thanda safari lodge kwazulu natal

Thanda Safari

D242 Road, Bayala,, 3915 Hluhluwe, South Africa – Excellent location - show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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Everything. Staff friendly and helpful. Accommodation neat and clean. Food delicious. Our guide was excellent.

Breakfast was amazing Staff were fantastic, especially Buselaphi Game viewing was outstanding

The villas were incredible. The nicest accommodation we’ve ever stayed in! The villas are huge with their own heated plunge pool, decking area for sunbathing & also a covered lounge area. Also an area for private dining. The food was incredible standard & presented in a lovely way by the chef coming to your table to say what’s on the menu, the waiting staff then come & take your order. All the staff were so attentive & friendly & helpful. And as for the safari drives - we were so impressed. We saw 4 of the “big 5” on the 3 drives we went on. We missed 2 drives as wanted to spend some time enjoying the accommodation. Our rangers Iphrain & Ronnie were so knowledgeable, friendly & just lovely to spend the time with.

Loved that the game drives were very interactive with trackers and guides talking you through the whole experience. The staff were incredible in general. Was amazing all round.

What a magnificent magical place! There are no faults whatsoever

Everything. Outstanding food, fabulous accommodation, excellent staff service and magnificent game viewing.

breakfast was exceptional. dinning room staff were very friendly

Good service, great accommodation and good game viewing

Beautiful game reserve in the middle of the mountains. Fantastic safari with many animals and guides really prepared

Amazing Game viewing with really talented Ranger and Tracker. Loved the tendered camp set up.

Excellent location!

Thanda Safari Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Thanda Safari - rated 9.3 by recent guests.

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Experience world-class service at Thanda Safari

Winner of Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2013 World Travel Awards, Thanda Safari brings man and nature together on a 14 000 hectare access-controlled private game reserve. Situated in northern Zululand, Thanda Safari is home to amazing wildlife and over 400 different bird species. Find your balance at one of South Africa’s most exquisite bush spas or witness a hundred-year-old ritual performed by Zulu warriors. Thanda means love in Zulu, signifying the deep connection the game reserve has with Zulu culture and native flora and fauna. Experience the ultimate in luxury in one of the bush suites or embrace nature at the authentic safari-style tented camp. Thanda’s public areas include a library, business centre, wine cellar and spa area, ensuring you hours of entertainment and pleasure. Two daily game drives are offered to all guests at Thanda Safari. Culinary masterpieces, prepared by the dedicated kitchen team, can be sampled at several venues, including your private boma. Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the low risk malaria reserve.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Free parking
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Spa and wellness centre
• Airport shuttle
• Room service
• Very good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Buffet

Free private parking available on-site

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Availability

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Property surroundings

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambiance Family friendly • Romantic
• Dietary options Halal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Thanda Safari Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

• Toilet paper
• Bath or shower
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Garden view
• Outdoor furniture
• Sun terrace
• Electric kettle
• Refrigerator
• Clothes rack
• Live music/performance
• Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
• Themed dinner nights
• Walking tours Additional charge
• Game drives
• Kids' club
• Seating Area
• Wine/champagne
• Special diet menus (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Valet parking
• Private check-in/check-out
• Luggage storage
• Currency exchange
• Express check-in/check-out
• 24-hour front desk
• Board games/puzzles
• Babysitting/child services Additional charge
• Trouser press
• Ironing service
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Fax/photocopying Additional charge
• Business centre
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Safety deposit box
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Designated smoking area
• Air conditioning
• Non-smoking throughout
• Wake-up service
• Hardwood or parquet floors
• Packed lunches
• Soundproof rooms
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Wake up service/Alarm clock
• Pool with view
• Spa/wellness packages
• Spa lounge/relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Light therapy
• Body treatments
• Waxing services
• Facial treatments
• Beauty Services
• Sun umbrellas
• Sun loungers or beach chairs
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa and wellness centre Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 14:00 to 19:00

From 06:00 to 11:00

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children are not allowed.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash is not accepted Thanda Safari accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note: There is no guide/driver on standby at the gate.Guests need to arrive in time for transfer from gate to the lodge. The transfer times from the gate are as follows: 14h00, 14h30, 15h00, 16h00 and 17h00.

