“On their excursion to Durban for the annual Indaba, Mandi and Chantal also managed to squeeze in a trip to Thonga Beach Lodge. Mandi had the following to say about their visit.”

On their excursion to Durban for the annual Indaba, Mandi and Chantal also managed to squeeze in a trip to Thonga Beach Lodge. Mandi had the following to say about their visit:

“A perfect combination of bush and beach is to combine Phinda or another game lodge, with Thonga. Situated on the unspoilt Maputuland coast of Kwazulu-Natal, this Robinson-Crusoe styled lodge offers barefoot luxury, complete relaxation and real downtime. Who doesn’t need a getaway where there is little to no cell phone reception ?

After meeting your 4×4 transfer, you are taken though the coastal forest down to this incredible and remote location where the individual beach chalets are all built in the forest. The cuisine and range of fresh food was impressive, the staff friendly and accommodating and the location unbeatable.

From here, beside enjoying the all year round warm weather and warm Indian Ocean for swimming, one can kayak on Lake Sibaya (the largest fresh water lake in the country with 100km of untouched shoreline) where you can see beautiful birdlife, crocodiles and hippos. Snorkelling and scuba diving, walking on the endless golden-sand beach, enjoying treatments (massages, facials etc) and simply putting your feet up.

We unfortunately missed the famous Loggerhead turtles (an endagered marine reptile which can grow up to 1m and weigh up to 130kg) who lay their eggs at night on the beach from November to January. 60 days later the eggs hatch and the youngsters run for the sea, only 1 in 50 making it.

This is a very special and rare opportunity you might only witness once in your life, I definately would like to return to see this.

We also experienced an inpromto debate with some locals from the Mabibi community who live in this idealic location between Lake Sibaya, the beach and the valleys but are faced with many challenges, some high school children have to walk 15km in each direction to get to school, the challenge of labola- payment due by the groom to his father in law, payable in cows, presents and food. Hearing about these amazing tribal weddings and how the whole communicty gets involved is quite mind blowing.

Thonga is suitable for families, children and couples, offering privacy and lots of activities and swimming or just relaxation.