iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Jewel of the KZN Coast
On the sandy shores of KwaZulu-Natal’s Maputuland Coast lie no fewer than 332 000 hectares of Wetland Park so unique in ecosystem and superlative in natural beauty that they came to comprise South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Aptly named iSimangaliso (meaning ‘miracle and wonder’), the Park is home to coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and stretching beaches.
Thonga Beach Lodge: Explore the Wilderness in Style
The perfect home from which to explore this world of natural wonder is Thonga Beach Lodge, a 24-bed luxury destination offering the best in privacy and escapism in chic eco-sensitive thatched huts.
Superbly located on one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches, Thonga Beach Lodge not only offers comfortable and stylish accommodation, but does so in a way that incurs minimal environmental impact. Each of the 12 suites is positioned on a raised platform nestled amidst an indigenous forest on dramatic dunes. The accommodation options (family suite, deluxe suite or luxury rooms) are all available with either ocean or forest views. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors give way to spectacular vistas and the calming sounds of the nearby sea. Private wooden decks sport plunge pools and reach out into the surrounding forest, offering perfect bird watching or star gazing platforms. Quality cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on a festive dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea.
Thonga Activities: Nature Adventures Galore
A nature lover’s dream, Thonga offers guests a myriad unique outdoor activities. Go on an early morning guided kayaking expedition on the tranquil Lake Sibaya, explore the coastal forests, sandy beaches and unique grasslands on foot, or snorkel a prisine reef within 500 metres of the lodge. Birdwatchers will love the diversity of feathered friends to be spotted in the area, and scuba divers will spend hours getting up close and personal with the area’s game fish and perhaps even bottlenose dolphins. For those who prefer to remain above water, an ocean adventure affords the opportunity of spotting the rich marine life of the Elephant Coast by boat. The Maputaland coastline is renowned for fishing, and nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in summer can see lucky guests spotting some little egg-laying turtles. Cultural enthusiasts can visit a nearby homestead, school and clinic to see how the peaceful Tsonga people go about their rural lifestyles, before heading back into the wild for sundowners on South Africa’s largest fresh water lake. Last but certainly not least, busy adventure-filled days can be balanced with total relaxation at the Thonga spa.
Go ahead and indulge your wild beach hut fantasies – the Thonga team is guaranteed to make it worth your while.