Witness the Magic of Turtle Season at Thonga Beach Lodge

Between November and February, a timeless ritual unfolds along the untouched shores of Mabibi, where giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean to nest in the golden sands. Guests of Thonga Beach Lodge, set within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), have the rare privilege of witnessing this awe-inspiring event up close.

A Front-Row Seat to Nature’s Miracle

Each evening, under a canopy of stars and guided by our local guides, guests embark on turtle tracking walks and drives. The silence is broken only by the waves, until suddenly, the sight of a massive turtle hauling herself ashore takes your breath away. With delicate precision, she digs a nest and lays up to 120 eggs before returning to the ocean depths. Weeks later, hatchlings break free, scrambling towards the surf, beginning their perilous journey across the seas.

This experience is not only a highlight of a stay at Thonga Beach Lodge, it’s an encounter that connects you deeply with the rhythm of the natural world.

Where Luxury Meets Wilderness

Thonga Beach Lodge offers the best of both worlds: barefoot luxury and immersive wilderness. With only 12 rooms tucked into a dune forest, guests enjoy privacy and serenity, whether overlooking the ocean or embraced by coastal forest. The lodge features two swimming pools, a spa, and fine dining with fresh, locally inspired cuisine. After a night of turtle tracking, fall asleep to the soothing soundtrack of the ocean just beyond your door.

More Than a Holiday, A Conservation Journey

Your visit directly supports conservation. Thonga Beach Lodge operates under a special concession in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and its guides play an active role in monitoring turtle populations, reporting poaching threats, and assisting with turtle release programs.

Through the Isibindi Foundation, guests also contribute to vital community partnerships, from supporting Mabibi Primary School to clean water projects and marine monitoring initiatives. The lodge’s sustainability ethos ensures that while you experience luxury, you also leave a positive footprint.

Beyond the Turtles

While turtle season is the headline act, Thonga Beach Lodge is a year-round paradise for nature lovers. Explore Lake Sibaya by kayak, snorkel vibrant reefs, scuba dive, or simply relax with sundowners overlooking Africa’s largest freshwater lake. During winter, migrating humpback whales pass by, and the surrounding coastal forests reveal a wealth of birdlife.

A Call to Adventure

Turtle season at Thonga Beach Lodge is a chance to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles while immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of South Africa’s Elephant Coast. It’s a rare blend of luxury travel, conservation impact, and raw wilderness magic, an experience that will stay with you long after the last hatchling has made its way to sea.

Book your turtle season escape now and be part of this extraordinary journey.