Thonga Beach Lodge

The intimate, wilderness beach at Thonga Beach Lodge is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and unspoilt off-shore scuba diving, arguably the best in South Africa.

Set above a private, sandy beach and nestled into magnificent coastal dune forest, Thonga Beach Lodge captures the essence of a luxury Robinson Crusoe hideaway. Traditional Thonga fishing villages provided the inspiration for this unique retreat that celebrates the true spirit of Mother Nature.

Each air-conditioned suite has been carefully constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment, with maximum comfort. Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, romantic candlelight dinners on the beach and relaxing Sea Spa treatments.

For the more active there's guided forest walks. Guests can head out on foot and explore this natural wonderland through coastal dune forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands.

Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa's largest fresh water lake, is only 6kms from the lodge and provides an interesting 25min. drive through the local Tsonga community. From here you can either go on a guided kayaking trip or in the evening experience glorious sundowners with hippos and crocodiles nearby.

From November to February, witness the amazing sight of giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles struggling up the beach to lay their eggs. These magnificent creatures, having swum the length of the African continent, return every year to the beach where they hatched.

Mabibi offers superb snorkelling opportunities. 1250 fish species (Great Barrier Reef has 1500) occur on the reefs in this area. 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 is 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.