Thonga Beach Lodge

This Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, Northern KwaZulu Natal, within the Isimangaliso World Heritage Park - an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. This 24-bed lodge is an ideal place to explore unspoilt, wilderness beaches. The closest airport is Richards Bay; Thonga Beach Lodge is 200km north of Richards Bay, on the Elephant Coast. Called the Elephant Coast, after the country’s largest herd of indigenous African elephants that have lived in sand forests in this region for centuries. It is not hard to understand why the Elephant Coast is regarded as the ecotourism mecca of the Zulu Kingdom. Sand dunes blend with swamps, coastal forests, rocky shores, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, woodlands, savanna grassland, and the largest protected wetland in southern Africa, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The 12 spacious, thatched suites are hidden in the coastal dune forest and raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the sensitive dune soils. There are two Deluxe Ocean View suites with private plunge pool and deck, three Ocean View suites and seven Forest View Rooms, all with private balconies. Bleached wood, glass and natural materials have been wisely used to create an open, airy feel. The main lodge is nestled in amongst the indigenous trees and features open air dining areas, two swimming pools, and spa and wellbeing facilities.

The Thonga Beach Lodge is an ideal place to explore unspoilt, wilderness beaches. When not relaxing around the pool with a cocktail, the following activities are on offer; scuba diving – with an introduction offered in the hotel pool, snorkelling, kayaking guided walks and turtle tours, with turtles laying their eggs on the beach in the evening – definitely worth seeing! The Sea Spa at Thonga Beach Lodge offers seaweed rejuvenation treatments, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Visit a local homestead, school and clinic and experience how the peaceful Tsonga people go about their rural lifestyles.