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Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

3.0 star property
Lodge in uMhlabuyalingana with free breakfast and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

Lobby
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Bush Suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, soundproofing, bed sheets
Restaurant
Restaurant

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
Tembe Elephant Park, Embonisweni, Sihangwane, Mbotela, uMhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal, 3973
  • Place, Lake Sibaya
  • Place, Border Cave
  • Place, Phongolo River Bridge
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bush Suite

Bush Suite | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, soundproofing, bed sheets

Bush Suite

  • 516 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Premium bedding, blackout drapes, soundproofing, bed sheets

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1377 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Honeymoon Bush Suite

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

About the neighborhood

Embonisweni

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge places you 9.7 mi (15.6 km) from Phongolo River Bridge. This 3-star lodge has 14 guestrooms and offers conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free self parking.
View more Lodges in EmbonisweniOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Phongolo River Bridge - 18 min drive - 10.4 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Tembe Elephant Park Coffee Bar - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge

Lodge in uMhlabuyalingana with free breakfast and an outdoor pool
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge features an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include an arcade/game room, a library, and a terrace.
Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Patios are also standard.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • eHlatini

Things to do

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

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

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2015
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets
  • Traditional architecture

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

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-10:00 AM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge offers free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

Is parking available on site at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a casino on the premises?

No, Royal Thonga Safari Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this lodge, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this lodge.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Royal Thonga Safari Lodge serves free English breakfast at eHlatini each morning.

Does Royal Thonga Safari Lodge allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, pets stay free at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge and the property also provides food and water bowls for pets.

Are there connecting rooms at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this lodge.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge?

Yes, every guestroom at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge comes with a patio with some featuring garden views.

Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Graham

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

sebastiaan

Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ravella

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Anina

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

8/10 Good

Ginette

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

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