No early arrivals will be honoured, unless prior arrangement has been made.

Please note that the game reserve has very strict child policies, and should be cleared with the hotel directly.

FAQs about Thanda Safari

What kind of breakfast is served at thanda safari.

Guests staying at Thanda Safari can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.0).

• Continental
• Full English/Irish

What is there to do at Thanda Safari?

• Tour or class about local culture
• Swimming Pool
• Walking tours

Does Thanda Safari have a restaurant on site?

• Restaurant #1

What type of room can I book at Thanda Safari?

How far is thanda safari from the centre of hluhluwe.

Thanda Safari is 9.9 miles from the centre of Hluhluwe. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

How much does it cost to stay at Thanda Safari?

The prices at Thanda Safari may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

Does Thanda Safari have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Thanda Safari?

Check-in at Thanda Safari is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

The best of Hluhluwe

• Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
• Falaza Game Park and Spa

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Thanda Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 424
• Very Good 42
• All languages ( 490 )
• English ( 405 )
• German ( 33 )
• Swedish ( 23 )

" If you have mobility issues do not book room 9 . Also if you are not a bug person this is not for you ! "

" Just enjoy "

" Request Martin as your guide and Nhlanhla as your tracker! Tell them I say hi! "

" Enjoy every minute. Take some warm clothes for the drive. "

" Let them them before hand of any special occasions or requirements and they will make sure to comply. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THANDA SAFARI LODGE - Reviews & Price Comparison (Hluhluwe, South Africa)

Thanda Safari Lodge

Set high on a hillside in the 220 square kilometre Zululand Rhino Reserve on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Thanda Safari Lodge is a stylish upmarket property, with guest accommodation in 9 suites and providing access to a range of safari activities. No minimum child age (6 for vehicle safari).

Thanda Safari Lodge is located in the Zululand Rhino Reserve on the Elephant Coast.

Thanda Safari Lodge is located in the Phinda Mkhuze area of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Zululand Rhino Reserve At 220 square kilometres, Zululand Rhino Reserve is a substantial private reserve which covers an unusually broad range of habitats including mountains, forests and open savanna. 

The reserve is actually comprised of a number of smaller privately owned plots, whose owners have agreed to bring down their intermediary fences to create a single larger area for wildlife.

The three Thanda lodges have exclusive traversing rights over 140 square kilometres of this reserve, comprised of the Thanda Sector itself and the adjacent Mduna Royal Reserve, which they manage on behalf of the local Zulu chief. The area contains a full range of wildlife. The lodge Set high on a hillside in the 220 square kilometre Zululand Rhino Reserve on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Thanda Safari Lodge is a stylish upmarket property, with guest accommodation in 9 suites and providing access to a range of safari activities. Getting there The property is almost always accessed by scheduled light aircraft flights from the international airport at Johannesburg and Nelspruit (Kruger) into the local airstrip inside the reserve. It is also possible to fly on scheduled flights into Richards Bay and Durban, from where it is a road transfer of 2hrs and 4hrs respectively. It is also easy to combine the area into a self-drive trip around the region, usually in combination with a beach lodge and various other locations. We usually include all the connecting transport for your trip unless  you specifically ask us not to.

The lodge is centred on a very substantial main buildings in an unusual salmon color.

Ownership Thanda Safari Lodge is privately owned and operated by Swedish couple, Christin and Dan Olofsson.

These guys have been working really hard to advance conservation in this area, restoring both the Thanda Reserve to its present healthy state and working with local Zulu communities and local government to create a more sustainable space for wildlife in the region.

One extremely impressive acheivement has been their involvement in the complete rehabilitation of the adjacent Mduna Royal Reserve, which has been completely cleaned up and restocked with wildlife. They now manage the reserve on behalf of the local chief and are working to create and improve tourist revenues to feed into the local villages.

Although largely focused on this area of Natal, they do own properties elsewhere ...

Indian Ocean : Thanda Cruise South Africa : KwaZulu Natal : Thanda Safari Lodge South Africa : KwaZulu Natal : Thanda Tented Camp South Africa : KwaZulu Natal : Thanda Villa iZulu Tanzania : Thanda Island

We tend to recommend these properties relatively rarely for inclusion in trips, mainly because the lodges on the nearby Phinda Reserve tend to have more of an allure for guests, although Thanda Tented Camp is particularly good value and well worth considering.

