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.

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.

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.

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.

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)