Meet us where the sky touches the sea

Thornbay Accommodation

Thornbay Accommodation is the prime establishment in Doringbaai, a small town in southern Namaqualand, situated on the West Coast of South Africa

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Self-cathering Accommodation units

Fully Equipped

At Thornbay Accommodation we offer ten fully equipped, self-catering accommodation units with fantastic views of the sea, often accompanied by breath-taking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean

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Activities in and around Doringbaai

Enjoy our Coast Line

But if you wish to simply relax, you can just watch the view of the sea from the comfort of our accommodation

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Welcome to Thornbay Accommodation

Peace, privacy & breathtaking views

Nestled in the tranquil fishing village of Doringbaai, Thornbay Accommodation offers the perfect coastal escape along the Atlantic West Coast of South Africa’s Western Cape—just 35 km north of Lamberts Bay and 15 km south of the Olifants River mouth. This charming seaside town marks the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean’s Diamond Concession Zone, which stretches all the way into Namibia.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast drawn to birding, diving, surfing, fishing, hiking, or cycling—or a family looking to unwind and take in the vibrant sunsets over the ocean—Doringbaai promises something special. Children are warmly welcomed, making Thornbay an ideal getaway for families. Whether it’s a one-night stopover or a week-long retreat, your stay with us will be the beginning of unforgettable memories.

Studio Apartments

We offer are ten fully equipped self-catering units. All units are Seafront, so the ocean is right by your doorstep!

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One Bedroom Apartments

Designed for comfort, breathtaking views and convenience, the units are equipped with essential appliances.

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Two Bedroom Apartments

Each unit has its own patio with braai overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean.

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Facilities of Thornbay Accommodation

Swimming Pool & Trampoline Fun

Dive into fun at our vibrant swimming pool area, complete with a trampoline for added excitement!

Private Patio Braai Areas

Each unit features a private patio with a braai area, offering a separate entrance for your convenience.

Recreation Room Entertainment

Enjoy our recreation room, equipped with a pool table, and a dartboard for endless entertainment.

Fully Stocked Fishery

Cast a line at our fully stocked fishery—ideal for seafood enthusiasts—with fishing gear, bait, and limited diving equipment available.

Free Wifi & Secure Parking

Stay connected with our free Wi-Fi that is available throughout our property and enjoy secure parking on-site.

Breathtaking Beaches & Sunsets

Experience breathtaking West Coast beaches and stunning sunsets just a stone’s throw away.

Holiday Attractions & Ideas

Doringbaai has a lot more to offer than at first glance. Here are some of the activities to keep you busy with. The areas along the coast north and south of Doringbaai, as well as inland, have much to offer the visitor at any time of the year.

Doringbaai

On good days you can go surfing, kayaking and even windsurf.
Fishing can be done from the shore or if you brought your boat along, there is a slipway to launch it from.
Crayfish diving, watching the diamond vessels mine and catching a glimpse of the whales in the right weather and season.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there is the Crayfish Trail to hike through between
Doringbaai and Strandfontein and cycling routes along the coast for you to follow.
Not far from Doringbaai is the Olifants River mouth, which is approximately 15km drive, there you can go birding and kayaking to explore the area.

Nearby Attractions

Go golfing near Lutzville.
Visit the Seal and Cape Gannet bird colony island in Lamberts bay.
Visit Vanrhynsdorp for the quiver-tree nursery, rooibos plantations and view from the Vanrhyns mountain pass.
Strandfontein, with a big sandy beach, small super-tube, camping grounds. Strandfontein is well known for its “kommetjie” – a man made tide pool, where children can safely play in.
Flower season in Namaqualand is an unforgettable sight to behold.
Vredendal is the closest town offering the most services from major banking, shopping centres and a hospital for any emergencies.
4×4 trails, mountain biking and wildlife tours on offer further out from Doringbaai.

christebelle-kuhn-photography-gannets-lambertsbaai

Dining

Experience the charm of dining in a small West Coast town, where fresh seafood, hearty local flavors, and warm hospitality come together to create a truly authentic South African culinary experience.

Fryer’s Cove Vineyard & Jetty Restaurant.
Doringbaai Seespens.
The Cabin.
Lamberts Bay Restaurants – which also offers must-see places such as the open air Muisbosskerm and Bosduifklip Restaurants.
Kommetjie restaurant – a Family restaurant in Strandfontein at the tidal pool.

Namaqualand

The areas along the coast north and south of Doringbaai, as well as inland, have much to offer the visitor at any time of the year.

Walks along deserted beaches, 4 x 4 routes, hiking trails in the mountains, Namaqualand’s flowers during late winter and spring – a world-renowned succulent nursery and much more are there to be enjoyed. The Namaqualand flower season in Doringbaai, South Africa, typically runs from late August to early October, with September being the peak viewing time. The exact timing can vary based on weather conditions, particularly the amount of rain received during the winter.

"A Hidden Gem by the Sea.What a wonderful place with the loveliest hosts! We initially planned to stay for just one night but quickly decided to extend our stay. The accommodation is not overly fancy, but it has everything you need, with a bed that guarantees a fantastic night's sleep and the ocean practically on your doorstep! The area is peaceful and quiet—an ideal spot to relax and unwind. If our travel plans had allowed, we would have stayed even longer. Highly recommended!"

Martjé – South Africa, Short stay ⋅ With partner
"Excellent short break.Will be back for a longer stay. Fantastic location. very neat and clean accommodation. Friendly & helpful hosts."

Craig – South Africa, Short stay ⋅ With partner
"Exceptional.The quietness is amazing and not even to talk about the see view even from just lying on your bed."

John – South africa, 4 Night with partner
"Perfect accommodation if you are searching for a nice relaxing break away. Most relaxing weekend breakaway. We enjoyed our stay at Thornbay very much. The apartment is right opposite the water and all shops/restaurants were within walking distance. Perfection! The host was very friendly. My husband, my 15-year-old daughter, and I will definitely visit again. Thank you.."

Rosemari R, Short stay ⋅ Family with teenagers
"Perfect 4 night stay! This was our second stay at Thornbay and it was absolutely perfect. The hosts made us feel welcome upon arrival and were available throughout our stay. The unit is so well equipped, with everything that you might need. Lots of attention to small detail made our stay even more comfortable. The view from our room was the best and we spent evenings on our stoep and watched beautiful sunsets. We swam every day in the sparkling clean swimming pool. The restaurants, Fryers Cove Winery and The Craft Cave are within walking distance. We loved every minute of our 4 night stay."

Monique N, Short stay ⋅ With partner
"Cozy and peaceful weekend. Beautiful view along the sea. Hospitable, nice people. Me, my mother and daughter had such a nice weekend there. Rooms were comfortable and neat. View was so beautiful. We enjoyed every moment there. It was worth it. Nice and relaxing too. Everyone was so friendly. Will definitely go again."

Sharon W, Short stay