Dining options

The food service at Thanda Safari Lodge is usually very high quality. Meals are designed to fit around the daily activity schedule, which usually involves an early breakfast followed by a morning safari activity, then lunch and a siesta back in camp, before afternoon tea, an afternoon safari activity including sundowners and then back to the lodge in time for dinner. Evening meals are usually served at separate tables, in conventional restaurant style. Some evenings dinners are served around the campfire in the dining boma and romantic private meals on the deck of your room are also an option. Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and other variations should not be a problem, so long as you let us know at the time of booking. Power and connectivity

The property runs on generator power and high current items such as hair-dryers should be no problem.

Electricity across Africa is 230Vac and 50Hz. These days most electronic devices are designed to cope with this, but do check your equipment specifications if your voltage or frequency differs back home, notably travellers from USA and Canada.

There are power outlets in the rooms for charging of electronic equipment, with South African standard three large circular pin format (type M). Adaptors are usually available, but it is always worth bringing your own, in which case we recommend buying them in advance rather than trying to get them at the airport on the way, since they often run out.

WiFi is available in main areas (which is rather unfortunate, the concensus in the safari world is that it should be in the rooms only). Connection speeds are likely to be slow and could be intermittent.

There is unlikely to be any mobile phone reception in this location.

Child policy

There is no minimum child age at this property.

The property is not specifically geared up for children, is unfenced and could be potentially very dangerous, mainly due to wild animals. Adult supervision is essential at all times.

Although the staff and guides will naturally try to tailor the experience to suit all guests, there are no special facilities for children, who are obliged to behave with due consideration for other guests.

In the rooms, two children under the age of 16 can share a suite with two adults.

There are higher age limits on certain more risky activities ...

Dining areas : 3 years Vehicle safari : 6 years Walking safari : 16 years

Children under 3 may not dine in the boma, dining room or on decks. A private boma experience may be arranged for families travelling with children under 3. Alternatively, room service dinner and a babysitter can be arranged.

Special meals are available for children, including easy favourites like toasted sandwiches, hamburgers, fish and chips, spaghetti bolognese and ice cream.

Younger children can do vehicle safari if a private vehicle is booked, at considerably extra cost. Otherwise younger children will be entertained by staff whilst the rest of the family is out on safari.

Children under 16 are not allowed on walking safari. However, at your guide's discretion special bush 'rambles' can be arranged for younger children.

Special activities are also laid on for kids, as noted in the activities section.

The lodge offers babysitting round the clock, with a number of experienced  nannies who will take care of your children as if they were family. Needs to be booked on arrival for a modest charge.

Tipping guide In Africa tipping is definitely not obligatory, but it is commonplace. If you feel that the service provided has been excellent, then you may consider giving tips as follows ... Lead guide : USD 10 per guest per day Assistant guide or tracker : USD 5 per guest per day Camp staff : USD 5 per guest per day Staff understand that guests of different nationalities come very different tipping cultures and adjust their expectations accordingly, so you really should tip as you feel comfortable.

Tips are usually given in cash, preferably in the currencies listed below. Where card payments are accepted, then it is often possible to settle tips by bank card.

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Approximate exchange rate : USD 1 = ZAR 14.5. Unusually for African currency, the Rand can usually be exchanged back into hard currency, which means that it is widely used.

Any extra payments at this property can be made on some common cards or in cash USD, EUR, GBP and ZAR (South African Rand). There are no currency exchange facilities.

Guest accommodation is in nine very large Suites with plunge pools.

There is also a substantial spa facility.

Activities are centred on vehicle safari, walking safari and night vehicle safari, with the possibility of excursions as far as the coast.

Thanda Safari Lodge provides access to a wide range of activities ... Vehicle safari Vehicle safari is usually the best method for viewing wildlife in the bush. The majority of your up-close animal experiences are likely to come about in this way, since the animals are quite habituated to the presence of vehicles and do not feel threatened. This Thanda area is renowned for being a very reliable location to view wildlife.

