South Africa - Places To Stay

Maputoland - Thonga Beach Lodge is set on one of the most unspoilt wilderness beaches in northern Maputoland. Surrounded by beautiful coastal dune forest, the lodge has sweeping views of the magical Mabibi beach. The crystal clear and warm waters of KwaZulu Natal offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. The thatched bush suites, inspired by Thonga architecture, provide guest privacy and were carefully constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Chalets are raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the sensitive dune soils. Some rooms offer sea views, whilst others are set within the dune forest. The lounge, with its comfortable couches and a cosy fireplace, is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach. Meals are served in the dining room or down on the beach by candlelight.

Set in the secluded Mabibi bay, on the Elephant Coast (Northern Maputoland), in the heart of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. It is 25 km North of Sodwana Bay.

Thonga Beach Lodge can only be reached by 4x4 vehicles and guests must arrange to be collected at the 2-wheel drive parking area. Alternatively scheduled flights from Richards Bay or Durban to the nearby airstrip, followed by a road transfer can also be arranged.

7 Standard and 5 Sea View Cottages

Standard Cottage:
£218 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Aug)
£236 per person sharing in High Season (Jan-Apr)
£250 per person sharing in High Season (Sep-Dec)

Sea View Cottage:
£249 per person sharing in Low Season (May-Aug)
£266 per person sharing in High Season (Jan-Apr)
£285 per person sharing in High Season (Sep-Dec)

Accommodation, 3 meals per day, teas/coffees, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya.

Rate excludes park entry fees and transfers to the lodge.

All children welcome. However, no more than 6 children under 12 years to be in the lodge at any one time. Children under 6 are requested to have breakfast from 8-9am and dinners from 6-7pm.

Snorkelling & scuba diving
Open ocean experience
Excursions to Lake Shibaya
Bird watching
Guided walks
Fishing
Thonga cultural experience
Between November and March turtle tracking on foot or on a drive (90-95% chance to see turtles on drives).

Thonga Beach Lodge has involved the community as shareholders in the development company of the lodge in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and the Wildlands Trust. The lodge supports a number of community and research projects undertaken within this protected marine sanctuary. An opportunity exists for the Mabibi community to substantially expand their supply of arts and crafts to Thonga Beach Lodge's busy curio shop. An expert in community arts training has identified the community's potential. In addition once this project is implemented it will allow the community's pool of skills to expand to supply other outlets in the Maputaland area.

Isibindi Africa Lodges' eco principles:
Tread gently. Respect for the environment and the minimizing of any impact on her when establishing and later, operating an ecotourism venture.
A strong aesthetic feature of our lodges is their ability to blend strongly into their immediate natural environment.
Shared sustainable utilization of natural resources with neighbouring communities within these protected areas.
The upliftment and training of neighbouring communities to ensure their full involvement in the ecotourist project, so as to maximize the flow of benefits to the communities.
The educating of all visitors to these pristine areas on the role neighbouring communities play in maintaining the protected area.

Cash in South African Rand is accepted. All major credit cards are also accepted.

Climate:

winter months (May to September) - days are usually sunny and dry, however evening and early mornings can be cool (temperatures range from 10-25 degrees Celcius). Sea temperature is between 18-22 degrees Celcius.

Summer months (October to April) - days are usually hot and humid with occasional afternoon and evening thurnderstorms (summer rainfall area) with temperatures ranging from 20-38 degrees Celcius. Sea temperature is between 21-26 degrees Celcius.

Please note that Thonga Beach Lodge is located in a low risk malaria area.

Spend 3 nights and get the 4th night free at Thonga Beach Lodge, available only for the months of May and June. Other long stay specials available on request.