Thonga Beach Lodge
iSimangoliso Park, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Thonga Beach Lodge, is an unspoilt gem along KwaZulu-Natal’s Maputaland coast. Located in South Africa's first World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga Beach Lodge is only metres away from the sparkling Indian Ocean. Beneath the breakers lies a treasure trove of marine life, from vivid reef fish to schools of dolphins, & even turtles returning to the beach to lay their eggs. Thonga’s 12 thatched eco-sensitive rooms are positioned for maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. All the rooms are built on raised platforms among the indigenous forest & undulating dunes with expansive glass windows & folding doors to let in the ocean breeze and sounds.
Make your journey all the more memorable when you enjoy close encounters with nature. Indulge in a spa treatment; track mother turtles laying their eggs; explore the reefs beneath with a snorkel or SCUBA dive; or go on a guided forest walk. Feel assured that you’re travelling with purpose, discovering and helping to preserve one of the last undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent.
Thonga’s 12 eco-sensitive rooms are positioned to create minimal environmental impact and afford maximum privacy. They offer ocean or forest views, with the Deluxe Ocean View Rooms sporting private plunge pools. Surrounded by such natural beauty stirs something special within your soul, igniting a spirit of adventure and leaving you with a lasting impression.
ACCOMMODATION
A luxury beach lodge offering five room types all built with wood, thatch and glass on raised platforms. They are set in indigenous coastal bush, nestled in undulating dunes, a stone’s throw away from the sea. The 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to connect with one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness beaches and rediscover your place in it. The 12 thatched eco-sensitive rooms, with ocean or forest views, boast an earthy elegance, and are positioned to afford maximum privacy and minimal environmental impact.
Natural materials of thatch, reeds and wood, sourced from the area create a seamless flow, while providing authentic textures to the minimalist spaces. Each room is on a raised platform nestled among indigenous forest in undulating dunes. Expansive glass windows and doors let in the ocean breeze and sounds, freeing one’s spirit and senses.
Dreamy crisp linen and mosquito nets adorn the beds, while soft down-lighting creates a peaceful, serene ambience, perfect after a day under the African sun. Your very own wooden deck reaches out into the forest where you can enjoy morning coffee amidst birdsong, or cocktails under starlight.
You can also enjoy excellent cuisine, al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. Treading lightly in this paradise will make you feel rejuvenated by nature and give you a special connection with the harmony of this extraordinary place.
DINING
The outdoor dining deck - meals are served al fresco on the deck under the shade of giant milkwood trees. The indoor dining area - buffet breakfasts and luncheons are set out in the dining room. This area is also home to a permanent tea and coffee station with delicious homemade biscuits. The mezzanine level is used when weather isn't conducive to outdoor dining.
BAR
The bar and bar lounge – a fully stocked bar where delicious cocktails and specialty coffees are served.
BEACH DECK
The beach deck is situated just above the dunes, where you can enjoy ice-cold drinks on wooden loungers overlooking the ocean.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
November-February is turtle breeding season and April-June has the best weather. Diving is best in Summer, December-May when average visibility is 15-20 metres, with a June-September average of 10-15 metres.
Turtle Tracking
In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of egg-laying turtles are available every night (Nov-Feb).
Scuba Diving
Thonga Beach Lodge gives guests a unique opportunity to discover the incredible world below the surface. The lodge has a resident diving instructor and offers a range of accredited, comprehensive SCUBA diving courses. Considered to be the premier dive site in South Africa, Mabibi is the perfect place for beginner and advanced divers.
SWIMMING POOLS
There is a deep pool used for scuba courses and swimming, and a shallower pool, both complete with umbrellas and cushioned loungers.
SPA
This comprises of two indoor treatment rooms and a private outdoor treatment area in the forest, which caters for couples’ treatments.
MARINE CENTRE
The marine centre is fully equipped with SCUBA and snorkeling gear, as well as a TV for educational or kids’ movies (shown on request).
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a large protected area along South Africa's KwaZulu Natal Northern Coast and was listed as South Africa's first World Heritage Site in 1999.
The Park is now the second largest protected area in South Africa after the world famous Kruger National Park.
The Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 530 bird species and 25,000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place.
Your Flight
The nearest local airport to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is Richards Bay Airport (RCB). We operate a varied fleet and your specific aircraft type may vary from city to city. We offer a range of private jet aircraft as well as turboprops and your Travel Planner will discuss your specific requirements at time of enquiry.
For short hops in and around Southern Africa we recommend the Pilatus PC12 or Cessna Citation 2. For long-haul flights from Europe or the United States we recommend the Gulfstream 550/Bombardier Global 6000 or Falcon 800X.
Private flying offers a host of benefits both from a convenience point-of-view as well as health & safety. To learn more about our Health & Safety Policy and Procedures, please Click Here.
BOOK PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS ONLINE | Click Here
Pricing
Our Journeys by Private Jet are all tailor-made from an airport near you so please contact us for pricing using the form below.
We are also able to plan and book your trip without a private jet so if this stunning property ticks all your boxes, do get in touch for a holiday quotation.
Current Accommodation Rates are below.
