Thonga Beach Lodge

Opening on to the beautiful golden sands of Mabibi Beach, Thonga enjoys a stunning setting surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. The ocean beyond is absolutely teeming with life, as is the forest on the other side, with hundreds of fish, bird, butterfly and plant species calling this unspoilt area home.

Thonga’s 12 thatched bush suites boast panoramic views over either the forest or the ocean, and reflect their natural surroundings with sustainable construction from wood, thatch and glass. The lodges are set on raised platforms in the forest, with private decks from which to take in the view. Forest View Rooms are beautifully secluded, surrounded by thick vegetation and the music of flitting birds, while Ocean View rooms and suites boast panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. All have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the view from the privacy of your room.

The food at Thonga Beach Lodge makes the most of the hotel’s seafront location, with dishes often featuring the freshest fish and seafood. Lunch and dinner are offered a la carte, while breakfast is a sumptuous buffet spread of Continental and hot options. The menu changes constantly according to the availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The choice is yours whether to dine al fresco or indoors, and private dining on your own mezzanine can also be arranged.

Thonga’s spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate after exploring the area by land and sea, with a range of treatments on offer including hot stone therapy, reflexology, facials, massages and manicures. Kids are welcome at Thonga, with a range of activities on offer to keep them occupied, including volleyball, cricket, nature walks and pizza making. Babysitting can also be arranged.

Mabibi Bay is South Africa’s only tropical dive site, and offers correspondingly unique opportunities for spotting marine life. Among the 1,200 species of fish which live here are manta rays, parrot fish and Moorish idols, while bottlenose dolphins, sharks, whale sharks and turtles can also be seen. Needless to say, it’s a great place for scuba diving, but snorkelling, fishing and kayaking are all on offer, too. Back on dry land, scorpion and spider walks through the forest are a fascinating and creepy way to spend the night, while by day you can spot the thousands of plant species and hundreds of butterflies and birds which live here. Thonga is also active in local community initiatives, and visits are on offer to a local village and primary school which help to support the lives of local people.