Heritage site – a world traveller’s delight
Lonely Planet names Thonga Beach Lodge in iSimangaliso Wetland Park as one of the world's top 10 places to stay
THE world’s largest travelling guide book publisher Lonely Planet on Monday dubbed the Thonga Beach Lodge in iSimangaliso Wetland Park one of the most special must-see places on the globe.
Taking eighth spot in Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 10 Extraordinary Places to Stay in 2014’, the resort and park is said to deserve the honour for ‘ticking all the right boxes’.
‘Luxury resort by the beach. Environmentally-friendly. Remote. And it’s one of few such lodges within the extraordinary 328 000 hectare iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage site,’ said Lonely Planet author Kate Armstrong.
‘Action addicts can canoe on Lake Sibaya or take the plunge on deep sea dives, while those wanting relaxation can opt for the wide, white beach and spa treatments.
‘For me, the ‘not-to-be-missed’ activity was the walking tour with a local guide, Eugene, the nearest thing to an African David Attenborough.
‘He ticked off everything from the local mahogany tree to dung beetles.
‘After being warned of the shy, but extremely dangerous vine snake, I was thrilled to identify one later in the day,’ Armstrong said.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park Marketing and Brand Manager Lindy Duffield said the recognition by Lonely Planet is a ‘fantastic global marketing accolade’.
‘It is a great chance to showcase the park through our unique operators such as Thonga Beach Lodge,’ said Duffield.
‘Having recently acquired ‘Big 5’ status through the re-introduction of lion into the uMkhuze section of the park, coupled with our marine treasures, we are privileged to have a destination like this that can be shared with visitors from around the world.’
The park received World Heritage status in 1999 for its universal value as an ecological treasure with exceptional biodiversity and scenic beauty.
It contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700-year-old fishing traditions, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old coastal dunes.
‘Considering the park’s wonder and diversity, I believe it is appropriate that we are recognised as one of the Top 10 extraordinary places,’ said Duffield.
‘The reviewer aptly recognises the wealth of the fauna and flora along with the warmth of our people that share with us their wealth of knowledge of the rich surrounds.’
