Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and excellent birding opportunities. Guided birding, scorpion & spider walks & Turtle Tracking are offered in season. The 12 thatched bush suites offer either Ocean or Forest Views with Deluxe Ocean Views room sporting private plunge pools. The suites are positioned to afford maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, SCUBA divers or anyone who wants to simply relax. A civilized distance from civilization.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
Beach and SeaBeach and Sea
Open Ocean Experience
SnorkelingSnorkeling experiences in our rock pools
Beach DeckBeach deck with loungers and chairs
Sundowners at Lake Sibaya
Beach Lounge
Private plunge pool Honeymoon Suite
Bathroom
Thonga Beach
Aerial View
Forest View Rooms
Deluxe Room
Turtles on Thonga Beach
Forest View Rooms
Marine Centre
Ocean view roomOcean view room
Fire PitOutdoor Fire Pit
Indoor diningIndoor Dining room
Cocktail BarCredit: Chantelle MetzerCocktail Bar
Deluxe Room
Beach Deck
Kayaking on Lake Sibaya
Deluxe Family room covered patio
Beach Deck
Pool Area
Open Ocean Experience
Bar
Aerial View
Bathroom
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
Dining Area
Bar and Fire Area
Decor
Fat Bikes
Pool Area
Indoor Dining
Aerial View
Aerial View
Bathrooms
Ocean View Room
Lounge Area
Ocean View Room
Ocean View Room
Ocean View Room
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 and hair dryers.
Double or Twin Forest View Room , double vanity, shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned,overhead fans, mosquito nets, safes and hair dryers.
The rooms are nestled into the Dune Forest.
Double or Twin Ocean View Room , double vanity, bath, indoor and outdoor shower, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. 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 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, hair dryer and safe.
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.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Kayaking / Paddling, Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, Surfing, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching
SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal. Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran. For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life. Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles. Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.
Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5 minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools. Guided snorkelling is included in the rate.
In summer there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. Witness the culmination of an incredible journey as giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests.
Turtle tracking is offered in the evening from November to end of February. The turtles lay their eggs from November to February. Hatchlings arrive from end December to end February.
Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process and data collected from the turtle drives is submitted to the Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring program. Turtle walks take place 3 times a week and are included in the rate. Nightly turtle tracking in 4x4 vehicle is at an extra cost.
Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles Ocean Experience is an extra charge.
A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's , Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are Included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.
Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi. This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit. Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a cost.
Standard tours are included in the rate.
Relax with a soothing treatment in the Sea Spa - extra charge.
Daily guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where the local guides share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. This activity is included in the rate.
Take a fat bike out for a ride along the beach - great excercise and fun.
Thonga Beach Dining
Enjoy al fresco dining weather permitting on the deck under huge milkwood trees.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wildlife
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge | Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, , Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is a triumph of conservation efforts. Celebrate this legacy in exclusive luxury at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - the only private lodge in the reserve - offering exceptional safari experiences in the heart of Big 5 territory. 18 well appointed, air-conditioned rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve. The lodge, built in 2015, is designed in a contemporary style with overtones of organic forms utilising natural finishes and materials.
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Rooms
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Activities and Services
Restaurants
Aerial of main lodgeCredit: Chantelle MeltzerAerial view of the main lodge
Aerial of fire pit and deckCredit: Chantelle MeltzerMain lodge fire pit and deck
Pool Area
Aerial view of Pool DeckCredit: Chantelle MelzerAerial view of the pool deck and lounging area.
Guided game walk in Hluhluwe iMfolozi ParkCredit: Chantelle MelzerGuided walk in Big 5 territory
Guided game walks in the parkCredit: Chantelle MelzerGuided bush walks in the park with experienced armed rangers
Pool lounging areaCredit: Chantelle MelzerLounge area at the pool deck
Game Drives
Game Drives
View from the pool
Swimming PoolCredit: Chantelle Melzer11m Infinity pool overlooking the reserve
SceneryLandrover crossing the river in the Hluhluwe Imfolosi Park
Safari Room
Bush WalksCredit: Chantelle MelzerGroup on Bush Walk
Honeymoon Bush VillaCredit: Chantelle MelzerPlunge pool on deck
Bush Villa BathroomCredit: Chantelle MelzerBush Villa Bathroom
Spa and Safari RoomsCredit: Chantelle MelzerSpa and Safari Rooms
Lodge BarCredit: Chantelle MeltzerLodge Bar
Lodge breakfastCredit: Chantelle MeltzerBreakfast setting overlooking the park
Main deck and viewCredit: Chantelle MeltzerMain deck with view overlooking the park
Luxury Bush VillaCredit: Chantelle MeltzerLuxury Bush Villa room and sitting area
Fire pitCredit: Chantelle MeltzerMain lodge fire pit overlooking the park
Bush VillasCredit: Chantelle MelzerBush Villas
Main lodge loungeCredit: Chantelle MeltzerMain lodge lounge and fire place
Honeymoon Bush Villa poolCredit: Chantelle MeltzerHoneymoon Bush villa pool and deck
Safari / Family Rooms (2 en-suite rooms with common lobby) twin/dbl.
These rooms can double as Family Rooms given that they share a common lobby.
Twin Vanity and luxurious shower. Separate toilet.
King size bed or twin beds, en-suite bathroom, separate toilet, deep soaking bath, luxurious shower and private wooden deck, mini-bar, fireplace. Overhead fan and air conditioner. Safe, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
King size bed or twin beds, en-suite bathroom, separate toilet, deep soaking bath, luxurious shower and private wooden deck, mini-bar, fireplace, private plunge pool. Overhead fan and air conditioner. Bathrobes, safe, hairdryer as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Beautiful views over the park.
Property Facilities
Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Beach, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Cultural Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Marine Adventures, Safaris, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided)
Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush; therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Our guides will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5!
Guests can enjoy guided walks lasting 3-4 hours inside the park in Big 5 territory. No children under 14 years. Additional cost.
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment - extra cost.
Visits into the local Mpembeni Community are offered as well as a visit to the Isibindi Foundation community centre.
Dining Room
All meals included. Continental Buffet and hot breatkast available from 07h00 to 11h00, High Tea and delicious dinners.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 18
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife