Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge is a small lodge on the Maputaland coast in northern KwaZulu-Natal, not far from South Africa’s border with Mozambique. The lodge is set into coastal forest on a series of dunes with expansive views of the beach below, and is just 25 minutes drive from Lake Sibaya (the largest freshwater lake in Southern Africa), a significant part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is now a World Heritage Site.

Accommodation & Facilities
Thonga Beach Lodge has 12 thatched rooms set within an ancient milkwood forest, and built on stilts to minimise their impact on the location. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a bath, a shower and a flush loo, as well as air conditioning, a mini bar and an outside deck. Some rooms have ocean views and others look over the dunes. Family accommodation includes the ocean view family suite which comprises two en-suite bedrooms, a deck and private plunge pool. Set slightly apart from the other rooms this suite offers total seclusion and glorious views of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively there are two forest view family suites comprising two en-suite bedrooms. Extra children’s beds (16 years and under) can be added to both the ocean view and forest view suites offering maximum capacity of six in each suite.

The lodge has a large dining room, but most meals are eaten outside. There is also a lounge and bar, dive centre and library. There are two pools. The larger pool is designed for Scuba training. The smaller one is suitable for children and is approximately 1m deep. It has a small slope and a step into the pool.

Eating & Sleeping
Separate mealtimes can be arranged for children and there is a children’s menu. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. Babysitting is available with advance warning and would incur an extra cost.

Wildlife & Activities
Activities on offer at Thonga Beach Lodge include boat based scuba diving, open ocean experience (12 years and above), guided canoe trips on Lake Sibaya (12 years and above), turtle tracking (November to February), snorkelling and swimming, guided wilderness walks , sundowners at Lake Sibaya and cultural community visits.

Specifically for children …
• Visit to the local primary school
• Boardgames and books in the Wifi Lounge
• Beach activities, volley ball, beach soccer on request
• Bubble Maker in the pool – introduction to Scuba Diving (extra charge)
• Movies in the marine centre available on request.