room category depends on the children’s ages, the number of guests and whether the family prefers a shared or separate sleeping arrangement. For more information about room types visit https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/rooms/(opens in new tab)
Are there minimum age restrictions for activities?
Yes. Some activities have minimum age requirements to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- SCUBA Diving
- Not available for children under 10 years.
- Children aged 10–11 years may take part in pool dives only.
- Ocean dives are available to guests 12 years and older.
- Open Ocean Experience
- This experience is only available to children over 12 years and adults under 65 years.
- Snorkeling
- The recommended minimum age is 8 years.
- Younger children may be able to participate, depending on their swimming ability, confidence and enthusiasm.
- Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- 4x4 Turtle Tracking Tour
Available for children 6 years and over.
- Kayaking on Lake Sibaya
- Available for children 8 years and over.
If you are travelling with children and are unsure which activities will be suitable for your family, our reservations team will be happy to advise and help tailor your stay.
Are rooms air-conditioned?
Yes, all rooms are air – conditioned.
Is there Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal at the lodge?
Wi-Fi is available in certain lodge areas, but connectivity may be limited due to the remote location. There is little to no mobile phone signal at the lodge.
When is turtle tracking season, and what experiences are available?
Turtle season at Thonga Beach Lodge runs from November to February.
We are privileged to hold a special concession from iSimangaliso Wetland Park that allows us to operate one guided turtle drive each evening during the season. Timed around low tide, this experience can last up to four hours and is offered as an additional, chargeable activity due to the limited concession and conservation fees. These fees directly support iSimangaliso's vital turtle research and protection programmes.
Guests may also enjoy guided turtle walks from the lodge which happen nightly and are included in your accommodation rate.
Watching a female leatherback or loggerhead turtle emerge from the ocean under the cover of darkness is a truly unforgettable experience. With your experienced guide, you'll observe from a respectful distance as she makes her way up the beach, digs her nest, lays her eggs, and returns to the sea; continuing a cycle that has taken place on these shores for millions of years.
Is scuba diving available, and must it be booked in advance?
Yes, scuba diving is available at an additional charge.
You do not have to book in advance however, it is recommended that guests advise our reservations team if they wish to dive, especially if they require equipment or have specific dive preferences.
To find out more about our diving experience visit; https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/experiences/scuba-diving/(opens in new tab)
Is it safe to swim, snorkel or walk on the beach?
Yes, guests are welcome to enjoy the beach, ocean and surrounding coastline. However, as Thonga Beach Lodge is located within a protected and remote coastal area, there are no shark nets or lifeguards.
Swimming, snorkelling and other ocean activities are always subject to sea and weather conditions. For your safety, we ask that you follow the guidance of the lodge team, who monitor conditions daily and will advise if it is not safe to enter the water. We recommend always taking care when exploring the beach and rock pools.
Can dietary requirements such as Halaal, vegetarian or gluten-free be accommodated?
Yes, the lodge can cater for various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halaal-friendly meals. All our meat is Halaal-certified.
All dietary requirements should be advised prior to the guests’ arrival to allow the lodge to make the necessary arrangements. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for kosher dietary requirements.
Do you offer any long-stay discounts?
Yes. We offer long-stay discounts for guests staying at a single Isibindi Africa lodge or combining stays across multiple Isibindi Africa lodges.
Length of Stay | Discount |
5 nights | 5% |
6 nights | 7.5% |
7 nights | 10% |
8 nights plus | 12.5% |
How do your Pay Stay offers work?
Our current Pay Stay Special is valid during May, June and September:
Book three consecutive nights at Thonga Beach Lodge and receive your fourth night free.
Pay Stay offers are subject to availability and may not be combined with other promotions. Please contact our reservations team for the latest offers, applicable travel dates and full terms and conditions.
For more information visit https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/package-special/ocean-adventure/(opens in new tab) .
Do you offer SADC resident rates?
Yes. Thonga Beach Lodge offers special SADC resident rates on selected room categories during selected travel periods. These rates are available to residents of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries and are subject to availability.
View the SADC Rates here: https://www.isibindi.co.za/rates/sadc-rates/(opens in new tab)
