accommodation

Thonga Beach Lodge

Maputaland Marine Protected Area, South Africa

About Thonga Beach Lodge

On the pristine Maputaland coast, Thonga Beach Lodge lies in the heart of iSimangaliso World Heritage Park, a magical place with unspoilt beaches, coastal forests and shimmering lakes. Thonga captures the essence of a charming rustic Robinson Crusoe hideaway with individual air-conditioned chalets tucked away in the coastal dune forest, raised on wooden stilts to ensure minimal impact with maximum comfort. Bleached wood, glass and natural materials create an open, airy feel, and each room has a deck, some with sea views. The Lodge exudes a relaxed and friendly ambience with good food. Superb snorkelling within strolling distance of the Lodge in the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. With over 1250 fish species scuba diving is phenomenal and the dive boat launches directly from Thonga’s beach with instructors to assist divers of all levels. Experience the Ocean Safari spotting shoals of game fish, schools of bottlenose dolphins with whale sharks and turtles in the summer; and Humpback whales in the winter. Morning guided kayaking trips or glorious sundowners nearby on the shores of Lake Sibaya. November to February, witness the rare sight of turtles laying their eggs or hatchlings returning to the ocean. Transfers | Children welcome | Specials available
Perfect For
Adventure Beach / Coastal Birding Fishing Flora History & Culture Leisure Nature Relaxation Star Gazing Watersports Wildlife
Bar
Communal Dining
Eco Friendly
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Spa
Vegetarian
24-hour Security
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
On Site
Bird Watching
Boating
Canoeing
Catch-and-release Fishing
Fine Dining
High Tea
Kayaking
Massages
Scuba Diving
Turtle Tracking
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Whale Watching
Off Site
Beach
Bird Watching
Boat Cruises
Canoeing
Child Friendly Activities
Cultural Tours
Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing
Game Drives
Kayaking / Paddling
Sea Kayaking
Surfing
Turtle Tracking
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Thonga Beach Lodge

Guest Impressions

Boon Stay at Thonga Beach

"Share with you what i wrote on TripAdvisor about our stay at Thonga Beach. I''ve written many reviews on TripAdvisor, having experienced many places across the world (and throughout Africa in particular), but I''m not sure if there is a score special enough for this piece of heaven that is set on the KwaZulu Natal North coast in South Africa. It is simple but spectacular in every way - from the beautiful, natural and wooden setting under the coastal Forrest; to the inner comfort and quality of the rooms; the fresh, nourishing and delicious food; the daily cake at high tea; the long walks on a 5 kilometer, totally unspoiled golden beach by day - where you and your partner are often the only people on it - and a moon kissed beach by night; the snorkeling in the rock pools; the 4x4 drive to get their; the staff and their wonderful and friendly attitude; and of course the majestic turtle experience - one of the most special wildlife experiences I have ever had the privilege of watching. Having also been to many and probably more active places before, my children (age 10 and 13) have themselves chosen Thonga Beach as they place they''d go back to first every year and I cannot say enough about the staffs role and attitude in this, as they are down to earth, friendly and there to ensure you soothe your soul 100% of the time. From Tandiwe and her crew in the restaurant, Sipiwe and Xolani in the bar, Jabulani in the marine center and David, Ntokoza and Bruce on the management side... Thank you for making our week with you one of the most beautiful we have ever had at a holiday resort (even though the weather didn''t quite play its role)."

- David Boon from South Africa
Thonga Beach Lodge

"We had a great time at Thonga! The staff were friendly and helpful, the place is beautiful and well maintained and the food was delicious. The warm sees and snorkeling were our favourites. We would certainly go back."

- Rory Ord from South Africa
Verified Historical Feedback • Portfolio Collection

Accommodation Options

Ocean View Room

Double or Twin Ocean View Room , double vanity, shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned,overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes, nespresso coffee machine and hair dryers.

Twin Forest Room

Double or Twin Forest View Room , double vanity, shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities, including nespresso coffee machines.. Rooms are air-conditioned,overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers.

The rooms are nestled into the Dune Forest.

Deluxe Ocean View Suite

Double or Twin Ocean View Room , double vanity, bath, indoor and outdoor shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities, including nespresso machine. Rooms are air-conditioned, overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers. This suite has a private plunge pool on a private deck.

Family Forest Room

Family forest view comprises two bedrooms both en-suite (main bedroom has bath & shower, double vanity and toilet), second bedroom has shower only, single vanity and toilet. The two bedrooms are linked by a passage way, Both bedrooms have separate entrances.safe.

Both bedrooms are air conditioned, have overhead fans and mosquito nets. The main bedroom has a mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, including a nespresso machine, hair dryer and safe.

Deluxe Ocean View Family Room

This luxury family room comprises two bedrooms both en-suite (main bedroom has bath & shower, double vanity and toilet and an outside shower). The second bedroom has a shower only, single vanity and toilet. The two bedrooms are separated by a large deck with private plunge pool. Both bedrooms have separate entrances.

Both bedrooms are air conditioned, have overhead fans and mosquito nets. The main bedroom has a mini bar, safe, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining & Cuisine

Thonga Beach Dining

Enjoy al fresco dining weather permitting on the deck under huge milkwood trees.

Standard Room Amenities
Air Conditioning
Balcony / Deck
Bath
Electrical Outlets
Fan
Fridge
Laundry Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Mini Bar
Mosquito Nets
Outside Shower
Plunge Pool
Private Pool / Jacuzzi
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
Portfolio Places
At a Glance
  • Rooms: 12
  • Check In: 13:00
  • Check Out: 10:30
  • Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
Portfolio Expert Review
"For miles of empty pristine beaches and that feeling of being marooned in paradise, you simply can’t beat Thonga Beach Lodge. The ocean safari was a definite highlight - turtles, dolphins and whales graced us with their presence. And canoeing on Lake Sibaya spotting hippos, birds and crocodiles was just as thrilling."
— Renee, Consultant. Reader. Adventurer. Surfer
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented Thonga Beach Lodge since 2010. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
ECO LODGE - MABIBI
"This idyllic and romantic beach hideaway is nestled in the dunes of one of Africa's few remaining wilderness beaches. Explore the warm Indian Ocean, untouched reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, lakes and miles of pristine beaches. Whether it is a relaxed honeymoon or an action-packed holiday you are looking for, Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal place to kick back and relax in air-conditioned Robinson Crusoe chic with superb cuisine. Watch migrating humpback whales in winter or witness the miracle of the loggerhead turtles returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs and see the hatchlings scramble for survival. Snorkelling and scuba diving is available year round. Marine safaris, PADI dive centre and training, guided kayaking on Lake Sibaya. Sea Spa and 2 swimming pools. 3-night stays & winter specials | Children welcome | 12 Chalets | Two lodge transfers daily."
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition

Experience Thonga Beach Lodge

We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries. Want to include Thonga Beach Lodge in your dream African holiday?


Activities in Maputaland Marine Protected Area