experiencesa return to self

“Possibly the most beautiful place in the World.”

This a truly unique and wonderful place. The lodge is some distance away - be prepared for a bumpy ride - but it’s so worth it !

The lodge is gloriously situated - hidden in the lush greenery some rooms have an ocean view. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed - our had a balcony and huge windows around the room. The beds are firm but very comfy, a big shower, dual sinks, soft towels. Two room services per day with water replenished ( you can’t drink the tap water). Lots of lovely touches - a jar of delicious homemade shortbread in your room, and a raffia basket - full of beach towels. At night all you can hear is the roar of the ocean and the odd cricket / frog perhaps.

The food: Excellent ! Very cleverly you are served just the right amount - there’s no waste. The granola is delicious - as is the yoghurt. There’s also a cooked breakfast on request. Excellent fresh juices. Lunch is served rather like a high tea - little salads and tapas arrangement - veggie is preferred. You choose dinner earlier in the day (no waste) from a small but very very good menu and it was wonderful. A great choice of wines and cocktails ! A lovely way to start the evening.

The activities - BRILLIANT ! The turtle drive (if in season) is a must. This is not a zoo ! There are no guarantees - but we saw loggerhead and leatherback turtles laboriously burying their eggs and we saw the hatchlings scurrying to the ocean - a truly profound and moving experience.

My husband did 2 scuba dives and really enjoyed them. We did the snorkelling too- also fun, but the tides can be strong. I also had a foot and body massage which was deeply relaxing.

Yes ! You can swim in the ocean - but it can be pretty rough. But truly wonderful once you’re in. Small children and those less confident might not want to try. The waves did knock me over a couple of times.

But really makes Thonga Beach outstanding is the people - the staff are amazing - proud, professional, warm and friendly - nothing is too much trouble. We must note we felt totally safe with our sea guides - they are very knowledgable about the wildlife and care deeply about the lodge and the environment. Everyone was wonderful - but special mention must go to Fikile- the best bar person in S.A.

We will return to Thonga Beach - we’ve travelled a lot, but this might be my favourite hotel in the whole world. A small and exclusive slice of heaven.

I’m cynical about eco tourism but this is part of the Isibindi foundation - which supports the local community. The people who have created this magical place should be rightly proud

“Hidden gem!”

What a hidden gem! The drive across the sand dunes to get to Thonga Beach gives you a glimpse of what you have to come. Top quality beach hideaway on the edge of Africa. Indian Ocean is warm and welcoming and the hotel is extremely well appointed. We loved the Ocean Experience (yes, swam with turtles!) and the forest walk, sundowners by the lake. The food is excellent and the staff are super attentive. Nothing to do but relax.

“You will not be disappointed” - 100% review

First off, the location is absolutely beautiful and pristine. Even the drive to the lodge through the coastal forest was just wonderful. Clean, unspoiled beach and forest as far as the eye could see! The rooms were so tastefully done - we had everything we needed, including privacy (rondawel 7), comfy beds and a beautiful forest view. And they blended in perfectly in the coastal forest. You can barely notice the chalets when looking at the whole lodge from the beach. You don't ever worry about the safety of your possessions thanks to the wonderful culture the local community has. There is a digital safe in the rooms in case but we didn't really use it after day 1. The food here is to die for. You will not be disappointed, even if you're a fussy eater. Nothing was ever too much trouble when we needed an ingredient omitted or added. Just great service all round. There was always something to do even on rainy days thanks to the multiple Scrabble sets in the communal lounge area, good enough internet for some casual browsing and a superb dive centre. There is an amazing shallow reef right on the beach (3 minutes walk)! All the reefs we went to were pristine with beautiful coral formations, and the staff were fun, yet professional and knowledgeable. The visibility is pretty much always great since there are no major rivers discharging dirty water into the sea nearby. Pity we didn't see many large marine game but still an experience to remember. Lake Sibaya during sunset was also breathtakingly beautiful and we even saw hippos in the distance. The guided turtle walks were pretty good even though we didn't see any turtles (this was end of December). We saw loggerhead turtles during the dive though. Saying goodbye was the hardest part. But thank you for the farewell padkos packages for the journey back home - that was a thoughtful touch. I'd say the only thing that was missing was beach umbrellas available to use/hire. And yes it's expensive (especially for us locals) but I'm coming again once I recover financially. Lastly, a big shoutout to all the staff - you were all amazing.

“a perfect hide away!!" - 100% review

Awesome location
Awesome Service
Awesome food
Was a real break away and a perfect hide away!! Secluded and remote.
Yes, remote means there is a long beachy dirt road which requires a 4x4 and the internet is not great, but the point of a get away is to get away.
We stayed for 8 nights and really enjoyed each day.

“A hidden gem!” - 100% review

It was such a treat to stay at Thonga for 5 nights recently. A piece of paradise - miles of beautiful, sandy beach with incredible snorkelling and kite surfing. Our highlight was the ocean experience with Tristan and Bheki - spinner dolphins, humpback whales, swimming with bottlenose dolphins and snorkelling at a reef in the pristine, protected reserve was fantastic. The accommodation, food and service were all top notch and nothing was too much trouble for the wonderful team at Thonga. We'll be back!