Probable sightings include lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants. buffaloes and cheetahs Night vehicle safari On a night vehicle safari a guide or specialist spotter uses high-powered torches to find  animals. It is a good chance to see some of the nocturnal animals in the area, including bush-babies, genets, civets and porcupines. If you are lucky, then you may catch up with lions, hyenas or leopards out hunting, which can be a truly extraordinary experience. At this particular camp, night safari is usually only operated only for an hour or so on the way back to camp from sundowner drinks. We would usually prefer to do a proper night drive after dinner, since we believe that this delivers a much better chance of properly following hunts. You can try asking whether this might be possible. Do bear in mind that a proper night drive can be a real hit or miss affair, they can be incredible, but they can also be incredibly tiresome. It's a gamble. Walking safari Walking safari in this particular area tends to be quite a gentle affair. We do not expect these walks to include deliberate approaches to potentially dangerous wildlife such as elephants and lions, which are rarely done in Tanzania. For serious high adrenaline walking safari you generally need to head to the specialist camps of Zambia or Zimbabwe. Instead, the walks here tend to concentrate much more on the lesser flora and fauna, as well as the chance to learn a little bit about tracking and other bush skills. Having said that, these walks to offer the chance to track rare black rhinos, which are the faster more sporty model. These guys are notoriously moody and approaching them on foot can get quite exciting.

Photographic expert

Thanda has a resident wildlife photographer, Christian Sperka. If you are staying at least two nights, then he will be happy to spend around 90 minutes with you, helping you to take better wildlife images.

Christian has a specially adapted vehicle for this purpose, known as Green Mamba One and is able to adapt the session to suit anyone from beginner to expert level.

Pre-booking is recommended.

Rhino tracking : not included

Given the present epidemic of rhino poaching in Africa, it takes a lot of effort and expense to maintain and protect these magnificent creatures here on the reserve.

Guests are able to join dedicated the Rhino Monitoring Team, who daily locate and record data on the black and white rhinos.

Heading out before sunrise, the trackers find and follow rhino spoor until the animals are located.

You will learn how to read the tracks, observing wind direction, rhino behaviour, feeding patterns and the threats they face as a species. The guide will teach you how to identify individual rhinos from ear notches and you will help to record their condition.

The outing usually lasts 3-4hrs and attracts a modest additional charge which goes directly towards the project.

Conservation team : not included

The reserve has an extensive team of rangers, trackers and guards working to protect and maintain the property.

Guests are invited to join these teams to get involved in activities such as checking fences, doing animal counts, monitoring elephants, transportation of animals or whatever other tasks need to be done on the day. This certainly makes you feel like you are getting under the skin of the project and is well worth doing if you are up for not being the centre of attention for a while.

Activities for children

Thanda offers a range of special activities for children, which can be done with or without parents.

Top of the list is the Junior Rangers Course, in which they will learn about the animals, tracking skills and other bushcraft, leading to a certificate of qualification at the end. The experience can be tailored to suit children of all ages.

Activities further afield ... Whilst it is wonderful that Phinda is located so closed to so many interesting locations, most notably the wonderful protected coastline of Sodwana Bay, we can't help thinking that heading out to these areas for activities whilst paying premium prices to stay on a wildlife reserve might not make the best of sense for most guests. We generally recommend mixing a safari camp with a dedicated beach lodge, maybe for 3-4 nights each. But if you would rather stay in one location for the duration, then this certainly is viable.

Village visit : not included

Thanda has close relationships with local communities and guests are invited to visit a local village to see a traditional homestead, meet a sangoma (witchdoctor), explore the Zulu battlefields of legendary King Shaka, interact with traditional herdsmen and visit a local school. The trip can be very much tailored to suit your interests.

Motorboat safari : not included

The nearby St. Lucia Estuary is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Africa’s largest estuarine system and a renowned World Heritage Site, with very significant populations of crocodiles, hippos and waterfowl, as well as being a very significant breeding ground for the world-famous giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles.

Thanda can organise a two hour motorboat safari, which you can extend with an exploration of the town of St Lucia, maybe visiting one of the exceptional local seafood restaurants.

The motorboat safari usually involved joining other people on a 15 seater boat, but private trips can also be arranged.

