Thonga Beach Lodge

Resort hotel · Umkhanyakude ·

Thonga Beach Lodge

Resort hotel · Umkhanyakude ·

Oceanfront huts with private pools, snorkeling, kayaking, and forest hikes

Information

Manzengwenya, 3985, South Africa Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

6 Best Safari-and-Beach Holidays, From Madagascar to Mozambique | Condé Nast Traveler

"Discreetly tucked into the coastal forest canopy within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga is the only lodge on a nearly footprintless 45-mile beach, offering green forest tunnels, organized activities from paddling Lake Sibaya to turtle-nesting experiences, though the sea can be rough and snorkeling is best in rock pools or as part of open-ocean expeditions." - Pippa de Bruyn

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/safari-and-beach-trip-ideas-from-madagascar-to-mozambique

Thonga Beach Lodge

@iescape

1,374 Postcards · 813 Cities

Thonga Beach Lodge, iSimangaliso, Maputaland, South Africa - Explore & Book

"This is surely one of the most spectacular and unique beach lodges in all of Africa. It's tucked away on the furthest coast of Kwazulu-Natal, in Maputaland (which you may have heard of), and more precisely in iSimangaliso Nature Reserve (which you probably haven't, but you should). Getting there is not for the faint hearted, but it's all part of the adventure: a 4- to 5-hour drive from Durban, then a 1-hour jeep transfer along sandy tracks to the lodge, which is set deep in dune forests above the endless sands of Mabibi beach. You’re actually nearer to Mozambique than to Jo'burg, but don't let that put you off. On the contrary: with two pools, a dive centre, a blissful spa, and a superb al fresco restaurant and bar, you’ll not want for creature comforts here. Accommodation is in 12 spacious circular thatched suites dotted in the woods, with canopied kingsize beds, private balconies (some ocean-facing), and big ensuite bathrooms. Outside, nature awaits. Go snorkelling among fire fish, scuba diving in coral reefs, whale watching from inflatable boats, turtle tracking by night, kayaking or bird watching on shimmering Lake Sibaya (with the possible bonus of hippos and crocs). It's all run - with smiling staff and outstanding service - by Isibindi, the team behind Kosi Forest Lodge (which, at two hours’ drive away, is one of your nearer neighbours). Put it on your bucket list; or better still, carpe diem and go now. Highs Great for outdoorsy couples, friends and families alike: you can request twin beds, family suites or a honeymoon hideaway with its own plunge poolWe love how immersed it is in the environment, with marine conservation projects, well-trained local staff and brilliant bird guidesThe sandy beach is totally undeveloped, with pristine reefs, lush dune forests - and no hotels within 60 milesWe hear the food is divine and fresh, especially given the far-flung locationProbably South Africa's top diving spot, with equipment and training available, and plenty for snorkellers, too Lows It's remote, so expect long journeys in and out, no mobile coverage and patchy WiFiBeing a coastal wetland, there is some rain (and, on summer afternoons, possible thunderstorms)This is a low-risk malaria area - but all beds have mosquito netsMany activities are not suitable for children under 8It's not cheap - but when you consider that all meals and some activities are included, we think it's very fair value" - Handpicked by our hotel experts

https://www.i-escape.com/thonga-beach-lodge

i-escape.com

Thonga Beach Lodge

debbiedP6273MF

Google

Thonga Beach Lodge is tucked away in the coastal forest of northern KZN. The remoteness of its location is what we love and keep coming back for. This was our 4th visit. The lodge is stunning, the rooms beautiful and have everything you need. The staff are friendly and accommodating. The food is diverse and delicious. It is amazing what the kitchen staff manages to prepare on a daily basis! What we also love is that the local community is very much involved in the lodge. The excursions are a highlight. We love the turtle drives and the sunset at lake Sibaya. Scuba diving is another activity we have utilised and we have found the reefs to be spectacular. The dive team is highly motivated and accommodating and the whole experience is relaxed. Thonga Beach Lodge is a hidden gem that we hope to return to again in the future.

aldiana78

Google

Georges lodge on the beautiful pristine beach, only lodge on the 20 km Long Beach, a lot of privacy.. |The staff were absolutely superb, friendly, service-minded and the food was heavenly. An lovely, once-in-a-lifetime experience and the service from the lovely staff was definitely the best. I would also recommend the ocean experience where we swam with wild dolphins. Thank you so much from us and we will be back :)

808jw

Google

Thonga is literally barefoot luxury!! It’s remote, beach is unspoiled and staff are professional and friendly at the same time. Rooms are a nice size and beds are comfortable - we slept very well. The lodge is quiet so it’s easy to switch off and rest. This was our second visit, we will definitely be back. |Seeing the turtles is a wonderful added bonus.

Tim S.

Google

A Truly Magical African Coastal Experience! Our family (my wife & 2 kids) recently spent a few unforgettable days at Thonga Beach Resort, and it was nothing short of incredible! From the moment we arrived, we were completely enchanted by the setting — an untouched stretch of beach framed by lush, vegetated sand dunes and the sound of the Indian Ocean just beyond. Days were spent surfing on the beautiful, empty beach — it felt like we had our own private paradise! The natural beauty here is unreal, with pristine dunes and clear blue water creating the perfect backdrop for some truly special memories. Evenings were pure magic. We enjoyed sunset drinks overlooking the glassy waters of Lake Sibaya, watching hippos surface and listening to the calls of birds all around us. It’s one of those moments that will stay with you forever — peaceful, wild, and completely authentic. The staff deserve a special mention. Every single person we met was warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive — nothing was ever too much trouble. Combined with the delicious variety of food served at every meal, the service really made our stay feel personal and relaxed. If you’re looking for a unique African experience in a remote, breathtakingly beautiful location, Thonga Beach Resort is the place. It’s a rare gem where luxury and nature come together perfectly. Highly recommended — we can’t wait to return!

Windy37GM

Google

Fantastic stay!! The most beautiful place on the planet. The staff is very serviceminded and made us smile every day. Saw turtles, dolphins, best relax by the beach. I must also mention the kitchen which is splendid. The massages was great and all activities where great :-)|Will absolutely return.

123JillA

Google

Relaxed luxury, just far enough away from anywhere, right on a stunningly beautiful, empty, beach. The rooms are beautiful with wonderful small touches making it clear they understand the visitor experience. The food is delicious and plentiful. There are plenty of activities if you need to do things and lots of spaces for sitting still, just being. The guides are knowledgeable and patient and watching the turtles nest is very special, some would say sacred, experience. Add to that the isibindi foundation's support for the local community, and this is a must for anyone looking for sustainable travel.

214gustavow

Google

Fantastic experience. Beautiful place. Rooms cozy. All the personnel at the Lodge come from nearby Mabibi village. They are all very warm and kind. |The excursions are all worth going. We got very lucky and could swim with dolphins in one of them!

durbantraveller2016

Google

A beautiful setting and a wonderful staff made for a memorable stay. As others have noted, the staff is from the rural community where the lodge is located. And they clearly take pride in the lodge and the work they the do there. The manager Wiseman, and his team, could not have been more helpful. Even helping with minor repairs that were needed on our vehicle. The drive on the beach to see a leatherback turtle make its nest, lay eggs, and then cover the nest was especially memorable. And even without accounting for the challenges of being in such an isolated locale, the food by any standard was delicious, diverse and healthy. We look forward to returning with our children and grandchildren.