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Snorkeling
Mabibi offers excellent snorkeling facilities with
a huge fauna and flora diversity. The shallow coastline attracts
many subtropical fish species.The warm Indian Ocean Water and the
sand beaches make this experience unforgettable.
Scuba Diving
This is an adventure activity with boats launching straight
through the surf. Scuba diving at Mabibi is also phenomenal, with
reefs located a short distance from the lodge. Shoals of game fish,
sharks and schools of bottlenose dolphins are often seen. Our
professional lodge diving team accommodates all enthusiasts; from
the beginner to the veteran wanting a tour of the very best our
reef’s have to offer. 1250 fish species (Great Barrier Reef has
1500) occur on the reefs in this area. Dives are from a semi-rigid
dive boat which accommodates a maximum of 6 divers at a time. The
boats launch straight off the beach through the surf. This can be
exciting and strenuous so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Diving is limited by weather and the tides and cannot be guaranteed.
Guests must have proof of their diving qualifications. We regret no
children under 12 years or adults over 65 years.
Guide bush walks
Guests can head out on foot and explore this natural wonderland
through coastal dune forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands.
The wild beauty of Maputuland will enthrall naturalists and
photographers alike
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Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This 22-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place 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 South Africa’s best snorkeling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving.
Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled into beautiful
coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the stunning beach below. The
thatched bush suites provide guests with complete privacy and were carefully
constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The lodge offers
luxurious accommodation, mouth-watering meals and one of the best dive sites
in the South Africa.
Thonga Beach Lodge is situated only metres from the beach and a 10
minute drive from Lake Sibiya (Southern Africa’s largest freshwater
lake), which is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now
internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site.
Large coastal Milkwood trees set the scene for the ultimate beach
experience. Carefully constructed into the coastal dune forest, Thonga
Beach Lodge takes full advantage of its incredible position while being
in complete harmony with the environment.
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 diningroom, it offers spectacular views of the
beach as well as the incredible forest surrounding the lodge. It’s
the ideal spot to relax with a sundowner or catch a breathtaking
sunrise over a steaming mug of coffee.
To beat the midday
heat, guests can take it easy beside the lodge’s swimming pool
or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar with its unique “ocean”
bar counter. For those needing a little pampering, the lodge
also has a rejuvenation centre where guests can revitalise body,
mind and soul.
Bedrooms
The 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 guarantee guests
complete privacy and most rooms offer extensive views of the
ocean and surrounding bush from 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 en-suite rooms have a bathroom with bath,
shower and twin vanity.
Activities at Thonga Beach Lodge:
- Off-shore scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Guided canoe trips on Lake Sibiya
- Boat cruise and sundowners on Lake Sibiya
- Turtle tracking (November to January)
- Snorkeling and swimming
- Excellent bird watching
- Guided wilderness walks
- Thonga cultural experiences
- Fishing: surf, deep-sea (at Sodwana Bay) and
fly-fishing
Lake Sibiya
The lake is 6km from the lodge, a 20-minute drive.
- Sundowners are offered on the shores Southern Africa’s
largest fresh water lake – Lake Sibiya (70 square km),
the Ramsar Convention assures its international
conservation status. The lake has 125km of untouched
shoreline, good bird watching, and a great diversity of
fauna and flora.
- Guests can also explore parts of the lake by guided
canoe with the chance of seeing hippo and crocodile en
route. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Bird Watching
Birding at Mabibi and its surrounds is excellent and the
variety of habitats attracts a great diversity of species.
Typical coastal species include Livingstone’s and
purplecrested lourie, green twinspot, grey waxbill and green
coucal. Waders are common along the shoreline, and
pinkthroated longclaw and rufousbellied heron frequent the
marshy areas. Lake Sibiya has recorded 279 bird species
including the Palmnut Vulture, the only fruit-eating vulture
in the world. Pel’s fishing owl and pygmy goose.
Turtle Tracking
In summer, nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in
search of egg-laying turtles can be arranged. Guests can
witness the culmination of an incredible journey as Giant
Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their
eggs in carefully prepared nests. Turtle tracking is offered
in the evening from mid-November to mid-March. Every
precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures
are not disturbed during the laying process.
Fishing
The Maputuland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s
most popular fishing destinations. Guests can try their hand
at surf fishing or fly-fishing. Hully Point at Mabibi, is a
well-known fly-fishing spot. The enthusiastic angler can
experience the thrill of bagging the catch of a lifetime
from these brilliant waters. Thonga Beach Lodge encourages
guests to “catch & release”.
Thonga Cultural Experience
Visit a traditional Tsonga homestead and learn about their
unique heritage and culture. Visits to a traditional healer
(sangoma) or iLala Palm wine tasting can also be arranged(subject
to availability).
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