The primary activity is vehicle safari, with a full range of wildlife.

Walking safari is also offered, but tends not to include deliberate approaches onto lions and elephants.

The best weather is usually May-Nov, but there are reasons to visit during other months.

The main potential downsides are the high prices, the heavy build of the lodge, the fenced reserve, shared safari activities and adverse weather Dec-Apr.

Thanda Safari Lodge, in common with all camps and lodges, does have a long list of potential downsides. Please do not be unnecessarily put off by this section. Our only intention in raising these issues is to ensure that you get to the best and most appropriate places and that your expectations are met and hopefully exceeded ...

High prices

The main problem with this property from most people's perspective are the high prices during the main safari seasons.

Relative to other properties in this area, it is certainly towards the top end of the range (although mid-priced compared with Kruger lodges). There is little disputing the quality here, but there is a very significant premium to pay for the privilege.

Rates during low seasons may be considerably lower, so that may be worth considering. Check the seasonality section above for more details.

It is worth noting that there are sometimes long stay discounts available. Please ask us for more information.

Expensive extras

Whilst it is wonderful that there is such a broad range of activities here in Thanda, you will notice that only the regular safari activities are included in the room rate, all the other tempting excursions are expensive paid extras.

Of course you don't have to splash out on any of these things, but the temptation is there.

Lesser sense of wilderness

Thanda is a relatively small, fully fenced reserve, which is partially surrounded by farmland and human habitation. Although once you are inside, there is plenty of space for pristine wilderness, there is no doubt that the area feels considerably less wild than the much larger conservation areas in Kruger and countries further north.

The fact that much of the wildlife is collared, monitored and treated by vets further reduces the sense of this being a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Hopefully over time the reserves of this KwaZulu Natal area will combine to create a much larger and more authentic wilderness, many of the necessary components are already in place.

Outside activities

Although some of the activities beyond the reserve (motorboat safari and village visits) are pretty good, driving in and out of the wildlife areas through the encircling fence may only serve to further reduce the sense of wilderness for some guests.

Lodge notes

Shared safari

In this camp separate groups of guests are often obliged to join together when out on safari. This is not necessarily a negative, sometimes it can be a great chance to get to meet some very interesting people and the best camp managers usually work hard to ensure guest compatibility. But some guests do find it to be a considerable negative.

The issue can be officially side-stepped by paying a private safari supplement, but this bumps the cost considerably.

Adverse weather

The most challenging period for weather in Natal Northeast is during the hot wet summer months of Dec-Mar, when the days can climb well over 30C/88F and the humidity can create really sticky and uncomfortable conditions, with night time temperatures often remaining well above 20C/68F.

These temperatures are significantly  offset by the fact that most of the lodges have air-conditioning.

Day length increases to 14 hours in December, but average sunshine hours can drop below six hours, reflecting the long periods of cloudy and overcast skies.

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Thanda Safari Lodge

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Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve

An authentically south africa wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment.

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Thanda Safari  

The award-winning Thanda Safari is situated in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean. It is the proud location of three very different properties, each with its own style, atmosphere and appeal. Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda’s flagship product, is known for its 9 bush suites – each, the height of luxurious exclusivity and African abundance. Villa iZulu, ideal for families and those with a special taste for privacy, is a bush homestead beyond any traditional understanding of extravagance and service. And Thanda Tented Camp, with its 14 grand tents and 1 grande deluxe tent, offers a truly relaxed and authentic safari experience. Guests can enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives; the best way to absorb the sights, smells and sounds of Africa. For those wanting to experience an in-depth cultural experience, Thanda offers community excursions following in the footsteps of Zulu ancestors. Conservation-minded guests are invited to spend a day in the path of wildlife, working with Thanda’s conservation team and assisting them with their daily operations. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World and is known for meaningful safari experiences and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s magnificent Big Five.

What we love about Thanda Safari

• After an exhilarating day in the bush — slip into cool, inviting waters of your private plunge pool, with a refreshing sundowner in hand.
• Enjoy a sumptuous African bush dinner by lantern and candle light, followed by a memorable evening of stargazing.

