KwaZulu Natal Beach Holiday Itinerary

A real gem of a holiday in South Africa. A luxury 12-suite lodge on a perfect beach in the iSimangaliso will be your home.

6 days from £1,670pp plus international flights.

Full itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive At Richards Bay, Transfer To Thonga Beach Lodge

When your flight lands at Richards Bay airport you will be met by a local representative and driven to Thonga Beach Lodge. This drive will take about 2½ hours, the last 30 minutes being in a 4 x 4 vehicle. Settle in to your luxury thatched suite and take in the views of the coastal forest. It's time to relax after the journey. Later you will enjoy a delicious meal on the open deck.

Dinner

Day 2

At Thonga Beach

Your lodge is on Mabibi beach, a real picture postcard white sand beach backed by coastal dune forest. With just 12 suites, this is a small and intimate hideaway, ideal for downtime away from everyday stresses and strains. Today you can explore your surroundings, swimming in the warm ocean waters, strolling along the beach and taking a guided walk through the forests, grasslands and beaches. Back at the lodge you will chat with fellow guests over drinks and meals on the terrace and in the cosy upper floor lounge looking out over the beach and forest.

Full board

Day 3

At Thonga Beach

Today you might like to take an excursion to Lake Sibaya, a 25-minute drive from the lodge. This is the largest freshwater lake in Southern Africa at 70 square km. There are 125 km of untouched shoreline waiting to be explored and you can also get out on the water in a kayak accompanied by a guide. You are sure to spot many species of birds and may also see hippos and crocodiles. Nearer the lodge there are opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, both great ways to witness the fascinating underwater world of reefs and tropical fish.

Full board

Day 4

At Thonga Beach

After breakfast you can ponder your options for the day. You may opt to stay put and have a day in and around the lodge. Top up your tan as you doze on the sundeck, lulled by the sound of the breeze in the trees, then cool off with a swim in the pool and indulge in a colourful cocktail at the bar. Later you can treat yourself to a visit to the rejuvenation centre for a therapeutic massage. If you are lucky enough to be here between December and February you can take a nocturnal walk along the beach looking for egg-laying turtles.

Full board

Day 5

At Thonga Beach

Today you may want to try the special open ocean experience offered by the lodge. You will take an exhilarating ride in a launch out past the breaking waves, where you can hope to see dolphins, whales, whale sharks, manta rays and giant turtles. You can leave the boat to swim and snorkel alongside these creatures, a magical experience. This excursion is weather dependent and is payable locally. Another possibility is a visit to a Tsonga homestead, spending time with members of the community for an insight into their lifestyle and culture. Tonight you can enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the beach.

Full board