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Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

3.0 star property
Enjoy the safari at this 3-star uMhlabuyalingana lodge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

Exterior
Lobby
Lobby
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Garden

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
Tembe Elephant Park, Embonisweni, Sihangwane, Mbotela, uMhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal, 3973
  • Place, Phongolo River Bridge
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bush Suite

A bed with a canopy, wooden headboard, and bedside lamps.

Bush Suite

  • Garden view
  • 48 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

A neatly made bed with a folded towel, white bedding, and a canopy.

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 128 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Honeymoon Bush Suite

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the area

Embonisweni

In uMhlabuyalingana .At this uMhlabuyalingana lodge, you'll be within 12 miles (20 km) of Phongolo River Bridge and 32 miles (52 km) of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
View more Lodges in EmbonisweniOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Phongolo River Bridge - 26 min drive - 17.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Tembe Elephant Park Coffee Bar - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

Enjoy the safari at this 3-star uMhlabuyalingana lodge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

An outdoor pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star uMhlabuyalingana lodge.

  • 14 guestrooms or units
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 2015
  • English breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge offers 14 accommodations with complimentary bottled water and blackout drapes/curtains. Rooms open to patios. Beds feature premium bedding. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
Tembe Elephant Park
uMhlabuyalingana
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Parking included
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 18 reviews
The price is CA $369
CA $433 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Tembe Elephant Park

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Embonisweni
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge uMhlabuyalingana
Royal Thonga Safari uMhlabuyalingana
Royal Thonga Safari
Lodge Royal Thonga Safari Lodge uMhlabuyalingana
uMhlabuyalingana Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Lodge
Lodge Royal Thonga Safari Lodge
Royal Thonga Safari
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Lodge
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge uMhlabuyalingana
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Lodge uMhlabuyalingana

Frequently asked questions

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge.

How much does it cost to stay at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

As of Jun 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge on Jun 30, 2026 start from CA $250, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge offer free breakfast?

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge offers free English breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a casino at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 AM. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a pool?

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is Royal Thonga Safari Lodge to downtown uMhlabuyalingana?

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge is 2.7 mi away from Embonisweni.

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Ginette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Site exceptionnel. Entretien équipement électrique défaillant. Architecture intéressante.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quelle déception

Un hotel qui ne vaut pas le tarif que nous avons paye. Pas de pression dans la douche, peu d eau chaude, chambres tres peu éclairées et pour couronner le tout de nombreuses chenilles dans la salle de bain, dans la chambre et sur le lit également.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jewel in the bush

Comfortable, well equiped, need and clean chalets. Good food and friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sebastiaan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pleasant visit

Brilliant setting. Rooms comfortable. Meals god, though limited in options and repeats gets boring. One option only, could be improved. Clean and great
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zenzo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great stay the staff were very friendly professional . The food and service was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ravella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Gem in the bush

Our stay was brilliant! This truely is a little gem that should be visited over and over. Game drives amazing, service awesome, facilities fantastic We will definitely return
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was amazing. Really loved it and can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really super helpful staff. Special shout out to Wendy and also our guide GooGoo. Very comfortable surroundings. Overall really nice place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A marvellous break

Everything about the week-end was picture perfect for us to slow-down and relax after a busy week. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, the rangers knowledgeable and the food great. The room was very comfortable and clean. Definitely worth a second visit and highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant atmosphere where you forget the world around you. Staff are very friendly and they take interest in you and always available to help in any way. The fact that there is no WIFI is forgotten within hours. Of you are looking for peaceful, service and experience for a good price, this is the place to be.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful property but a little more effort is needed for upkeep. For example floors should be swept regularly and sofas dusted to remove animal drippings, bugs, cobwebs etc. Found a couple lizards in the bed netting and one crawling on the pillow! Room rafters, windows etc need dusting and cobwebs removed. Before dusk staff should check rooms are bug free and put down bednets. Food is great - fresh and tasty - but cooking with a little less grease/oil/butter would be perfect! Game drives are awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Simply wonderful! Great location near to Tembe Elephant Park. Very tranquil and serene. Rooms were very comfortable and clean. Well appointed and sealed so even though you are immersed in the African bush, you do not have to worry about mosquitos or bugs in the room. Lovely dining and lounge areas.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Graham

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort