7-night Premium Dive and Safari escape: 5 nights at Thonga Beach Lodge and 2 nights at Bayala Game Lodge.
The Maputaland Marine Protected Area comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site. The MPA is the oldest in South Africa and extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south. This gorgeous sub-tropical paradise includes immaculate forests and wetlands dotted with lakes and marshes as well as coral reefs and deserted beaches.
The local wildlife includes numerous bird species, reptiles and freshwater fish, making this an ideal destination for nature-loving travellers. Thonga Beach Lodge is the perfect base to explore this pristine area… it is all about barefoot luxury, immersive nature, and responsible travel. Whether you’re diving coral reefs, sunset kayaking on a freshwater lake, tracking nesting turtles, or savouring locally inspired meals beneath forest canopies, it’s an experience rooted in ecological respect and serene relaxation.
Itinerary
| Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 to 6 | Sodwana Bay | Thonga Beach Lodge | Full Board | Transfer from King Shaka International Airport, Durban. 6 nights accommodation in a Forest View Room 3 gourmet meals daily 8 boat dives in iSimangaliso Wetland Park MPA Various free activities including kayaking, guided snorkel tours, birding and forest walks. |
| Day 7 to 8 | Zuka Private Game Reserve | Bayala Game Lodge | Breakfast & dinner | Transfer to Bayala Game Lodge 2 nights accommodation in a Standard Bungalow 2 game viewing drives per day |
| Day 9 | Transfer to King Shaka International Airport, Durban. |
Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. The boutique resort’s remote location – a 90-minute 4WD drive through the world’s tallest sand dunes from the main centre of Sodwana Bay – offers complete seclusion. With no development 100 miles up or 60 miles down the beach, this is a beach and marine wilderness sanctuary unrivalled. You’ll feel like you have the entire beach to yourself.
This 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and excellent offshore diving. Guided birding, scorpion & spider walks & Turtle Tracking are offered in season.
The 12 thatched bush suites offer either Ocean or Forest Views with Deluxe Ocean Views room sporting private plunge pools. The suites are positioned to afford maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, divers or anyone who wants to simply relax. The resort also features a beach deck, bar, wifi lounge and study area, day spa, two swimming pools and a marine activities centre incorporating a PADI dive centre.
Cuisine. Isibindi Africa’s group chef Carl leads an innovative culinary team that is the source of much acclaim, not only for their sumptuous cuisine which will delight your palate while nourishing your body, but also for the ethical and sustainable philosophy which underpins how everything is sourced and prepared behind the scenes.
Other Activities at Thonga Beach Lodge
Sundowners at Lake Sibaya. A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo’s, Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.
Forest Walk. Daily Guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where the guide shares his indepth knowledge of the local fauna and flora. This activity is included in the rate.
Cultural Tours. Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi. This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit. Standard tours are included in the rate.
Bayala Game Lodge & Zuka Private Game Reserve
This wonderful park is renowned for its dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution in rhino conservation. Founded in 2001 by Tara and Jessica Getty, Zuka spans approximately 10,300 ha, and is a cornerstone of the Mun-ya-wana Conservancy (~30,000 ha), bordering the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The park has transformed degraded land into thriving wilderness and is actively focused on ecological restoration, species rewilding, and community partnerships. In partnership with African Parks, the reserve supports the Rhino Rewild initiative, providing a safe habitat for relocated southern white rhinos—about 40 individuals. Zuka is home to the Big Five (elephant, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo) along with cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, and countless other mammals and birds. The conservancy protects rare habitats like sand forest, supporting endemic plants, the Phinda Rain Frog, Phinda Button Spider, dwarf butterflies, and Thonga red squirrel.
Bayala Game Lodge is a newly renovated safari lodge, with comfortable thatch-roof rooms decorated in neutral ‘bush’ colours throughout. Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing lounge, a rustic bar and relaxed, informal dining inside or outside, where the Zulu chefs produce a line-up of dining experiences, from a traditional ‘braai under the stars to delicious hot and cold full English breakfasts and lunches served in the Safari Lodge or on the veranda next to the pool. Warm, friendly staff with easy smiles!
Thonga Beach Lodge
12 thatched bush suites offer either Ocean or Forest Views with Deluxe Ocean Views room sporting private plunge pools. The suites are positioned to afford maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, SCUBA divers or anyone who wants to simply relax.
Bayala Game Lodge
Bayala Game Lodge is a newly renovated safari lodge, with comfortable thatch-roof rooms decorated in neutral ‘bush’ colours throughout. Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing lounge, a rustic bar and relaxed, informal dining inside or outside, where the Zulu chefs produce a line-up of dining experiences, from a traditional ‘braai under the stars to delicious hot and cold full English breakfasts and lunches served in the Safari Lodge or on the veranda next to the pool. Warm, friendly staff with easy smiles!
The lodge’s professional diving team offers tours of the area’s best reefs, home to 1,250 fish species (the Great Barrier Reef has 1,500). Dives are conducted from a semi-rigid boat, accommodating a maximum of 8 divers.
Boat Launches and Fitness Requirements
To reach the reefs, dives begin with a shore entry boat launch. With the help of a tractor, the skipper, dive master, and divers push their 7-meter boat directly into the surf in front of the lodge. While this is a common launch procedure for this coastline, it’s often a new and exciting experience for guests. However, it can be strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Diving is also weather and tide dependent, which can affect boat launches and lead to last-minute cancellations.
