Title: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Lodge in uMhlabuyalingana with free breakfast and outdoor pool ![Lobby](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/1d08efab.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Outdoor pool, pool loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/fb4d0808.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Luxury Room, 1 Bedroom | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, blackout curtains, soundproofing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/0954275b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Restaurant](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/e8a6040c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Restaurant](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/2363308a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies Travelers at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge start with a hearty English breakfast before choosing their adventure. The outdoor pool offers a refreshing break between game drives. After wildlife viewing, guests unwind in the garden or enjoy the arcade room. 9.0 Wonderful ## Popular amenities - Bar - Pool - Pet-friendly - Breakfast included - Housekeeping - Laundry ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Oct 21 - Oct 22](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-21&endDate=2025-10-22&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-21&endDate=2025-10-22&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Oct 22 - Oct 23](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-22&endDate=2025-10-23&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-22&endDate=2025-10-23&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Oct 24 - Oct 26](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-24&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-24&endDate=2025-10-26&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Oct 31 - Nov 2](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-02&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-31&endDate=2025-11-02&selected=11624773&PinnedHotelID=11624773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) All rooms 1 bed 2 beds Showing 3 of 3 rooms ![Luxury Room, 1 Bedroom | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, blackout curtains, soundproofing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/0954275b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Luxury Room, 1 Bedroom ### Highlights Patio Soundproofed Mini-fridge Blackout curtains Separate bedroom Premium bedding Hairdryer Rainfall showerhead - 516 sq ft - Sleeps 2 - 1 King Bed ![1 bedroom, premium bedding, blackout curtains, soundproofing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11630000/11624800/11624773/4306d25f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms ### Highlights Patio Soundproofed Mini-fridge Sofa bed Blackout curtains Premium bedding 2 bedrooms Hairdryer - 1377 sq ft - 2 bedrooms - Sleeps 4 - 2 King Beds ### Luxury Suite ### Highlights Patio Soundproofed Mini-fridge Separate bedroom Premium bedding Blackout curtains Hairdryer Rainfall showerhead - 1 bedroom - Sleeps 2 - 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures! [Sign in](https://www.expedia.co.uk/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FUMhlabuyalingana-Hotels-Royal-Thonga-Safari-Lodge.h11624773.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.co.uk/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FUMhlabuyalingana-Hotels-Royal-Thonga-Safari-Lodge.h11624773.Hotel-Information) ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-27.04878%2C32.42213&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=9wqrxQ9eHj_5X9TqIpSJkFRlNBk=) Tembe Elephant Park, Embonisweni, Sihangwane, Mbotela, uMhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal, 3973 #### 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 Property highlights Consider a stay at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge and take advantage of free English breakfast, game and wildlife viewing and a terrace. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities, such as a garden and an arcade/games room. You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay: - An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers - Free self-parking - A safari, barbecues and concierge services - Luggage storage, game drive on-site and tour/ticket information Room features All guest rooms at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge boast thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding, in addition to amenities, such as sound-insulated walls and free bottled water. More amenities include: - Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries - Patios, mini fridges and daily housekeeping ## Similar properties ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33720000/33711200/33711138/c01d909d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Tembe Elephant Park uMhlabuyalingana - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.6 Exceptional 17 reviews £207 includes taxes & fees 21 Nov - 22 Nov [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-21&endDate=2025-11-22&selected=33711138&PinnedHotelID=33711138&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Free self parking on site - Wheelchair-accessible parking available ### Food and drink - Free English breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10 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 lift - Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations) - Wheelchair-accessible lounge - Wheelchair-accessible parking - Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom - 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 ### Access methods Front desk (limited hours) ### Pets Pets stay for free Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Food and water bowls are available ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Rollaway/extra beds are not available. Cots (infant beds) are not available ### Payment types at the property ## Important information ### Optional extras - Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention This property does not have any lifts ### 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 a pool? > Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. ### Is Royal Thonga Safari Lodge pet-friendly? > Yes, pets are allowed at this property. ### How much is parking at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge? > Self-parking is free at this property. ### 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 (subject to availability). ### What time is check-out at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge? > Checkout is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee. ### Where is Royal Thonga Safari Lodge located? > Situated in uMhlabuyalingana, this lodge is 9.7 mi (15.6 km) from Phongolo River Bridge and 28 mi (45 km) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park. ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Royal Thonga Safari Lodge Reviews 9.0 ### Wonderful All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 9 8 - Good 5 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 1 2 - Terrible 0 ### 8.8/10 Cleanliness ### 9.4/10 Staff & service ### 9.2/10 Amenities ### 8.6/10 Property conditions & facilities ### 9.4/10 Eco-friendliness ### 8/10 Good #### Ginette 15 Oct 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities Site exceptionnel. Entretien équipement électrique défaillant. Architecture intéressante. ##### Ginette Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022 ### 4/10 Poor #### Verified traveller 21 Aug 2022 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. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Fanie 8 Jan 2022 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. ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/5A3569510633345A123D3882A77D20991D99F4281641684946170.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/F25F4E9EBA813A357A17B8780BB97DF34167502D1641685034710.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/7DD1F00967F6E0049DF811FC4B17B8FA5F754F3E1641685081628.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ##### Fanie Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### sebastiaan 3 Jan 2022 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 ##### sebastiaan Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Zenzo 27 Sept 2021 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 ##### Zenzo Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ravella 28 Jan 2021 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 ##### Ravella Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 28 Oct 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities It was amazing. Really loved it and can’t wait to go back! ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 16 Aug 2019 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. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Paul 18 Jun 2019 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. ##### Paul Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 16 Apr 2019 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. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019 ### 8/10 Good #### Verified traveller 11 Mar 2019 ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019 ### 8/10 Good #### Verified traveller 11 Mar 2019 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! ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019 ### 8/10 Good #### Verified traveller 24 Dec 2018 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. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018 ### 8/10 Good #### Verified traveller 1 Nov 2018 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities ##### Verified traveller Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Anina 6 Apr 2018 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort ##### Anina ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Hotels near The Strand](https://www.expedia.co.uk/The-Strand-Hotels.0-l6144907-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Labranda Ephesus Princess Kusadasi - All Inclusive](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Selcuk-Hotels-Labranda-Ephesus-Princess-Kusadasi-All-Inclusive.h19905340.Hotel-Information) > > [Three Cranes Serviced Apartments](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sheffield-Hotels-Three-Cranes-Apart-Hotel.h74256526.Hotel-Information) > > [Mövenpick Dead Sea Jordan](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sweimeh-Hotels-Movenpick-Resort-And-Spa-Dead-Sea.h150523.Hotel-Information) > > [Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences Le Chic Bodrum](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bodrum-Hotels-Kaya-Palazzo-Resort-Le-Chic-Bodrum.h46166090.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Graspo de Ua](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Venice-Hotels-Hotel-Graspo-De-Ua.h583311.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel La Rovere](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rome-Hotels-Hotel-La-Rovere.h2527619.Hotel-Information) > > [Luxury Hotels in Fjord Norway](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Fjord-Norway-Hotels-Luxury-Hotel.0-0-d6056648-tLuxuryHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Hotels with Airport Transfers in Vienna](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Vienna-Hotels-Hotel-With-Airport-Transfers.0-0-d178316-thotelwithairporttransfers.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Hotels near Headingley Stadium](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Headingley-Stadium-Hotels.0-l6126183-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor North](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ann-Arbor-Hotels-DoubleTree-By-Hilton-Ann-Arbor-North.h14795.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels in Briançon](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Briancon-Hotels.d4759.Travel-Guide-Hotels) > > [The Farmers Boy Inn Longhope](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mitcheldean-Hotels-The-Farmers-Boy-Inn-Longhope.h33410045.Hotel-Information) > > [5 Star Hotels in St Margaret's at Cliffe](https://www.expedia.co.uk/5Star-St-Margarets-At-Cliffe-Hotels.s50-0-d6257288.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Novotel Sharm El-Sheikh](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sharm-El-Sheikh-Hotels-Novotel-Sharm-El-Sheikh.h1095261.Hotel-Information) ### Flights > [Flights from Birmingham (BHX) to Vigo (VGO)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/bhx/vgo/birmingham-to-vigo) > > [Flights from Austin (AUS) to Houston (IAH)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/aus/iah/austin-to-houston) > > [Flights from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (NCL) to Hulhulé (MLE)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/ncl/mle/newcastle-to-male) > > [Flights from Liverpool (LPL) to Tokyo (HND)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/lpl/hnd/liverpool-to-tokyo) ### Cars > [Luxury Car Hire in Hurghada](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Luxury-Car-Rentals-In-Hurghada.d1512-tLuxury.Car-Rental-Guide-Class) ### Activities > [Things to do in Great Missenden](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Great-Missenden.d6125013.Travel-Guide-Activities) > > [Things to do in Launceston](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Launceston.d182568.Travel-Guide-Activities) ### Packages > [Cologne Cathedral](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cologne-Cathedral-Old-Town-Cologne.d6073475.Attraction) > > [New York Holidays](https://www.expedia.co.uk/New-York.d178293.Holidays-City-Breaks) > > [The Dark Hedges](https://www.expedia.co.uk/The-Dark-Hedges-Ballymoney.d6203666.Attraction) ### Holiday Rentals > [Devon Holiday Rentals](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Devon.d6046196.Holiday-Rental-Destinations) ### General > [Visit Morocco](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Morocco.dx122) > > [Visit Hampshire](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hampshire.dx603237)