Room Type | 01 Aug 21 - 30 Apr 22 | 01 May - 31 Jul 22 | 01 Aug 22 - 30 Apr 23 |
---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Ocean View | ZAR 7 580.00 pppn | ZAR 6 790.00 pppn | ZAR 7 880.00 pppn |
Ocean View | ZAR 6 830.00 pppn | ZAR 5 880.00 pppn | ZAR 7 100.00 pppn |
Forest View | ZAR 5 900.00 pppn | ZAR 4 890.00 pppn | ZAR 6 140.00 pppn |
Rates are per person sharing, per night and include
accommodation, meals, use of snorkeling equipment, guided walks, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya, cultural tours to Mabibi Community. Each guest is entitled to 1 of the following on a sundowner excursion at Lake Sibaya: glass of wine, local beer, cider or soft drink.
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Hotel Health & Safety Policy
Each of our Accommodation Partners has a distinct Health & Safety Policy in place which can be found below. Please be advised, though, that this can differ from property to property.
ISIBINDI AFRICA LODGES COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
The health and safety of both our guests and staff is paramount to us and we are putting plans in place to ensure that we adhere to the highest standards laid out by the World Health Organization as well as government and industry standards. We are coming up with innovative ways to ensure that while we maintain these standards we can still give our guests the best possible experience while staying at one of our lodges.
The following procedures will be implemented at all Isibindi Africa Lodges to prevent the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.
1. INFORMATION & ORIENTATION
1.1 Orientation & familiarisation of precautions taken for new guest arrivals
1.2 Guest travel and medical declaration as per national guideline
1.3 Recommended precautions will be strictly adhered to
- Frequent hand washing (Soap and water/sanitizer)
- Masks / Face screens
- Social distancing
- Readily available sanitizers throughout all areas
1.4 Visible signage and information
1.5 Designated responsible person at each lodge introduced to guests on arrival to address any
concerns during their stay regarding health and safety
1.6 Lodge & room orientation to contain relevant information regarding specific contact points during
guests’ stay
2. GUEST ACCOMMODATION
2.1 Stringent sanitization procedures of all guest accommodation and protocols to eliminate
contamination risk
2.2 Use of approved sanitization products in all areas to sanitize all surfaces
2.3 Specialised training for housekeeping staff on sanitization protocols and procedures by registered
service providers
2.4 Luggage to be sanitized on arrival and on departure by our staff
2. All rooms are free-standing units set at least 10 metres apart. All pathways are open-air and all
public areas easily allow for social distancing
3. DINING AND BAR
3.1 Social distancing will be implemented in all dining and bar areas
3.2 Open air dining areas for meals for increased air circulation (weather permitting)
3.3 Private dining areas are available (weather permitting)
3.4 Intensified dining area and furniture sanitization between meals
3.5 There will be no open buffet options. Some meals may be presented on a butler tray per
individual table. Meals will be available in sealed units or individually plated and presented. There
will be no common or shared utensils
3.6 No sharing of menus between guests and tables
3.7 Utensil & cutlery precautions by improved measures and individual presentation
3.8 Intensive & on-going staff training on new health and safety standards
4. LODGE – RECEPTION, GENERAL AREAS & LOUNGES
4.1 Stringent sanitization procedures of all common guest use areas to eliminate contamination risk
4.2 Hand sanitizers readily available in main areas and main area guest bathrooms
4.3 Furniture and equipment regularly sanitized and placed to allow for social distancing
4.4 Bar, pool and deck set up to allow social distancing measures
4. STAFF
4.1 Dedicated staff training by registered service providers with specific focus on Covid-19 regulations
4.2 Masks and or face screens (PPE) to be worn by all staff at all times
4.3 Strict hygiene procedures by frequent washing of hands and social distancing measures in all back of
house and common staff areas
4.4 Temperature and health screening for staff and contractors and deliveries
4.5 Stock and all equipment to be sanitized at regular intervals
4.6 Keys and devices used by staff to be regularly sanitised
4.7 Daily staff meetings to ensure all health and safety protocols are being strictly adhered to
4.8 One senior member of staff will be designated as a Covid-19 Health and Safety Officer
5. 4X4 TRANSFERS
5.1 Transfer vehicles will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each trip
5.2 Guests will be required to sanitize hands before start of transfer
5.3 Guests will be required to wear masks during the transfer
5.4 Hand sanitizers will be readily available during transfers
5.5 Driver to wear facemask / face screen
5.6 Luggage will be sanitized before and after loading into the vehicle
5.7 Lodge staff will not be permitted to park guest cars. Guests will be required to park their own cars in
designated areas
5.8 Drivers will receive training to ensure health and safety protocols in respect of Covid-19 are
adhered to
6. ACTIVITIES
6.1 All game viewing vehicles/boats/kayaks/canoes are open air allowing required social distancing
6.2 Social distancing will be implemented during activities and numbers will be kept to the minimum required to allow ease of distancing
6.3 Guests will be required to sanitize hands before and after all activities
6.4 Hand Sanitizers readily available during activities
6.5 Refreshment and snack offerings to be offered on an individual basis
6.6 Staff and guests will be required to wear face masks and/or face screens during activities where
possible
6.7 Vehicles and all equipment will sanitized before and after all activities
7. SPA (Where applicable)
7.1 Improved social distancing measures by therapists
7.2 Sanitizing procedures for guest and therapist to take place before and after treatments
7.3 Staff will be required to where full PPE as per industry standards
7.4 Entire treatment room, all equipment and furniture will be sanitized before and after each
treatment
7.5 Hand sanitizers readily available during treatments
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