Set on the
pristine shores of the Maputaland coast at Mabibi, Thonga Beach lodge is
the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped
wilderness beaches left on the African continent. Mabibi is a
magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs,
coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite
sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer unparalleled
snorkelling and fantastic offshore scuba diving.
Location
Set in the secluded Mabibi bay, on the Elephant Coast (Northern
KwaZulu-Natal), Thonga Beach Lodge is in the heart of the Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park, an internationally recognized World Heritage
Site. There are no other developments within a 50km section of
pristine beach. It is 25 km North of Sodwana Bay. It is the first
private concession to have been granted by the Greater St Lucia
Wetland Park Authority. The swimming pool and central lodge area
is 25m from the beach. The accommodation rooms vary between 30m
and 120m from the beach. Lake Sibiya (Southern Africa's largest
natural freshwater lake) is 6km from the lodge.
“…The
Camp at a Glance …”
- Double
Vanity
- Stone Bath
- Indoor/
Outdoor glass shower
- Bar Fridge
- Air con
- Ceiling
Fan
- Mosquito
Net
- Balcony
- Accommodation
Thatched 50 square metre chalets
Accommodation
11 suites in Robinson Crusoe-chic! This Thonga Beach development is one of Africa's most exciting and refreshing wilderness
accommodation destinations. The thatched en-suite rooms have been
carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum
impact on the environment and guest privacy as well as offering
views of the natural surroundings. Some of the units have limited views of the sea. All suites are
air-conditioned. Our lounge, nestled high in the canopy of the
dune forest, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, alternatively
enjoy sundowners in the bar lounge or the cool deck under the
Coastal Milkwood trees.
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Activities
Thonga Beach Lodge is situated in a World Heritage Site and
offers the following guided activities.
Only the following non-motorised activities are included in the
rate - canoeing on Lake Sibiya, sundowners at Lake Sibiya, snorkelling,
and forest walks.
- Turtle
Tracking:
In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying turtles can be arranged. Guests can 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 mid-November to mid-March. Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process.
- Snorkelling:
Mabibi offers superb snorkeling opportunities with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. The shallow reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to an array of brilliant sub-tropical fish including Moorish idols, parrot fish and blue surgeons. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make this the ideal spot to snorkel or guests can simply soak up the sun and savour the tranquility of this pristine, sandy beach.
- Scuba
Diving:
This is an adventure activity with boats launching straight through the surf. Scuba diving at Mabibi is also phenomenal, with reefs located a short distance from the lodge. Shoals of game fish, sharks and schools of bottlenose dolphins are often seen. Our professional lodge diving team accommodates all enthusiasts; from the beginner to the veteran wanting a tour of the very best our reef’s have to offer. 1250 fish species (Great Barrier Reef has 1500) occur on the reefs in this area. Dives are from a semi-rigid dive boat which accommodates a maximum of 6 divers at a time. The boats launch straight off the beach through the surf. This can be exciting and strenuous so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Diving is limited by weather and the tides and cannot be guaranteed. Guests must have proof of their diving qualifications. We regret no children under 12 years or adults over 65 years.
- Open
Ocean Experience:
This adventure activity offers guests rare opportunities to experience the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of Dolphins, Whales, Whale Sharks and snorkelling. 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. No experience is required for this activity, but the launch through the surf can be strenuous. We regret no children under 12 years or adults over 65 years.
- Lake
Sibiya:
The lake is 6km from the lodge, a 20-minute drive.
- Sundowners are offered on the shores Southern Africa's largest
fresh water lake - Lake Sibiya (70 square km), the Ramsar Convention
assures its international conservation status. The lake has
125km of untouched shoreline, good bird watching, and a great
diversity of fauna and flora.
- Guests can also explore parts of the lake by guided canoe
with the chance of seeing hippo and crocodile en route. A reasonable
level of fitness is required.
- Bird
Watching:
Birding at Mabibi and its surrounds is excellent and the variety of habitats attracts a great diversity of species. Typical coastal species include Livingstone’s and purplecrested lourie, green twinspot, grey waxbill and green coucal. Waders are common along the shoreline, and pinkthroated longclaw and rufousbellied heron frequent the marshy areas. Lake Sibiya has recorded 279 bird species including the Palmnut Vulture, the only fruit-eating vulture in the world. Pel’s fishing owl and pygmy goose.
- Fishing:
The Maputuland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s most popular fishing destinations. Guests can try their hand at surf fishing or fly-fishing. Hully Point at Mabibi, is a well-known fly-fishing spot. The enthusiastic angler can experience the thrill of bagging the catch of a lifetime from these brilliant waters. Thonga Beach Lodge encourages guests to “catch & release”.
- Guided
Wilderness Walks:
Guests can head out on foot and explore this natural wonderland through coastal dune forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. The wild beauty of Maputuland will enthrall naturalists and photographers alike.
- Tsonga
Cultural Experience:
Visit a traditional Tsonga homestead and learn about their unique heritage and culture. Visits to a traditional healer (sangoma) or iLala Palm wine tasting can also be arranged(subject to availability).
Child policy
- All children
welcome, if 12 years and under pay they 50% of the full tariff
when sharing with parents. A maximum of one child per room (with
parents) at this discounted rate.