“This place for me is a little bit of paradise”

This was our second visit to this lodge and just as special and well managed. The meals were varied and superb just as before. We were lucky with the perfect weather for this time of year, and enjoyed all the various experiences they have to offer, including seeing the turtles. The guides and restaurant staff all went out of their way to give us the best experiences. This place for me is a little bit of paradise.

“100% rating”

Thonga Beach Lodge has managed to create an ideal atmosphere. Relaxed, family orientated but still a complete spoil. Food is delicious, rooms are stylish and staff are friendly. It's position is on an amazing stretch of coastline and if snorkelling or diving is not your thing, then you can just relax on the sundeck with a G&T, watch the whales and soak up the sun. Need to destress? Visit Thonga!!!

“This is our 4th visit to Thonga.”

This is our 4th visit to Thonga. there is no where in SA where you literally live on the beach. we go there to dive, but even though the conditions were not good we had a fabulous time. The stall under the guidance and management of Ondine are incredible. Mark and Tristan were professional and felt safe in their company. Food by Promise and the team was amazing

“Perfect Romantic Getaway”

Thonga Beach Lodge is the perfect romantic getaway. The lodge is set in a forest next to the beach. Birds, butterflies, samango monkeys, whales and crabs all at the same time! You would never say there are any other people at the lodge when you get to the beach- open and quiet, it feels as if it is only you.
So many activities to choose from, the rooms are very private, comfortable and immaculate. Your every need seen to.
The staff members are very friendly, helpful and considerate.
The food is excellent- and healthy.
We will definitely be back and will most definitely explore the other Isibindi Lodges as well.
Excellent experience.

"Thonga Magic"

Thonga offers the most beautiful beach walks, delicious meals and just an amazing relaxing, quiet, holiday. Every need is met with a lovely forest walk, a trip to watch the sun setting and a relaxing spa. This is the most stress-free holiday to enjoy with excellent value for money.

We will come back again and again and again........

After 2019 we came back for 2 days and enjoyed our stay again very much. From the first second on as driving down the steep hill we felt completely like coming home. Thonga is a paradise. And we will come again and again and again ....

“An Exceptional Lodge In A Breathtaking Location”

We stayed five nights at Thonga Beach Lodge and enjoyed the experience immensely. The location on a 'wilderness' beach is quite simply stunning, with the lodge built into the dunes behind so that it is virtually invisible. Our cottage (number 4) was beautifully appointed and provided an excluded and very restful experience - the huge and very comfortable bed, large shower room and vanity area were all thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort.
The standard of food was exceptional (all meals plus afternoon tea are included), with a very wide choice of dishes. Table service is highly efficient and friendly. Staff at the lodge, many of whom come from the local community were, without exception, extremely friendly and very efficient - some of the best staff we have ever encountered and comparable with the best luxury hotels we have stayed in in the far east.
There is a wide range of activities to do, most of which are included. Scuba diving and the Ocean Experience are charged extra - these two activities involve a beach launch of the boat into the surf and a return beach landing that are both exciting and hair raising if one hasn't done it before.
All in all Thonga Beach Lodge exceeded our expectations in every respect. If you're looking for a unique place to spend a few days in stunning surroundings then we highly recommend it.

There were six of us, we had long walks on the beach, gorgeous food and an all-round perfect visit. Everything about the decor, room comfort, food and spectacular setting was just perfect. I loved the lunch presentation whereby one isn’t served huge helpings and can savour lots of different food. We had breakfast on the beach verandah one morning watching whales and dolphins.

“Barefoot luxury at its absolute best!”

Thonga Beach Lodge is a piece of paradise. The staff are so incredibly friendly and accommodating to all our needs. The rooms feel luxurious and so comfortable. The lodge is beautiful, and the beach is magnificent… our beach bike rides, Long Beach walks, swims, snorkels and sundowners on the dunes were all unforgettable moments. We had the most incredible holiday and can’t wait to book to come back!! I cannot recommend this lodge enough!

“Luxury, exquisite cuisine, and romance amidst untouched beauty! Thonga is a hidden gem worth discovering”

We had the most incredible time at this little piece of paradise! I was blown away by the untouched, breathtaking beauty of the area. Thonga is a haven of serenity and luxury that captivates you from the moment you arrive. The staff, food, suites and attention to detail were fantastic. They offer so many excursions and experiences. We were so blessed to experience the fascinating turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean which is a memory that I will cherish forever. Thonga is a true hidden gem and I will definitely return.

“Unbelievable!”

Have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime holiday at Thonga Beach after a few friends had visited and recommended it. The arrival and setting is spectacular we loved the modern look and feel, especially the wheeled-out cool ice cream cart after lunch. The staff are all from the local community and are delightful. We are foodies and thoroughly enjoyed the light and colourful choices perfect for a beach destination, well done are planning our next visit.