WELCOME

A UNIQUE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

WELCOME

A UNIQUE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

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.

Hosting a diversity of habitats, Tembe Elephant Park is home to a spectacular variety of animals and birds. Birdlife around the lodge is particularly splendid, with numerous specials such as Neergaard’s Sunbird, African Broadbill, Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s Batis, Plain-backed Sunbird and PinkthroatedTwinspot being regularly sighted within the lodge’s property.

With an array of local activities available, the lodge serves as a perfect base to explore the area from beach to bush. For those who prefer to relax, there is a large lap pool, day spa and comfortable lounge to unwind in.

A comfortable 4 hour’s drive from King Shaka International Airport, Tembe Elephant Park is a Big 5 reserve, renowned as A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE and AN UNFORGETTABLE LOCATION - One of the few remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”

– African Proverb

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DETAILS

Accommodation & Amenities

9 Bush Villas - Sleeps 2 Guests
1 Honeymoon Bush Villa - Sleeps 2 Guests
2 One Bedroom Family Bush Villa’s - Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 Children (bunk-beds for Children)
2 Two Bedroom Family Bush Villa’s - Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 Children
Restaurant, Lounge & Bar
Lap Pool
Laundry service
Child minding service (children of all ages are welcome)
Mobile phone signal (strength varies)
Pets welcome with special request (provided pets are trained and behaved)

Guests are accommodated in 14 comfortably furnished villas individually situated and hidden within the surrounding sand forest. Their orientation creates cool shady interiors and the covered verandas provide respite from the African sun. The designs are tailored to suit the topography by fragmenting the built form and threading it around the natural features.

All rooms are furnished with king size beds that can be converted into two singles upon request and mosquito nets are standard in all rooms.

The privacy of the suites also invites guests to enjoy their delightful outdoor showers in addition to indoor shower facilities. The interiors are designed to offer guests uncluttered views of the forest, allowing nature in. Local materials and construction methods have been used to minimize the impact on the ecological processes of the environment.

Main Lodge

The main lodge building is finished in a contemporary stripped back style with plenty of natural materials, textures, raw and recycled wood and African hues. Some sculptural features and earthy tones complete an overall chic and relaxing space.

The area accommodates a comfortable lounge, library and a restaurant area, where guests can sit back and enjoy a chilled beverage whilst savoring the view from the lounge deck. In addition to the bar, the lodge provides guests with a 24/7 self-serve hot drinks station.

The restaurant focuses on creating innovative and delicious meals by combining traditional home style cuisine infused with a local twist, and avails of a fully stocked wine cellar offering fine South African wines.

The lodge places a strong emphasis on responsible tourism and strives to ensure the protection of Africa's spectacular natural heritage in a manner that is beneficial to the people who inhabit the land. The lodge celebrates traditional Thonga and Zulu culture; customs and their pastoral way of life.

Important Information

Check-in: 2pm Check-out: 10am

Game Drives:

R430 per person (end September 2019)
R550 per person (end December 2019)
R605 per person (end March 2020)

Enquire for pricing on additional meals and activities

Terms & Conditions:

All meals are set menu’s, please ensure you include special dietary requirements upon booking, we will gladly cater for all special diets upon special request

Family Villa bookings require a minimum of 3 guests

50% deposit upon ALL reservations Full pre-payment is required 15 (fifteen) days prior to date of arrival, unless alternative arrangements have been made. We reserve the right to cancel the reservation should we not receive this payment timeously.

Bank Account Detail

Name: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge PTY

Bank: Standard Bank

Branch: WINDERMERE

Code: 051001

Account No.: 051 483 653

Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ

CANCELLATION POLICY The cancellation policy applies to all confirmed bookings.

All amendments and cancellations must be done in writing by e-mail (info@royalthonga.com)
Cancellation more than 60 days prior to arrival will be 10% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
Cancellation more than 30 days, but less than 60 days, prior to arrival will be 25% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
Cancellation less than 30 days, but more than 7 days, prior to arrival will be 50% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
Cancellation less than 7 days prior to arrival will be 100% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
All guests shall settle any outstanding balances and any extra charges prior to departure from the lodge.

