Thonga Beach Lodge is a unique lodge lies on the magnificent shore of St Lucia in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. 

The lodge, Mabibi, Kwazulu natal is 24 bedded inn offers an ideal location from where to explore the beautiful wilderness beaches.

Mabibi has grasslands, coastal forests, shimmering lakes, bush as well as sandy beaches making for a magical outdoor paradise.

The bright and warm ocean on this coastline of South Africa offers travellers one of the best off-shore scuba diving locations. The lodge is only metres from the beach and a 25-minute car drive from Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake, namely Lake Sibaya.

This lake forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site. The Lodge is above a secluded bay from where breathtaking views of the beach below can be admired. The luxurious thatched suites offer seclusion and space in the heart of nature. It is known for its exclusive accommodation, delicious meals as well as its fantastic scuba diving opportunities.

Guests are welcome to relax in the comfortable lounge which features a cosy fireplace. From here, beautiful views over the beach and the magnificent forest surrounding the Beach Lodge can be admired. This is the ideal location from where to enjoy a refreshing sundowner or watch the sunrise over a steaming coffee.

The outdoor swimming pool invites for a gentle swim while cocktails are available at the Ocean bar counter. Guests who require a little pampering can indulge in the wellness centre where they can revitalise their mind and body by selecting relaxing health and beauty spa treatments.

The lake covers 110km of beautiful coastline, and South Africa’s largest freshwater lake lies within the iSimangaliso, which enjoys global protection status. The distinct plants of this region are home to a large variety of aquatic life, birds and mammals. The second highest community of crocodiles and hippos in Natal can be found in the lake.

Here are six animal species which can be encountered here, namely the white-tailed mongoose, water mongoose, hippos, reedbuck, vlei atoms and the African marsh rat. Twenty frog species being tropical, the common fish species located here are Grass & Reed Frogs as well as toads. The African Python, the Forest Cobra as well as the Nile Crocodile also live here.

Guests travelling in their car will be transferred to the actual lodge in an individually arranged Lodge vehicle which will take around an hours travel time. Guests who have not travelled in a 4x4 vehicle will park their cars at the Coastal Cashew Factory when is where the Lodge transfers will be arranged.

The parking is secured, and the entrance is guarded and please note that there are two transfers per day: 12 pm and 3 pm.& 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.

Travel distances by car

• Johannesburg to Lodge: 8 hrs (650km)
• Richards Bay to Lodge: 3.5 hrs (205km)
• Durban International Airport to Lodge: 5 hrs (333km)

Activities

• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Open Ocean Experience
• Lake Sibaya: sundowners, guided kayak tour
• Bird watching
• Guided walks
• Turtle tracking
• Fishing
• Tsonga Cultural Experience.

Critical Notes

• The Lodge is not accessible by the 2-wheel drive; transfer from the parking area has to be booked.
• There are two transfers per day: 12h00 and 15h00 from the parking to the lodge; the transfer takes 1 hour.
• The charge for the transfer is R190.00 per person return (subject to change).
• Please note an extra charge is applicable 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 guests turn off the tar road, it is a poor condition sand road so guests must ensure they do not travel after 16h00.
• Please phone the lodge as you leave Jozini (from the north) or Hluhluwe (from the south) so that the hotel is aware of your location in time to make any necessary changes to the collection times if running late.
• Check-in time is after 12h00 and check-out time is 10h00.
• Only use the Sibaya Lake road if you have a 4 x 4 and are familiar with the area.
• The check out time is at 10h00 on the date of departure. Guests who require transfers to the parking point will depart the lodge at 10h30 am.