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We recommend that you book a self-drive car for this Tropical Beach Escape. Contact us for our competitive car hire rates. However, we can also arrange road transfers from Durban – details on request.
Day 1
Arrive at a pre-arranged time, for the transfer to your lodge. This beach lodge is set on the secluded Mabibi Bay, in the heart of the Isimangaliso (formerly Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park, an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. With direct access onto the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, this luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent. The 12 suites are Robinson Crusoe-chic! Thatched en-suite rooms have been carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum impact on the environment and maximum guest privacy. Each room has a double vanity, stone bath, indoor/outdoor shower, bar fridge, air-conditioning, ceiling fan & mosquito net.
Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge. (D)
Day 2, 3 & 4:
There are no other developments within a 50km section of this pristine wilderness beach. It is 25 km north of Sodwana Bay and is the first private concession to have been granted by the Isimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. The swimming pool and central lodge area are 25 metres from the beach. Lake Sibaya (Southern Africa’s largest natural freshwater lake) is 9 km from the lodge.
Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and fantastic offshore scuba diving.
Included in your package costs are guided forest walks, Tsonga Cultural tours; kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya as well as guided snorkelling tours.
Whether you are a walker or a diver, take advantage of the wealth of activities that await you in this beautiful hideaway, or simply relax by the swimming pool.
Optional activities at Thonga Beach Lodge include scuba diving, open ocean experiences and seasonal turtle drives/walks. Scuba diving at Mabibi is phenomenal. The coral reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to several species of tropical fish, including Blue Surgeons, Moorish Idols and Parrotfish. The professional lodge diving team accommodates all enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran. For those who don’t dive, there is an “Open Ocean Experience”: An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and snorkelling. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life. Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles.
In Summer, there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. 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 November to end-January (for the laying season) and until the end of February (for the hatchlings). Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process. There is no limit to the number of guests that can participate in Turtle walks however Turtle drives are limited to a maximum of 10 guests a night.
In the afternoon spoil yourself at the Sea Spa, which offers a wealth of seaweed rejuvenation treatments, facials, massages, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Alternatively take a walk on the beach, or enjoy afternoon tea before departing on a drive to the inland freshwater lake, Lake Sibaya. Watch the sun go down, look for hippos and crocs, whilst enjoying an early evening drink.
Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Check-out after breakfast. (B)
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