Cancellation Policy for Group Bookings

A group booking applies to a booking for 8 or more full paying guests.
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a Group Booking.
Full pre-payment is required 60 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation more than 60 days prior to arrival will be 50% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
Cancellation more than 30 days, but less than 60 days, prior to arrival will be 75% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.
Cancellation less than 30 days, but more than 7 days, prior to arrival will be 100% cancellation fee of the full accommodation charge.

Maps & Directions

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

Tembe Elephant Park

Sihangwane, Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Email: info@royalthonga.com

Cell: +27 (0)79 668 9753 (24 Hours)

Emergencies: +27 (0) 72 620 4704 This number is for the lodge reception so is not manned at all times

GPD Co-ordinates

27°02’33.3”S 32°27’51.5”E

The lodge is accessible by normal car.

Tembe Elephant Park is situated about 1hr45mins north of Hluhluwe, and a comfortable 4hr15mins drive from King Shaka International Airport near Durban. It sits on the doorstep of other superb destinations, including: Kosi Bay, Ndumo Game Reserve, Sodwana Bay, Lake Jozini, Usuthu Gorge, Border Caves and the pristine beaches and dive spots in Southern Mozambique.

The lodge is located:

385 km north of King Shaka International Airport - 4hr15mins drive
419 km north of Durban - 4hr45mins drive
20km east of the Phongolo River
30km west Manguzi (Kwangwanase) - the nearest town with a full range of services.
72km east of Jozini
160km north of Hluhluwe
260km north of Richard's Bay - 3hr drive

From Durban:

From Durban, drive north on the N2 for about 270 km. Then turn right onto the R22 to Hluhluwe and travel about 150 km to a T-junction at Phelindaba Circle and turn left. After a few kilometres, look out for the signs to Royal Thonga Lodge turning to your right.

From Johannesburg:

Travel along the N17 to Bethal and Ermelo, then onto the N2 past Piet Retief. Continue past Pongola (roughly 466ksms. Take the Pongolapoort / Jozini Dam off ramp and continue though the mountain pass and over the Jozini Dam wall, you will the come to a T junction, turn right (this turning is 58kms from the N2 off ramp). The lodge is roughly 36kms from the point (approx. 33mins drive). Look out for Tembe Elephant Park on your left. Roughly 3 kms after the main Tembe Elephant Park Gates look out for the signs to Royal Thonga Lodge turning to the left.

Weather & What to Pack

Day Temperatures

Time of Year	Average Min	Average Max
Spring: Sept – Nov	17°C / 63°F	27°C / 81°F
Summer: Dec – Feb	21°C / 69°F	30°C / 87°F
Autumn: Mar – May	18°C / 64°F	28°C / 82°F
Winter: Jun – Aug	13°C / 56°F	25°C / 77°F

Sea Temperatures

Time of Year	Average
Spring: Sept – Nov	23°C / 74°F
Summer: Dec – Feb	27°C / 80°F
Autumn: Mar – May	26°C / 79°F
Winter: Jun – Aug	23°C / 73°F

October – April:

During the day, the weather can get very hot. Light summer clothing and hats are recommended, preferably cotton. Bright colours, black and white clothes are not recommended as they can attract insects. Neutral/natural tones are preferred. Always pack a light jersey/sweater for when the temperature drops in the evenings. It can also get chilly sitting on an open safari vehicle on the early morning game drives.

May – September:

The daytime temps are mild but pleasant. The evenings can get very cold. Winter blankets are provided but additional blankets are also available on request. Pack a warm jacket and long pants for the evenings and early morning excursions.

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, make sure you include the following items in your suitcase:

- Walking shoes/trainers/sneakers. Some activities such as Turtle Tracking and Raffiaforest walks require a fair amount of walking and you will want to be comfortable. Sandals are not suitable for some of the activities
- Sandals. For relaxing by the pool and beach excursions
- Swimming gear such as costumes, hats, sun screen. Beach and pool towels are provided
- Sufficient medication (if required) and mosquito repellent. While we are not considered a malaria area, it is always good to take precautions and to protect against being bitten while sitting outside.

Enquire/Call me Back

Email: info@royalthonga.com

Phone: +27 (0)79 668 9753

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.