ROYAL THONGA
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge, is the culmination of a dream of the local community and private investors to create a natural paradise for visitors to this unique reserve.
This 4 star lodge is architecturally designed to emulate the local Thonga building style, and each of the fourteen villas are uniquely positioned to offer guests total privacy and luxurious comfort within a sand forest in Tembe Elephant Park.
Natural materials and timber give a warm organic ambience and invite the outdoors in. All rooms are appointed with quality furnishings and bathrooms come complete with an indoor and private outdoor shower.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
– African Proverb
RATES
DETAILS
Day Temperatures
ACTIVITIES
TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK GAME DRIVE
Home to the biggest Tuskers in South Africa, a game drive inside Tembe Elephant Park is not to be missed. This is a big 5 reserve so there is plenty to see.
3 LAKES BOAT TRIP
Explore the lake system from the Festuary mouth through to the third great lake and see along the way an abundance of wildlife. From crocodiles, hippo’s and birds, this is a great way to observe nature from a water perspective.
BEACH DAY AND SNORKEL KOSI MOUTH BEACH
An easy shallow snorkeling experience for those looking to spend some time on the beach, the mouth is home to a host of smaller tropical fish and wildlife.
BIRDING
With over 360 species inside Tembe Elephant Park, this is a paradise for the keen birder. Many species frequent the lodge and can be viewed from the deck of your private bush villa.
CANOE ON KOSI SWAMP
The Kosi swamps are teaming with wildlife and are a fascinating interlinked network of water, this is a great way to observe nature while doing something active.
FISH TRAPS AND BEACH BRAAI
Explore the award winning historical fish traps which have been preserved by the locals for 100s of years, catch your own fish to be enjoyed on a barbeque along the sand banks of the Kosi Bay estuary.
SCUBA DIVING SODWANA
PADI certified excursions are offered for all levels, Sodwana is a globally recognized diving spot, renowned for its diverse ocean wildlife.
RAFFIAFOREST WALK
This forest is considered sacred by locals, enjoy a guided walk through the area where you might get a glimpse of the rare Palm Nut Vulture.
BUTTERFLY OBSERVATION
Due to the variety of habitats found inside Tembe Elephant Park, many narrow and fragile transitional habitats occur. This is where some of the most rare and fascinating butterflies can be observed.
JOZINI BOAT TRIP
Enjoy a unique game viewing experience as you journey by boat along the Jozini dam where you will look out for game in the Pongola reserve from the perspective of the water.
COMMUNITY VISIT
These visits vary but may include a school, a homestead and a Sangoma (witchdoctor). An interesting cultural experience for those who want to see an authentic rural way of life.
SAND FOREST GUIDED WALK
A leisurely one hour walk through the sand forest area surrounding the lodge, guests can do this alone or as a guided activity where they will enjoy what nature has to offer within this fragile ecosystem.
SNORKEL OCEAN EXPERIENCE SODWANA
Snorkel directly off the boat or from the beach in the warm tropical Indian Ocean.
TURTLE TRACKING
Endangered and protected Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles return to the beach of their birth to lay the eggs for the next generation. Observe these magnificent. giants in their natural habitat, something that can only be done in a few select locations around the world.
PALMWEAVERS - PALMWINE
Visit the talented weavers who create intricate products from the palm leaves such as baskets and mats. For the brave, one can sample the palm wine made from fermented palm juice, not the faint hearted!
MARKET VIST DAY
Buy some fresh produce or simply go visit the market to experience the hustle and bustle of trade in a uniquely African context.
MARULA FESTIVAL
This seasonal festival is the most important event for the local people. Celebrated by everyone in the area, the locals enjoy the beer made from the first fruits of the season. Led by the Royal Family, this is an annual historic event.
NDUMO GAME RESERVE
A neighboring reserve to Tembe Elephant Park, with its own wonders and attractions, Ndumo is great for those interested in a bush walking experience through a reserve, game drives are also offered.
REED DANCE
An annual historical event, where Zulu virgins participate in a procession before the King in traditional attire.
GALLERY
ACCOLADES
REVIEWS
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Fantastic stay We stayed for 2 days as a University group at Royal Thonga, I am a staff member and led a group with a colleague- taking students studying for a module... read more 
Caroline R7/05/2018Sunny Tembe Elephant Park We had a marvelous 4 nights at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. The staff were very friendly and helpful, the food was outstanding with only a few hours of electricity... read more 
dag13076/27/2018nature and authentic This Place is the perfect combination of nature, cozy atmosphare and kindness people that an accommodation can have.
If you like to be in nature and to be part of it,... read more Sophie W11/29/2019 - Wonderful stay at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge My family and I had the most wonderful stay at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. The staff treated us like family, going WAY out of their way to help us with... read more
J2442VOlisa8/10/2018Great location. Very friendly and attentive service Wonderful accommodation and an excellent adventure for kids. Even braved the pool in the winter, very refreshing after a long but successful game drive, thank you Wesi. The food was... read more 
Carl H5/02/2018Absolutely amazing place! This was an amazing experience! Beautiful lodge, Comfortable rooms, Amazing food, Friendly staff and an overall tranquil environment! I love the idea that there is no WiFi and limited electricity.... read more 
Annyvdm8411/07/2018