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Property Overview
With a name that means “love” in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentically South African wildlife experience matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Opened by the Zulu monarch, His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu, the reserve's motto is “Proudly Conservationist. Uniquely Zulu. Incomparably Thanda.” Located in northern Zululand in KwaZulu Natal, Thanda is home to abundant wildlife, including Africa’s magnificent Big Five. Visitors spend their days on game drives or bush walks and are encouraged to engage in a selection of conservation and cultural programs. Evenings are reserved for fine dining, enjoying wines from the well-stocked cellar, relaxing around the bonfire and star gazing. The luxurious accommodations range from Thanda’s flagship product, Thanda Safari Lodge, which encompasses 9 bush suites, to the exclusive-use Villa iZulu and the ruggedly elegant and utterly romantic Thanda Tented Camp, comprising 15 luxury tents.
Property Highlights
1 / African Safari
A true African experience goes beyond the five senses. Enjoy daily game drives and encounter Africa’s Big Five that have inspired a long-lasting connection with the continent.
2 / Conservation
Thanda’s guides, trackers and researchers are determined to ensure that wildlife is protected and preserved. Join the conservation team and go rhino tracking and experience what it’s like to be in the path of wildlife.
3 / Culture
Follow in the footsteps of the Zulus to enjoy an in-depth cultural experience and learn more about the welcoming "people of heaven”.
Property Highlights
1 / African Safari
A true African experience goes beyond the five senses. Enjoy daily game drives and encounter Africa’s Big Five that have inspired a long-lasting connection with the continent.
2 / Conservation
Thanda’s guides, trackers and researchers are determined to ensure that wildlife is protected and preserved. Join the conservation team and go rhino tracking and experience what it’s like to be in the path of wildlife.
3 / Culture
Follow in the footsteps of the Zulus to enjoy an in-depth cultural experience and learn more about the welcoming "people of heaven”.
Rooms
Features
- Total Suites: 9
- Total Villas: 1
- Luxury Tents: 15
- Library
- Private Business Room
- Wine Cellar
- Curio Shop
- Parking
- Babysitting Services
- Two Daily Game Drives
- Bush Walk
- Children's Programs
- Safaris
- Spa
- Swimming Pool(s)
Local Information
Thanda Safari
D242 off the N2, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal, 3960 South Africa
90 minutes from Richards Bay Airport
(Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, UK) Call 00800 10 10 11 11
(USA & Canada) Call 1 800 745 8883
(Japan) Call 0120-086-230 toll free (Japan Only)
(Italy) Call 800 822 005
All Other Countries27
country dialing code
GMT+2
time zone
Awards & Accolades
Local Recommendations
Best View
For a 360-degree vista of Thanda’s incredible Big Five reserve, experience the highest point on Thanda, aptly named World’s View. Perhaps even propose to your loved one here, in style.
Best Activity/Excursion
Work with Thanda’s Wildlife Team to insert tracking devices into the horns of our rhinos - one of several anti-poaching measures that Thanda has introduced to assist this unique animal threatened with extinction.
What to Buy
A symbol of love and affection woven into exquisite bead work by the local Zulu women.
Best Restaurant Classic
As night settles on the reserve, your guide steers the game drive vehicle towards a row of lanterns in the wild where a bush feast has been prepared for you, with a choice of Thanda’s delectable dishes created by our chefs.
Three Top Sights
1. Rounding a bend on the game drive and seeing a pride of lions.
2. Awakening to your own completely private view of the wilderness.
3. Experiencing an African sunset. Many guests say they will never forget this ancient and deeply moving experience.
Best Cocktail with a View
At sunset on the game drive, your field guide selects one of Thanda’s unforgettable outlook points to toast the last rays of African light with a Thanda Martini.
Best Cultural Secret
The Zulu people refer to the Marula Tree that grows on Thanda as the Marriage Tree. They believe that marriages held under this tree are divinely blessed. We invite you to make or renew your wedding vows here, where a powerful awareness of the circle of life will embrace you.