Your stay at Thonga Beach Lodge will be a memorable one with a range of amazing activities in Mabibi. This accommodation in Isimangaliso Wetland Park offers outdoor adventures, conservation-theme attractions and close encounters with nature, as well as relaxation guests seeking a more leisurely stay.
Turtle Tracking
During the summer months, under the cover of darkness, guests can follow mother turtles as they return to the same beach where they were born to begin the cycle of life all over again. Nature lovers can watch as the mother turtle digs a hole and goes into a trance-like state while laying her eggs before returning to the depths of the sea.
Nightly walks and drives are conducted along the beach during the months of November to February.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving at Mabibi Bay is an awesome experience, with reefs located only a short distance from the lodge. Shoals of game fish, sharks and schools of bottlenose dolphins are often encountered. All enthusiasts are welcome, from the beginner to the veteran. SCUBA training is also available at Thonga Beach Lodge’s PADI dive centre.
Snorkeling
Mabibi is regarded as one of the best snorkeling sites in South Africa. The coral reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to thousands of species of tropical fish. Our rockpool snorkeling area is home to mostly juvenile fish, but you can see octopus, firefish, moray eels and electric rays too. The snorkeling is in the bay, about 400 metres south of the lodge.
Snorkeling is tide dependent and is best at low tide. Guests can also experience the thrill of snorkeling in the open ocean on shallow reefs. Age restrictions do not apply to rock pool snorkeling, however, children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Kayaking on Lake Sibaya
Guests lodging at Thonga Beach can embark on an early morning guided kayaking offered on Lake Sibaya, southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
Guests are driven up to the lake (a 20 minute drive) where they can enjoy an early morning paddle when the waters are calm and the possibility of seeing hippos and crocodiles is fair. This is also an excellent birding opportunity. No children under 12 years may partake of this activity.
Visits to Mabibi Village
Upon request, a tour of the Mabibi village can be arranged. Specific visits to important village points of interest are given for guests to gain an insight to the community that owns 68% of Thonga.
Spa at Thonga
Thonga Beach Lodge Spa offers guests a wide selection of rejuvenating treatments, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Considering the pristine surroundings, your body and mind will naturally relax and unwind in the tranquil atmosphere of Thonga.
Executive Conferencing
Thonga Beach Lodge conference facilities can accommodate a maximum of 24 delegates, however only 12 people can be seated comfortably in the mezzanine lounge. To ensure efficient administration of the program including tailored activity timings and meetings, it is suggested that team-building retreats and conferences book the entire lodge for exclusivity.