Thanda Safari

Thanda Private Game Reserve offers an authentically South African wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge.Thanda is a 14,000 hectare Big Five private game reserve and is situated approximately 23 km North of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand. Accommodation includes Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and Villa iZulu.Thanda Safari Lodge has nine beaut

Thanda Private Game Reserve offers an authentically South African wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge.

Thanda is a 14,000 hectare Big Five private game reserve and is situated approximately 23 km North of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand. Accommodation includes Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and Villa iZulu.

Thanda Safari Lodge has nine beautiful bush suites – each self-contained for absolute privacy with individual plunge pools, viewing decks, bomas and private thatched outdoor day bed areas. Shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead, the 220m² suites have panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.

Each suite has a spacious lounge, majestic master bedroom and double-sided fireplace. The bathroom has two vanity basins, an egg-shaped bath, enclosed toilet as well as indoor and outdoor showers.

Thanda Safari Lodge’s public areas are colourful and include a library, a curio shop, a private business area, a cigar bar and an impressively stocked wine cellar as well as a spacious lounge area.

Villa Izulu is an outstanding safari hideaway for families, wedding parties and holidaymakers in need of privacy.

Situated amidst lush green lawns and surrounded by expanses of wild African bush, Villa iZulu can accommodate 10 guests in five suites – each with their own private viewing deck and luxurious bathroom. The master bedroom features an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Villa's private waterhole.

The shared main areas include a dining room and spacious lounge, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a traditional Villa Boma and bonfire area, verandas and terraces, entertainment areas including a games room, a private business area, a library, a wine cellar and a heated swimming pool (with kiddie pool).The Villa has its own helicopter landing pad.

Guests of Thanda Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu enjoy exclusive access to the Thanda Spa. It offers a menu of treatments including reflexology; aromatherapy; hydrating, exfoliating and detox body treatments; facials; African massages; hand and feet treatments; and more.

The non-electrified Thanda Tented Camp is built in colonial safari style offering an authentic bush experience. The colonial safari-style tents have viewing decks and en-suite bathrooms. Public facilities at the Tented Camp include a dining tent, a boma area, a bonfire circle, a pool and a sala consisting of an ‘open-air’ lounge.

Perfect for families, kids are invited to complete The Junior Rangers Course during their stay at Thanda. Kids will be taught about different mammals, birds, trees, spoors and even stars. Special bush walks in the vicinity of the accommodation will be arranged for younger children.

Thanda’s signature activity, In the Footsteps of the Zulus’, is a visit to a local Zulu community to learn more about their culture and tribal history.

Other activities include;

In the Path of Wildlife, spend a day with the Thanda Wildlife Conservation Team, In the Shadows of Elephants (2, 5-hour elephant interaction), Twice, daily game drives (early morning and late afternoon), Guided bush walks (optional), Photographic safaris with professional guides and Bird watching.

Road transfers are available from to and from Durban and Richards Bay Airports. Self-drive clients are able to leave their vehicles at the main gate as private vehicles are not permitted within the reserve.