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Coastal Thrill
A bit like a thriller movie where you know everything’s going to turn out all right, you still get caught up in the exhilaration and challenge of the unpredictable terrain. We take the scenic coastal 4X4 route from Kosi Forest Lodge down to Thonga Beach Lodge. As relatively inexperienced off-road drivers, this is the perfect…
Read MoreLiving the Good Life
I have heard that the Thonga Beach Lodge Head Chef has been newly promoted to Executive Chef over all Isibindi Africa lodges and I ask to meet the rising star. I snap my jaw back up into position as a lithe, good looking young man comes out of the kitchen. For a moment I wonder…
Read MoreOf mice and men
Our experienced and passionate guide, Mike Nel, of Zululand Tours, opens his story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift with the line “This is a story of both courage and cowardice.” It starts with an unlikely soldier, a one Henry Harford, an entomologist with a heart for Zululand. He is said to have solemnly confessed…
Read MoreEr… Saving the rhino?
Meet Ingwe, the youngest and newest staff member at Isibindi Zulu Lodge. With boundless energy, he will give you an enthusiastic greeting (every time he sees you). Always ready to take you on a guided tour to show you the really good stuff the lodge has to offer, Ingwe is currently compiling an inventory of…
Read MoreNicest spot we have EVER visited!
Our “Malbeckies” group have just returned from a most delightful visit to Thonga Beach Lodge. Over breakfast, before departure, Vicky and I made the statement that your very special Lodge is the nicest spot we have EVER visited. You fully deserve all the accolades you have accumulated and Thonga is fully worthy of the best…
Read MoreA Whole New World
I am more of a ‘strandloper’ (beachwalker) than water sports kind of girl. But I joined in the snorkelling at Thonga Beach Lodge mainly to impress my partner. Looking perhaps a little less than impressive, I was breathing like a hippo, and walking like a spastic turtle as I made my web-footed way into the…
Read MoreFeeding growing bodies and minds
The local school, Mabibi Primary, is near and dear to all at Thonga Beach Lodge. The lodge provides R 1 500 worth of food on a monthly basis, which gives each child a meal 3 times a week. The photograph shows Bheki from Thonga Beach Lodge passing on food supplies to teachers at the school. Last…
Read MoreWorld Rhino Day – Protective Instincts
With a growing environmental conscience, nothing touches me quite the way a stay in the Kruger National Park does. With our natural world shrinking, it is an immense privilege to experience this vast original world. The Rhino Walking Safaris of Isibindi Africa are one of the greatest privileges within a privilege – an opportunity to…
Read MoreA privilege of which I will never tire
There is something other-worldly about driving in through the gates of the Kruger National Park. Pre-historic looking giraffe glide past in the bushveld and armour-plated rhinos graze, defensively protecting their baby rhinos. A furtive hyena pauses to sniff the air then slinks off and disappears into the scrub, leaving you wondering if you imagined seeing…
Read MoreThe good, the sad and the ugly
It is an early morning game drive, and we are restless with anticipation as we settle onto the high seats of the open game vehicle. A British couple is with us, breathy with excitement, repeating “We have never been on safari before.” We are led by experienced guides Charlotte and Kyle Preston, the newlywed managers…
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