Situated close to the warm aquamarine waters of Mabibi beach, in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Isibindi Africa Lodges’ Thonga Beach Lodge has undergone an entire refurbishment and is being marketed as South Africa’s finest beach wilderness lodge.  

Isibindi Africa’s resident stylist, Penni Korb, led the project from design to installation and describes the new look as “beach chic meets Africa’s contemporary cool”.  Living pods have been created throughout the lodge creating welcoming guest chill zones in this ancient forest on the beach. A suntanning beach deck, hammock laze zone and forest fire pit all offer quiet private moments of rest in this wilderness beach sanctuary, leaning into the Isibindi philosophy of sense of place.

Thonga’s 12 round air-conditioned thatched bedrooms, some with forest and some with ocean-facing views, are carefully positioned along a sun-bleached walkway reminiscent of a Thonga village. Working closely with Kipekee Studio, the custom-designed and -made furniture blends with a riot of sea blues and sun-bleached hues. Quirky visual art pieces are placed alongside more rustic elements such as locally hand-made woven basket lampshades, giving the calm aesthetic a pop of Isibindi fun and colour. 

Thonga is a popular destination for families, solo and group travellers, but is also renowned as the ‘Most Romantic Beach Lodge on the Elephant Coast’, making it a popular destination for weddings and idyllic honeymoons. 

The local Mabibi community, residing just outside the iSimangaliso Park, are partners in Thonga Beach Lodge and, together with the Isibindi Foundation, the lodge has a 20-year history of significant community upliftment projects www.isibindifoundation.org. Guided daily community tours are offered to Mabibi village.

To book, contact res@isibindi.co.za or visit our website www.isibindi.co.za