DescriptionThonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the most unspoilt wilderness beaches left on the African continent. Mabibi 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 fantastic off-shore scuba diving. 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. Accommodation 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. Main Lodge Large coastal Milkwood trees set the scene for the ultimate beach experience. Carefully constructed into the coastal dune forest, Thonga Beach Lodge takes full advantage of its incredible position while being in complete harmony with the environment. The dining area – a large thatched ‘rondavel’ - opens on to an expansive wooden deck, where guests can enjoy Maputuland’s sultry weather and the lodge’s sumptuous meals. Most meals will be served al fresco, or, guests can head for the beach and dine by candlelight on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The lounge, with its comfortable couches and a cosy fireplace, is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach. Located upstairs from the diningroom, it offers spectacular views of the beach as well as the incredible forest surrounding the lodge. It’s the ideal spot to relax with a sundowner or catch a breathtaking sunrise over a steaming mug of coffee. To beat the midday heat, guests can take it easy beside the lodge’s swimming pool or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar with its unique “ocean” bar counter. For those needing a little pampering, the lodge also has a rejuvenation centre where guests can revitalise body, mind and soul. Bedrooms The 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. Inspired by Thonga architecture, the rooms have been carefully positioned to guarantee guest privacy. Some rooms offer sea views (see rates), whilst others are set within the dune forest. All have private balconies. Luxuriously decorated, the rooms exude a romantic ambiance. Bleached wood, glass and natural materials have been wisely used to create an open, airy feel. The en-suite rooms have a bathroom with bath, shower and twin vanity. Every suite has air conditioning. *** Please note that Thonga is an eco friendly lodge in a World Heritage site and is built into an extremely sensitive Milkwood Forest. In order to preserve the natural vegetation, we are not permitted to cut down any of these trees and as a result, over the years this forest has grown and now some Seaview rooms do not have a full 180 degree seaview.
Rates
Daily tariffs are per person per night sharing and is fully inclusive of accommodation, 3 meals per day, teas, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya . Rates exclude extras and St Lucia Wetland Park entry fees & transfers to and from the lodge PARK ENTRANCE FEES (subject to change by the GSLWP)R 20.00 per person, R10.00 children under 12, R15.00 per vehicle TRANSFERSR150.00 per person return - Late / early arrivals and departures R150.00 per person one way ACTIVITIESThe following activities are available at an additional charge. Please note they are dependent on weather and availability:
DirectionsThonga Beach Lodge can only be reached by 4x4 vehicles and guests must arrange to be collected at the 2-wheel drive parking area at one of the pick-up times: 12h00 or 15h00. There is an 800m-long landing strip situated 9km from Thonga Beach Lodge. The nearest scheduled flights are to and from Richards Bay or Durban. Transfer arrangements can be made for guests arriving by air. 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 a 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. There is a brown and white sign indicating Thonga Beach Lodge – non 4 x 4 car parking. 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 (there will be 4 in total). Turn left towards Mbazwana/Sodwana Bay and proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana. Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line. Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwana on your right. Proceed straight through the circles following the signs to “Coastal Forest Reserve”. Proceed for 33 km after Mbazwana (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. This is sign marked with a brown and white sign. 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. Directions 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 at Coastal Cashews. Pick up times 12h00 and 15h00 * The charge for the transfer is R 150.00 per person return. Please note that there will be an extra charge of R 150.00 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 and do not stop for strangers * 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 * Check in time is 12h00 and the check out time is 10h00 * Please note, guests should not use the 4 x 4 Sibaya Lake road to Thonga Beach, unless they have contacted the lodge prior and advised this is the route being taken. Definitely do not use this road after 16h00, do not stop for strangers and exercise caution Safe travelling! Lodge Number: +27 (0) 35 475 6000/1/2/3 Reservations: +27 (0) 35- 474 1473 or 474 7100 & +27 (0) 82 466 8538 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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