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Thanda Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 424
• Very Good 42
• All languages ( 490 )
• English ( 405 )
• German ( 33 )
• Swedish ( 23 )

" If you have mobility issues do not book room 9 . Also if you are not a bug person this is not for you ! "

" Just enjoy "

" Request Martin as your guide and Nhlanhla as your tracker! Tell them I say hi! "

" Enjoy every minute. Take some warm clothes for the drive. "

" Let them them before hand of any special occasions or requirements and they will make sure to comply. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THANDA SAFARI LODGE - Updated 2024

• Accommodation

Thanda Safari Lodge

Safari lodge  |  hluhluwe, zululand's own brand of luxury.

Zululand authenticity meets world-class luxury at the Thanda Safari Lodge , an exclusive hideout carefully designed with both the African landscape and the modern traveller in mind. The lodge’s nine Bush Suites were built to resemble a traditional Zulu homestead and are equipped with all the trimmings of a top-notch hotel.

The lodge is tucked away on the Thanda Private Game Reserve, a moist grassland sanctuary inhabited by the majestic Big 5 and over 400 species of birdlife. Explore the reserve on foot or on an open-vehicle game drive. The beaches of the St Lucia Wetlands are about an hour’s drive away and offer you the chance to go diving among the Indian Ocean’s reefs, sharks and sea turtles.

Back at the lodge, you’ll find no shortage of luxury. Each Bush Suite is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a private plunge pool and a private dining boma. Views can be enjoyed from the sun deck or the outdoor sala. The lodge also has a spa, a library and a wine cellar.

Thanda Safari Lodge Highlights

• Nine Bush Suites, each with private plunge pools and dining bomas
• Situated in Thanda Private Game Reserve, home to the Big 5 and over 400 species of birdlife
• Health and beauty treatments are offered at the Thanda Spa
• Beaches running along the warm Indian Ocean are only an hour’s drive away
• Each room comes with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and a safe

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Thanda Safari Lodge

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• Excellent 424
• Very Good 42
• All languages ( 490 )
• English ( 405 )
• German ( 33 )
• Swedish ( 23 )

" If you have mobility issues do not book room 9 . Also if you are not a bug person this is not for you ! "

" Just enjoy "

" Request Martin as your guide and Nhlanhla as your tracker! Tell them I say hi! "

" Enjoy every minute. Take some warm clothes for the drive. "

" Let them them before hand of any special occasions or requirements and they will make sure to comply. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Thanda Safari Lodge - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos

Thanda Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

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• Excellent 424
• Very Good 42
• All languages ( 490 )
• English ( 405 )
• German ( 33 )
• Swedish ( 23 )

" If you have mobility issues do not book room 9 . Also if you are not a bug person this is not for you ! "

" Just enjoy "

" Request Martin as your guide and Nhlanhla as your tracker! Tell them I say hi! "

" Enjoy every minute. Take some warm clothes for the drive. "

" Let them them before hand of any special occasions or requirements and they will make sure to comply. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THANDA SAFARI LODGE - Reviews & Price Comparison (Hluhluwe, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Villa iZulu – R 68,250 per night

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Villa iZulu

Up your safari experience..

VILLA IZULU

When it comes to luxury villas on Big Five private game reserves, Thanda Safari’s Villa iZulu has been honoured with the most awards of any luxury, privately-owned villa in Africa by the World Travel Awards. This magnificent Afro-chic safari villa was initially built as a private getaway for Thanda Safari’s Swedish owners, the Olofsson family, who subsequently opened it to guests. It has a butler, chef and manager attending to guests’ every need.

Situated in the heart of this Big Five private game reserve, Villa iZulu has five luxurious bedrooms en suite, a large living and dining area, Hemingway library, cellar and gym. It is situated in a beautifully landscaped garden, securely fenced in from the surrounding reserve. The garden has a swimming pool, boma and observation terrace overlooking a water hole. It is the ideal safari retreat for visitors who want complete solitude, as well as for families and children, friends, and discreet gatherings. Villa iZulu has its own helicopter pad as well as separate quarters for childminders and VIP security officials. A safari vehicle, guide and tracker is dedicated to Villa iZulu guests.

Step into Villa iZulu.

ACCOMMODATION

•  Maximum Guests - 10
•  Children of all ages welcome
•  Malaria Free
•  Private vehicle available

Things to do.

