This intimate, luxury 24-bed lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, within the iSimangaliso World Heritage Park - an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. It’s the ideal place to explore unspoilt, wilderness beaches and boasts scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities.
In Room Facilities:
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.
Establishment Facilities:
*Bar/Lounge
*Laundry Service
*Outdoor Pool
*Restaurant
*Spa
*Tour/sightseeing desk Wheelchair Access limited
*Wi-Fi & Internet access in public areas only (Free with download limit)
Wildlife in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park:
Thonga Beach Lodge
Lake Sibaya has 100km of untouched shoreline and, at 70 square kilometres, is South Africas largest freshwater lake. The lake falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, now a World Heritage Site, and the Ramsar Convention assures its international conservation status.
The lakes diverse flora provides a variety of habitats for birds, mammals and aquatic life. Research reveals that hundreds of years ago the lake was once connected to the sea and with the natural closure of the estuary, numerous fish and aquatic creatures were trapped in a fresh water environment.
Lake Sibaya contains the second largest population of hippopotamus and crocodile in KwaZulu-Natal and is an important breeding, feeding and roosting area for a host of bird species. Surface water in the surrounding coastal plain often disappears completely during dry spells, making the lake the only source of permanent water for birds and mammals.
The wetland also supports many of the rural people of this region, who in many cases are totally dependent on the water resource and its associated flora and fauna. Good management, careful conservation and controlled use of resources make Lake Sibaya an example of the concept wise use in action.
Lake Sibaya and its feeder streams support eighteen species of fish. The fauna reflects a marine origin and has close affinities with tropical forms. A freshwater goby (silhouetta sibayi) is almost endemic to this water system, as very few records of it have been received from other localities.
Children Policy:
All children welcome. However, no more than 6 children under 8 years to be in the lodge at any one time. Children under 8 to have dinners from 6.30-7pm.
Set above a private, sandy beach and nestled into a 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.
Overlooking a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled in a picturesque dune forest and offers guests a unique retreat
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.
*Coastal forests *Grasslands *Shimmering lakes *Exquisite sandy beaches *Guided forest walks *Guests can head out *iSimangaliso Wetland Park - World Heritage site *Scuba diving *Snorkelling opportunities *Guided kayaking *Lake Sibaya: Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake *Turtle Tracking from November - February *Pristine Coral reefs for Scuba Diving *Indian Ocean Sea/ocean 0 km *Lake Sibaya Lake 4 km *Sunspoilt off-shore scuba diving
Road access FROM JOHANNESBURG - estimated travel time (8 hrs) Travel to Ermelo and follow signs to Piet Retief, the N17 now becomes the N2. Travel on the N2 through Piet Retief and Pongola then proceed on the N2 South to Hluhluwe town for approximately 110 km from Pongola. Turn off the N2 at the Hluhluwe offramp. After taking the offramp, turn left towards Hluhluwe town, proceeding through the town until you reach the last traffic circle. Turn left at R22/Sodwana Bay signpost and proceed for 0.7 km then turn right over the railway line towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana. Follow the tarred road (R22) for approximately 78km from Hluhluwe town. You will then reach two traffic circles at Mbazwana town, continue until you see the signboard ‘Sodwana Bay’ to your right, you will also see a petrol station on the right-hand side, turn right continue down the road until you reach the stop street. Turn right, continue straight through the traffic circle for approximately 11km. This is a tarred road and takes about 15 minutes.
Continue to LIBRODI LODGE on your left where there is secure parking for your vehicle. Please wait here for your transfer. There is a bistro that is open from 07h30 – 17h00 daily. There are toilet facilities available. You will transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and be driven through to Thonga Beach Lodge which takes approximately 1 hour.
FROM DURBAN from King Shaka International Airport - estimated travel time (4 hrs) Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north on the N2 toll road in the direction of Emdloti/KwaDakuza (formerly Stanger) towards Empangeni/Eshowe/Richards Bay/Hluhluwe. Continue on the N2 until you get to the Hluhluwe/Sodwana Bay off-ramp. Take this offramp. After taking the offramp, take a right turn towards Hluhluwe town, proceeding through the town until you reach the last traffic circle. Turn left at R22/Sodwana Bay signpost and proceed for 0.7 km then turn right over the railway line towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana. Follow the tarred road (R22) for approximately 78km from Hluhluwe town. You will then reach two traffic circles at Mbazwana town, continue until you see the signboard ‘Sodwana Bay’ to your right, you will also see a petrol station on the right-hand side, turn right continue down the road until you reach the stop street. Turn right, continue straight through the traffic circle for approximately 11km. This is a tarred road and takes about 15 minutes.
Continue to LIBRODI LODGE on your left where there is secure parking for your vehicle. Please wait here for your transfer. There is a bistro open from 07h30 to 17h00 daily. There are toilet facilities available. You will transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and be driven through to Thonga Beach Lodge which takes approximately 1 hour.
Transfers must be confirmed 48 hours prior to arrival.
