Kwazulu Natal Safari

Thanda Private Game Reserve

'Dramatic and Luxurious'

A truly luxurious retreat with amazing safari opportunities, the Thanda Private Game Reserve has created a tremendous base from which to explore the exciting world of Big Five Safari. The Zulu culture is kept alive with the reserves commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of its 14 000-hectare reserve, its three unique properties, and its community partnerships.

In Our Opinion

'Thanda means love in Zulu and this is a perfect spot for romantic couples or honeymooners, we particularly like the private pool decks, heated plunge pools and  gorgeous day-bed pavilion. Visitors will enjoy the chance to experience a real safari but not compromise on quality accommodation - a perfect choice'!

Dining

 South African cuisine is as diverse as its population, and Thanda Safari’s menus, creatively conceived by chefs, reflect this. The chefs create unique Thanda dishes and tastes, combined with South African wines and in different locations to make each meal an experience.
From surprise bush breakfasts, dinners deep in the reserve or in the boma, under the stars, dine the African way, to the sounds of the wild.

Main Lodge Property Facilities:

  • Lounge
  • Library
  • Dining room
  • Boma
  • Wine cellar
  • Cigar bar
  • Fully equipped business centre
  • Wifi
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa Facilities

Tented Camp Property Facilities:

  • Lounge
  • Dining Tent
  • Bar
  • Boma
  • Wifi
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa Tent

Activities On Site:

  • Game Drives
  • Guided Bush Walks
  • Zulu Homestead Visits
  • Visit a Traditional Zulu Healer or Sangoma
  • Rhino Tracking (additional cost)
  • Cheetah Tracking (additional cost)
  • Hippo and Croc Cruise (additional cost)

Safari activities are taken seriously and enthusiastically by rangers at Thanda and you will find plenty to choose from.

Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives in search of the elusive Big Five are conducted in open Land Rovers under the supervision of knowledgeable rangers and trackers. Other wildlife on Thanda’s 14,000 hectare property include the wild dog, endangered black rhino, cheetah, hyena, warthog and plains game as well as an abundance of bird life.

Star Gazing
Knowledgeable game rangers introduce guests to the world of star gazing and the solar system. The natural, unpolluted air ensures a clear view of the magical African sky.

Bush Breakfast (extra charge may apply)
Finish your early morning game drive with hearty breakfast served in the heart of the bush; experienced rangers are with you to keep an eye out for the wilder inhabitants of Thanda!

Bush Walks
Game rangers, trackers and field guides have extensive knowledge of both the fauna and flora in Thanda's ecosystems; during bush walks guests have the opportunity to learn about all the fascinating uses of plants in the area and to identify animal spoor.

Spa
The two, beautifully appointed spas at Thanda Safari Lodge and at Thanda Tented Camp offer a wide range of treatments, including a combination of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices - learnt from traditional Zulu women. Therapists use non-allergenic products and are expertly trained. In their care, you’ll relinquish all responsibility for a while, and emerge refreshed, radiant and revitalized.

Thanda Private Game Reserve welcomes families with children of all ages and offers the following facilities and services to ensure they have an enjoyable stay. Please note that children under 6 years of age are not allowed to join the game drives and children under 16 are not allowed on bush walks due to safety reasons.

Accommodation
• Units can accommodate between 1 and 2 children

Amenities
• Good night story and cookies & milk at bedtime

Dining
• Children’s menu

Leisure
• Library with books, DVDs, puzzles & games
• Swimming pool

Beach & Sea
• Nearby Mile Beach

Kids Clubs

The Junior Rangers Course

At the end of their stay guests are given a Junior Ranger Certification from Thanda.

Activities include:
• Spoor identification
• Game-tracking
• Game-spotting
• Bird & plant life
• Stargazing

Babysitting
• Babysitting service available at an additional cost
• Must be booked on arrival
• Thanda’s nannies will take care of children of all ages

Location

Situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in Northern Zululand

• Sodwana Beach 1 hour drive
• St Lucia 90km
• Cape Vidal 90km