EXPERIENCES

•  Zulu Culture
•  Activities
•  Photography

A  wildlife African safari  is defined by the thrill of the Big Five. As a private game reserve Thanda Safari offers an exclusive, up-close experience of these magnificent animals and all the bush inhabitants

Zulu Culture

Zulu means ‘Heaven’ and the Zulu people are ‘The People of Heaven’. At Thanda Safari most of our team members are Zulu, and we offer a special Zulu cultural and community experience where you can visit families in our neighbouring villages in their traditional homesteads and take part in community projects and celebrations.

On a Thanda Safari, you can experience and participate in every aspect of wildlife conservation, including spending time with our specialist rhino monitors and conservation team or exploring beyond the reserve on a guided boat tour to experience hippos and crocodiles in the nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site.

Photography

Magnificent wildlife photography tells the story of your Thanda Safari in a way that words cannot. Thanda’s accomplished resident wildlife photographer and field guide, Christian Sperka is an expert at sharing the art of capturing wildlife on camera in a 90-minute session, at no charge to guests staying for two nights or more.

Witnessing your children experience the bush, discover new places and see wild animals for the first time – these memories of your stay at Thanda Safari will stay with you forever. We go out of our way to make sure your kids have the best time, including participating in our special Bucks & Bugs Club and our Junior Rangers Course.

Experience total pampering Thanda Safari style at our spa, where our expert therapists lead you on a journey of beauty, relaxation and healing, based on a combination of Western and Zulu holistic treatments.

Dining on safari at Thanda is an experience of our chefs’ pursuit of deliciousness at every meal. From our sumptuous bush breakfasts to our legendary high teas and fire-lit boma dinners, our menus offer unique Thanda dishes and tastes, combined with carefully chosen wines and impeccable service.

Weddings & Honeymoons

Thanda means ‘Love’ and we specialise in making sure that every aspect of your celebration and ceremony is exquisite, with a special team dedicated to your every need.

Rates & Packages.

• Getting to Thanda Safari
• KwaZulu Natal

DRIVE:   Thanda Safari is situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, some 260km north of Durban. From Durban, take the N2 towards Hluhluwe. Approximately 20km (12 miles) past the turn-off for Hluhluwe, turn left onto the D242, and continue for approximately 5km (3 miles) on the gravel road to the   Thanda Safari   gate on the right.

FLY:   If you are flying into local Richards Bay Airport or King Shaka International Airport in Durban, a transfer can be arranged, where our team will meet you and drive you to the reserve. International guests often fly to South Africa via O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations, with magnificent scenery and a warm climate. The area is known worldwide as an incredibly diverse, exciting region to visit. The province offers three geographical areas: the Lowland Region along the Indian Ocean, the Central Region (Natal Midlands), and two legendary mountainous areas: the Drakensberg Mountains to the west and the Lebombo Mountains to the north.

Why visit KZN?

• It’s home to Thanda Safari!
• It’s summer all year round.
• KZN is home to the ‘Golden Mile’ and its sun-drenched beaches.
• There is rich cultural fusion.
• It is the traditional home of the Zulu people.
• Durban is known as a surfing hotspot.
• The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, is in KZN.
• Diving enthusiasts can explore the region’s many spectacular reefs, including   Aliwal Shoal   – a rocky reef, five kilometres from the coast and four kilometres long.
• History enthusiasts can follow the Inanda Heritage Trail.
• Downtown Durban is home to the Juma Masjid Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere.
• KZN is the gateway to the glorious   Drakensberg   mountains.
• Large schools of dolphins are frequently sited close to shore along the KZN coast.
• Southern Right and Humpback whales are in these waters from July to November.
• uShaka Marine World   is a must-visit for every age.

Plan your stay with us.

Destinations.

South Africa Tanzania Mediterranean

Thanda Safari Lodge Thanda Tented Camp Villa iZulu The Royal Thanda Club Thanda Island Thanda Classic Cruise

Thanda Gallery Thanda Island Gallery Thanda Cruise Gallery Villa iZulu Gallery The Royal Thanda Club Gallery

+27 32 586 0149 [email protected]