With stylish, eco-sensitive suites right on the private Mabibi Beach, Thonga Beach Lodge is a wonderfully reclusive accommodation concealed by coastal dunes and offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Thonga makes a perfect spot to end a South African Safari trip.
Location
The lodge sits along the coast of Maputuland in KwaZulu-Natal. Pristine coral reefs and 1,250 species of fish call the azure waters of the Indian Ocean home so the lodge’s location in Mabibi Bay makes it one of the only tropical dive sites in South Africa and a stunning one. The lodge is also just a 25-minute drive from Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Rooms
A stone’s throw from the beach, 12 suites are raised on wooden stilts to protect the coastal dune forest, seven offering forest views and five facing the sea. Interiors are full of bleached wood, glass and natural materials such as thatch and reeds to create a breezy, open feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows lead onto the outdoor space and allow a fresh ocean breeze to fill the rooms. Two Deluxe Ocean View suites offer a private plunge pool and deck and the rest of the rooms have private balconies.
Communal Areas
The main lodge sits amid the trees with interesting eco interiors creating a unique space. The bar area is fronted by neon-lit recycled glass bottles, the lounge is illuminated by lanterns made of bamboo and an impressive chandelier constructed from shark teeth found in the ocean sits overhead. When not unwinding in the lounge’s woven egg chairs, enjoy fresh seafood al fresco on the dining deck or out on the beach deck overlooking the ocean. Relax by one of the two swimming pool with a cocktail or indulge in a seaweed rejuvenation at the spa and wellbeing centre. The library is also stocked with board games and travel books.
Activities
The lodge has a fully-equipped PADI dive centre so as well as scuba-diving in the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, guests can take guided birding walks, hike through the coastal forests, go fishing or venture out to Lake Sibaya for kayaking and sundowners. Take boat cruises on the open ocean to experience the variety of marine life and in the summer, nocturnal beach walks in search of nesting turtles is a highlight. Guests can also visit a local homestead, school and clinic to learn about the rural lifestyle of the Tsonga people.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
With pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
With pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