- Children
between 12 yrs and 18 years pay 75% of the full tariff if sharing
with adults
- An extra
person in the room is accommodated on a fold out "stretcher"
type bed in the room. Please remember that the rooms are open
plan.
- Children
under 6 years are requested to have dinner half an hour earlier
than adults.
Power Supply
The lodge is powered by ESCOM and power points are available
in the rooms for chargers, electrical shavers and hairdryers.
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Access
BY ROAD
The lodge can be reached by 2-wheel drive vehicle until the last
20 minutes, where we have a collection point. Guests are then
transferred in 4x4 vehicles on the forested dune roads to the
lodge. There are two collection times from the 2-wheel drive parking:
12h00 or 15h00.
Travelling
times by vehicle:
Johannesburg to Thonga Beach Lodge: 7,5 hrs
Richards Bay to Thonga Beach Lodge: 3,5 hrs
Durban to Thonga Beach Lodge: 5,0 hrs
BY AIR
Isibindi Africa has regular flights from Kruger National Park
(and surrounds),
Johannesburg and Richards Bay.
For private charters there is an 800 m-long tar landing strip
situated 9km from the lodge, known as Manzengwenya (GPS co-ordinates:
S27 11.6 E32 39.7)
Please do contact us to arrange air charters from your previous
destination to this strip.
The vehicle transfer to the lodge from the airstrip is free of
charge and takes approximately 30 minutes. The nearest scheduled
flights are to and from Richards Bay
(approximately 3 hrs by vehicle to the lodge and 40 minutes by
air charter to the landing strip), or Durban (approximately 4.5
hrs by vehicle and 1hr 40 minutes by air charter). Helicopters
can land at the Manzengwenya Airstrip.
Directions
to Thonga Beach Lodge
Road access
From Johannesburg, drive to Pongola then proceed on the N2 South towards Mkuze. Approximately 45km from Pongola and 10km before Mkuze turn left towards Jozini. On leaving Jozini take a left turn towards the “Coastal Forest Reserve and Kwangwanase” (signposted), ensuring that you are proceeding over the Pongola dam wall. After 45km at T-junction turn right towards “Kwangwanase”. Proceed for another 47 km and at the circle turn right towards “Coastal Forest Reserve”. After 15km turn left onto a dirt road marked as “Coastal Forest Reserve”. ”. It is 4.7km along this road to the Coastal Cashew Factory on your right hand side, where you will be collected. The travelling time is approximately 7.5 hours. Upon reaching the Coastal Cashew Factory, two-wheel drive vehicles will park and guests will be transferred to the lodge in Thonga Beach Lodge vehicles (approximately 1 hour). The parking is secured and the entrance guarded. Please note that we have two transfers per day: 12h00 and 15h00. These transfers have to be pre-booked when confirming your stay. Four-wheel drive vehicles can proceed straight to the lodge following the “Coastal Forest Reserve” and “Thonga Beach Lodge” signs
From Durban, proceed on the N2 North to Hluhluwe. Turn off the N2 towards Hluhluwe, proceeding through the town until you reach the last traffic circle. Turn left towards Mbazwane/Sodwana Bay and proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwane. Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line. Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwane on your right. Proceed straight through the circles following the signs to “Coastal Forest Reserve”. Proceed for
33 km after Mbazwane (passing the Mseleni turn-off) turning right onto a dirt road marked as “Coastal Forest Reserve”. It is 4.7km along this road to the Coastal Cashew Factory on your right hand side, where you will be collected. The travelling time is approximately 4.5 hours. Upon reaching the Coastal Cashew Factory, two-wheel drive vehicles will park and guests will be transferred to the lodge in Thonga Beach Lodge vehicles (approximately 1 hour). The parking is secured and the entrance guarded. Please note that we have two transfers per day: 12h00 and 15h00. These transfers have to be pre-booked when confirming your stay. Four-wheel drive vehicles can proceed straight to the lodge following the “Coastal Forest Reserve” and “Thonga Beach Lodge” signs.
- Please note that Thonga Beach Lodge is not accessible by 2-wheel drive so please specify if you require a transfer from the parking area? Pick up times 12h00 and 15h00
- The charge for the transfer is R 75.00 per person return. Please note that there will be an extra charge of R 75.00 per person per transfer for all late/ early arrivals and departures. If guests are running late / early it is of the utmost importance to contact the lodge and notify them of the change.
- Once you turn off the tar road it is a poor condition sand road so guests must ensure they do not travel this road after 16h00 and exercise caution. Please phone the lodge as you leave Jozini (from the north) or Hluhluwe (from the south) so that we are aware of you whereabouts in time to make the necessary changes to our collection times.
- Please note that check in time is 12h00 and the check out time is 10h00
- Please also exercise caution along this road and do not stop for strangers.
- Please note that under no circumstances should guests use the Sibiya Lake road to access this area, there have been security issues along this road in the past.
WEATHER
Winter months: May to September. Temperatures range from 10C to
25C. Although
the days are usually sunny, the evenings and early mornings can
be cool. The sea temperature is between 18° & 21°
C.
Summer months:
October to April. Temperatures range from 20C to 38C. This is
a
summer rainfall area. The days are usually hot and humid with
occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Sea temperatures vary between
21° & 26° C
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