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Set perfectly on the shores of the Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal, Thonga Beach Lodge is a luxurious twenty four bed retreat offering the perfect base from which 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 outstanding snorkelling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving. Situated above a secluded bay, Thonga nestles in to beautiful coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the beach below. The lodge offers luxurious accommodation, mouth-watering meals and one of the best dive sites in South Africa.
The twelve, 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 ensure guest privacy. Some rooms offer sea views, 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 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 dining room, it offers spectacular views of the beach as well as the incredible forest surrounding the lodge - the ideal spot to relax with a sundowner!
To beat the midday heat, guests can take it easy beside the lodge’s swimming pool, relax on sun loungers on a deck nestled in the sand dunes, or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar. For those needing a little pampering, the lodge also has a rejuvenation centre where guests can revitalise body, mind and soul.
Mabibi offers superb snorkelling opportunities with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. The shallow reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to an array of brilliant sub-tropical fish including Moorish idols, parrot fish and blue surgeons. 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. The professional lodge diving team accommodate all levels from the beginner to the veteran.
Other activities available here are birding, guided wilderness walks, turtle tracking, kayaking and sundowners at nearby Lake Sibaya, fishing and cultural experiences.
