Accommodation & Amenities
- 9 Bush Chalets - Sleeps 2 Guests
- 1 Deluxe Bush Chalets - Sleeps 2 Guests
- 2 One Bedroom Family Bush Chalets - Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 Children (bunk-beds for Children)
- 2 Two Bedroom Family Bush Chalets - 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 chalets 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 savouring 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:
- R450 per person per trip excluding park entrance fees (valid until 31 December 2021)
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.
