Overview
Beachside bliss in the iSimangaliso Park.
Lazing on the beach in the protected world heritage site Isimangaliso Park lies South Africa's premier beach Lodge. With no development 100 miles up or 60 miles down the beach, this is a beach and marine wilderness sanctuary unrivalled. Luxurious thatched rooms are discreetly nestled into the dune forest overlooking Mabibi beach.
Wake slowly to the sound of waves, deciding if rock pool snorkeling or an open ocean experience or simply lying on our beach deck sampling our gin platter is the best plan for the day. Playing in paradise. Perhaps a sundowner with hippo's grunting at Lake Sibaya in the afternoon, South Africa's biggest freshwater lake.
Facts
At a glance
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12 luxurious thatched private rooms
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Marine diving and snorkelling centre on site
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Wellness Space
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Breathtaking beach deck
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Scuba Diving
Become a local on the reef! SCUBA diving at Thonga Beach is phenomenal, 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 our PADI dive centre.
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Open Ocean Safari
This adventure activity offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the variety of marine life that lives along the Elephant Coast. An exciting launch through the surf, in front of the lodge, takes you beyond the breakers where you spend approximately an hour experiencing the beauty of the ocean and enjoying the scenery of our beautiful coastline, where dolphins and whales swim freely.
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Snorkelling
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.
Their rockpool snorkeling area is home to mostly juvenile fish, but you can see octopus, fire fish, 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 our fin sizes start at 36/37 and you must be a competent swimmer. Children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult. They offer complimentary guided rock pool snorkeling as an acitvity at low tide.
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Lake Sibaya Sundowners
Say cheers to the sun after another perfect day in Africa. Lake Sibaya is a perfect spot to watch an iconic sunset over southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake, just 6km and a 25 minute drive away. Enjoy your favourite drink and some tasty snacks as dusk welcomes the wild’s nightshift.
The lake’s diverse flora provides a variety of habitats for birds, mammals and aquatic life. Research reveals that hundreds of years ago, the lake was connected to the sea. When the estuary closed naturally, numerous fish and aquatic creatures were trapped in a freshwater environment, creating a biological treasure chest.
Lake Sibaya contains the second largest population of hippopotamus and crocodile in KwaZulu-Natal and is an important breeding, feeding and roosting area for a host of bird species. Surface water in the surrounding coastal plain often disappears completely during dry spells, making the lake the only source of permanent water for birds and mammals.
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Kayaking
Early morning guided kayaking is offered on Lake Sibaya, southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
Guests are driven up to the lake (20 minute) drive where they can enjoy an early morning paddle when the waters are calm and the possibility of seeing hippos and crocs is fair. This is also an excellent birding opportunity. Kayaking is offered as a complimentary guided activity.
The untouched shoreline of Lake Sibaya stretches for 100km; at 70 square kilometres, it is South Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Lake Sibaya falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and the Ramsar Convention assures its international conservation status.
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Birding
Thonga’s abundant coastline and shady dune forests provide a haven for both birds and birdwatching alike. The diversity of flora attracts a wide variety of species with over 440 species listed for the area.
Some of the species regularly seen in and around the lodge in the coastal forest canopy include Livingstone’s Turaco and Purple-crested Turaco, green twinspot, grey waxbill as well as the green Malkoha also known as the Green Coucal. A variety of waders and the palm-nut vulture are also regulars near lake Sibaya and the Rosy-throated Longclaw is often seen around the edges of the lake where we have a few resident pairs breeding in the open grassland in the summer months. Guided birding is available at no additional cost.
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Forest Walks
Head out on foot to explore this natural wonderland through coastal forests, unspoiled sandy beaches and grasslands. There are over 440 bird species in the area, 2,200 flowering plants, 282 butterfly and 228 spider species.
The forest is home to localised arboreal mammals such as the tonga red squirrel, the thick tailed bush baby, the rare samango monkey and setaros dwarf chameleon. The walks normally take about 1-1,5 hours. Longer walks can be arranged. There is no charge for these walks.
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Turtle Tracking
A wilderness bucket list, brace yourself for a breathtaking experience as this massive reptile launches out of the sea and starts her journey up the beach just metres away from you. Under the cover of darkness, follow mother turtles as they return to the same beach where they were born to begin the cycle all over again. Watch mesmerised 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. (Seasonal - between November and March each year)
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra


Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.