SCUBA Training and Certification
SCUBA training is available at the lodge’s PADI dive center. Certified divers should bring proof of their qualification. The lodge regrets no children under 10 years old. Kids aged 10 and up can participate in a Discover SCUBA Diving (DSD) or Open Water Diver Course. It’s important to note that guests must have a reasonable fitness level to dive. For safety, 10 and 11-year-olds will only dive in the pool, while kids aged 12 and up can participate in ocean dives.
Experienced Instructors and Unique Reefs
Resident PADI-trained and certified instructors are passionate about the Indian Ocean and offer a variety of courses to help divers explore the spectacular coral reefs at Thonga. Diving at Thonga has been rated among the best in the world by seasoned divers. This coastline is typically bordered by a continental shelf extending three to five kilometers offshore before dropping into deeper, abyssal waters. However, the shallow shelf immediately offshore is cut by several canyon-like reefs, remnants of riverine erosion from a time when ocean levels were lower.
Dive Sites Include: Gogo’s | Brewer’s Gardens | Pineapple | Coral Alley | Slingers | Water World | 3 Sisters / Coachman’s Ledge
Over 1,250 fish species inhabit these reefs, along with vibrant hard and soft corals, Nudibranchs, Scorpionfish, Tube Worms, Paperfish, Cleaner Shrimps, Ribbon Eels, and Potato Grouper. Expect to see several turtle species (Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Green) grazing reefs, Reef Sharks (Blacktip, White Tip), Dolphins, Manta Rays and Grey Nurse Sharks during summer months, and Humpback Whales during the winter migration season. In summer, you will also see the nest Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles. Unique sightings include rare creatures like the African Pygmy Seahorse, Paperfish, Frogfish, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, and a resident population of Coelacanth discovered at 100m deep in nearby submarine canyons.
Dive Sites Include: Gogos | Brewer’s Gardens | Pineapple | Coral Alley | Slingers | Water World | 3 Sisters / Coachman’s Ledge
Thonga House Reef – Gogos
Gogos, meaning ‘Old Woman’ in Zulu, is Thonga’s most exquisite and exciting house reef. Located just beyond the backline directly in front of the lodge, it’s a mere 5-minute boat trip away. The name refers to the old woman angelfish that playfully interact with divers’ bubbles mid-water above the reef.
This reef’s depth ranges from 10 to 18 meters, featuring a substantial main reef structure complemented by impressively shaped rock and coral outcrops. Sandy patches interspersed throughout the reef often yield ray sightings. Beyond its remarkable structure, Gogos boasts an abundance and variety of fish, along with other captivating marine life such as turtles, shrimps, lobsters, anemones, and tiger cowries, making for an unparalleled dive experience. Divers are also frequently delighted by the resident potato bass, known for its sudden, playful appearances.
Three Sisters
Three Sisters is a slightly further offshore reef, renowned for its spectacular big game and reef fish. With an average depth of 16 meters and a maximum of 22 meters, its northern side gradually develops from a small ledge into a wall as it extends southward. Bringing a dive torch is recommended to explore the numerous deep caves and crevices that frequently house moray eels, various shrimp species, and other intriguing marine life. Further south, the wall transitions into a steep slope, where the sandy bottom gives way to more reefs offering an abundance of hiding spots. A characteristic cloud of yellow-banded snapper typically hovers at the base of this slope. Higher up the incline, more caves reveal diverse inhabitants ranging from lobsters to lionfish. On the south side, the slope gently flattens out into a reef.
Waterworld
“Waterworld” truly lives up to its name, offering a world of underwater entertainment. This incredibly exciting reef, located just a few hundred meters from shore, features spectacular coral, canyons, and swim-throughs. Starting at a depth of 7 meters and reaching a maximum of 14 meters, descending into Waterworld feels like entering an amusement park. Swimming through its canyons, divers are immersed in walls adorned with vibrant coral, leading into successive coves and canyons.
Experienced divers can explore two swim-throughs, often guarded by chubs and baardman. This reef is absolutely blanketed in pristine coral. Its shallower depth seems to attract a multitude of playful, juvenile fish of various species, and brightly colored fusiliers frequently swim in mid-water. Turtles are abundant and can often be found resting in caves or ascending to the surface for air. Encounters with regal angelfish are also possible. However, this dive site is best suited for calm sea conditions.
Pricing for Thonga Beach Lodge and Bayala Game Lodge Safari
| Valid to Dec 31, 2025 | AUD | ZAR | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Nights accommodation in a Forest View Room at Thonga Beach Lodge including all meals 8 Reef Dives in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park MPA, Sodwana Bay including tanks, weights & weight belts 2 nights accommodation at Bayala Game Lodge including breakfast and dinner 2 shared game drives per day Return airport transfers & inter-lodge transfers Activities, transfers and excursions as mentioned in itinerary |
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| Low Season Per Person pricing | |||||
| 2 divers | 6606 | ZAR | | | 76156 | |
| 4 divers | 6422 | ZAR | | | 74031 | |
| 6 divers | 6079 | ZAR | | | 70073 | |
| Mid Season Per Person pricing | |||||
| 2 divers | 6941 | ZAR | | | 80012 | |
| 4 divers | 6757 | ZAR | | | 77887 | |
| 6 divers | 6414 | ZAR | | | 73936 | |
| This resort's prices are in ZAR and include all government taxes. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
| The per person pricing above is indicative only: we show 7-8 night with 10 dive packages at high-end and lower-end rooms (singles & doubles) for the purposes of comparison. We can give you a price (and availability) for any combination of nights/dives you wish to undertake, which will include any discounts due to you as part of that package, and any exclusions, or items payable at the resort. Please use the [Enquire Now] tab to give us your exact requirements and we'll give you the best deal we can. | |||||
