ROYAL THONGA

A Hidden Gem This is a hidden five star lodge which was recommended by our tour company, Outdoor Africa. The lodging and food over exceeded our expectations. I simply cannot say... read moreThis is a hidden five star lodge which was recommended by our tour company, Outdoor Africa. The lodging and food over exceeded our expectations. I simply cannot say enough good things about the people, the food, the accommodations and the private game drives through Tembe where we were treated to close encounters with some of the largest tuskers on the planet. Tembe is referred to as an elephant park but you'll be treated to the sights of much more. Lion prides, Cape buffalo, Dierkers, impalas, nyalas, giraffes and plenty of birds for you birders. The lodge has its own gate into Tembe and a first class 4x4 to take you throughout the Park. The lodge has no WiFi but simply bring your cell phone and create a hotspot for your iPad. BTW, did I mention the meals? I had the most incredible steak dinner. Hayden, our guide was good enough to send me back to America with some of the seasonings for the steak.

In summary, if you want to see some of the largest land critters on earth, go to Tembe and treat yourself to a three night stay at the Royal Thonga Safari Lodge!

Safe Travels!! read less

When the stars come out tonight…… Lots of email correspondence before visit about game drives and any dietary problems with Carrie – arrived early – 11.15 – room ready - welcomed by Fezile who is a... read moreLots of email correspondence before visit about game drives and any dietary problems with Carrie – arrived early – 11.15 – room ready - welcomed by Fezile who is a star in my book – checked-in – walked down the boardwalk to our chalet… Stayed in Chalet 3 “Knobwood” for one night on a half board basis from 29 March 2017 It is a large thatched building – bedroom – large comfy bed with mosquito netting around it – 2 easy chairs – hanging and storage space – a fan that only works during the 4 hours when there is electricity from the generator – through a door to large open roofed bathroom – large walk-in shower - toiletries – out another door into the open air shower which was very good well controlled temperature and pressure – no in room Wi-Fi There is a deck with 2 chairs and a table – just right for your sundowner and viewing the stars after lights out at precisely 9.00 pm – a battery operated lantern is provided as light source after the electricity goes off Each chalet is separated from its neighbour by a thick thicket of vegetation giving an almost like being in the bush like experience There is also a reasonably large sized pool with chairs under shade and again surrounded by bush There is a large open sided restaurant area – with bar – comfy chairs – pit fire – and dining tables and chairs - we had lunch and despite the lack of electricity the cook managed to deliver a good cheeseburger and chips for R65 per head plus reasonably cold beers – dinner – 3 courses – soup meat and pudding – good food well cooked - breakfast – cooked breakfast – again well done – started the day early and very satisfied Game drive – pm – left at 2.00 pm back just after 6.00 - only us on the safari vehicle – Lodge has its own private entrance to the Park less than 5 minutes away – a real bonus – windy afternoon – prognosis for game sightings not good – changed guides at one of the hides at a waterhole – saw our first elephant having a drink – then with Vezi at the helm tootled around following another safari vehicle for a while until they pulled off for their sundowners - we continued as our guide had an elephant in his sights – made contact but it turned tail – and then turned a corner to find a herd of 30+ elephants including some impressive tuskers – we went round a bend in the road only to have a very close encounter with 10 or so elephants including a baby from the same herd – earlier our guide had picked up some lion tracks – he followed his instincts and in the dying light of day we found 2 immature male lions just hanging out close to a small waterhole – we might not have had our G and T sundowners but we had an excellent afternoon’s entertainment for R750 - thank you Access to the Lodge is from the main road and then onto a sandy road for about 3 kms. to the gatehouse and about 500 metres to reception – we drove it in 2WD vehicle and had no problems One of the main benefits of being without electricity is the lack of light pollution in the night sky – there are a myriad of stars filling the sky that we can’t see at home – my photo does not do it justice On the face of it this appears to be a basic hotel with the lack of electricity i.e. no ac no fridge – no kettle – no Wi-Fi - but this lack of modern “essentials” is made up by so much more – friendly staff and great service – good food well-cooked – great game drives – easy access to the Park – big night skies – bed at 9.30 awake with the dawn – a feeling of coming back to nature – a recommended experience – thank you read less

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 moreWe 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 on People Conservation and Wildlife. Everything was very well arranged, from allocating the students to rooms, to producing good meals (and lots of food!) at the times we requested and some excellent game drives in high quality vehicles. Game viewing is, as some other reviews say, not always easy due to the unique ecology of the park. However we had several close encounters with elephants from the vehicles and saw elephants at the hide, and over 2 days, were also lucky enough to see lions, plus buffalo, impala, nyala, zebra, vervets, mongooses and a range of birds.

This was the end of a trip where we had been camping much of the time so 2 nights in this beautiful lodge was a lovely end to a very busy 2 week fieldtrip.
Staff made us a fire each night and all (guides, bar and kitchen staff and cleaners) were very helpful and friendly. The manager, Wendy, went out of her way to ensure that everything went smoothly and even arranged a birthday cake and a birthday song for a student who turned 21 whilst we were there.
Several of us said we'd like to come back with a partner for a rather more romantic stay! read less

Peaceful and beautiful We had a wonderfull stay at Royal Thonga.

The rooms are spacious and special. Although no airco or fan, the temperature at night was good to handle.
Staff is friendly and helpful... read moreWe had a wonderfull stay at Royal Thonga.

The rooms are spacious and special. Although no airco or fan, the temperature at night was good to handle.
Staff is friendly and helpful and do take interest in you.

There is no WIFI but we did not mind. Actually it was quite nice and enhanced our quality time. There are plenty books to read and games to play. read less

Rest and relaxation in the middle of the bush Here is everything to be recommended,the friendliness of the staff,the fabulous food (definitely book),the opportunity gamedrives in the Tembe Park to make.
If you are looking for peace and relaxation,here is... read moreHere is everything to be recommended,the friendliness of the staff,the fabulous food (definitely book),the opportunity gamedrives in the Tembe Park to make.
If you are looking for peace and relaxation,here is the right place! read less

Intimate and Beautiful A favorite stay on our safari made very special by GuGu, Vesi, Caesar, Bongo and Beutelai. Though a small staff, they took very good care of us. Dinners and breakfasts... read moreA favorite stay on our safari made very special by GuGu, Vesi, Caesar, Bongo and Beutelai. Though a small staff, they took very good care of us. Dinners and breakfasts alike were delicious, beautifully presented and graciously served. Fantastic game drives with Vesi. Our guest chalet was beautiful, clean, and very comfortable. With only 14 guest chalets we enjoyed the privacy and intimacy of this safari camp. We arrived as guests and departed as friends/family. read less