Surrounded by the verdant landscape of KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast, in the lush wilderness of Mabibi, Thonga Beach Lodge is an expansive escape for the whole clan.
This is the place for those dreamy seaside, lakeside, wilderness family adventures in KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast. The pool and the central lodge are a short walk from the beach where the warm waters offers superb snorkelling and offshore scuba-diving. Lake Sibaya is not far for freshwater kayaking with the local hippos and awesome birdwatching. Not only can you canoe, dive, snorkel and swim but you can watch the giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles nest from November to February, during the evenings. (Every effort is made to ensure that the turtles are not disturbed)!
You will be entranced with the sea life by launching straight off the reef into the surf where whales, whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays and the giant turtles wade about in the blue. This is your opportunity to learn to dive at the Gogo’s reef, named for the angelfish (gogo is ‘granny’ in Zulu) who swims above the reef playing and biting the diver’s bubbles.
The thatched suites are tucked into the coastal forest and have sea or forest views. They were inspired by the traditional Tsonga fishing villages and because of the lodge’s spot in the protected coastal milkwood forest they are very carefully looked after, to have minimal impact on the forest. Each suite is simply decorated with bleached wood, glass and has a stone bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, air conditioning, a bar fridge, a very important ceiling fan and mosquito net.
Sultry hot KZN evening sundowners (or early morning sunrises) can be taken full advantage of from the lounge deck which has a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and the long stretch of white beach. It is perched high in the canopy of the dune forest. Just below this deck is the al fresco dining area where dinner is served, or you can dine on the beach by candlelight.
Lakes, reefs and waves
Some evenings will be spent turtle tracking, seeking out the discreet locations of these magnificent creatures. The long, hot days will be spent snorkelling, going on guided walks in the coastal forests, cultural tours to Tsonga community, or kayaking on Lake Sibaya, followed by a sun downer on the water’s edge. This eco lodge, with its thatched suites, tucked into the milkwood forest is a truly unique African adventure waiting to be explored, on it is own secluded beach.
Written by Dawn Kennedy