About Thanda Safari Lodge

Thanda Safari Lodge has nine luxury bush suites which offer guests the epitome of self-contained privacy and sheer luxury. Circular in structure and reminiscent of a traditional homestead against a hill, each of the suites boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding 14 000-hectare private game reserve.

Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa’s top award winning safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean. The inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body. It’s the unique and sought after balance between energizing and exclusive relaxation that we want to share with you and your dear ones. It is here that one finds Thanda Private Game Reserve. The nine luxury bush suites at the safari lodge offer a level of opulence that is hard to surpass, 220m in size, each with private splash pools and private bomas, ideal for intimate open-air dinners. The outdoor salas are impossible to resist for an afternoon siesta on feather-filled cushions amid extraordinary views of the surrounding unfenced bush. Each suite has a fireplace interleading between the bedroom and the lounge. Luxurious bathrooms have enormous egg-shaped baths, and indoor as well as outdoor showers.

Should the urge arise to venture out of your private retreat, Thanda’s public areas include a library, business centre, a finely stocked wine cellar and several dining venues where deliciously mouth-watering meals are served. Culinary masterpieces skilfully prepared by the dedicated and professional chefs can be experienced in a variety of venues at Thanda. The public facilities of the main lodge include a fire-lit dining room, outdoor dining decks and an outdoor ‘boma’ (open reed enclosure). Private dining is available at the bush suites, where meals can be served in the private bomas or the private decks of each suite, under sparkling skies on clear nights. Bush breakfasts, lunches or dinners are also available for special occasions.

A superbly stocked wine cellar and cigar bar are available at the main lodge. Thanda is an exquisite venue for a honeymoon or a bush wedding. All co-ordination requirements will be taken care of by the lodge, from the legal documents to arranging an ordained minister, ensuring that the most special day of your life is totally unforgettable and stress-free. Thanda can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests, however the lodge is able to cater for more guests for the wedding ceremony and reception, and would assist in finding additional accommodation nearby if required.

Of course, for those guests who would prefer to savour the peace of the luxury bush retreats, enjoy the stillness of the stars above you with the privacy of your own outdoor fireplace, or a variety of relaxing therapies and beauty treatments offered by the wellness centre Thanda Private Game Reserve has created a world-class spa facility with exclusive treatments which consist of reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stone massage using African essential oils in a base of shea butter, pressure point scalp massage, manicures, pedicures, hot & cold outdoor kniepp therapy pools, a reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area, steam room & hydrotherapy bath all with a unique Zulu feel and designed exclusively for Thanda.

VILLA IZULU

Villa Izulu was conceptualised and crafted for Swedish investor Dan Olofsson and his family and has now been made available to the public. Fit for royalty and surrounded by expanses of African bush, the Royal Private Villa can accommodate ten guests in five luxuriously appointed suites (three queens and two doubles).

The exclusive-use Villa Izulu welcomes family and groups of friends to enjoy the luxury and privacy of this five star home away from home. It was designed for a family and has a range of facilities that will make a family stay enjoyable and fun but still luxurious and exclusive.

About Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve

Thanda Private Game Reserve aims to restore nature’s balance by reintroducing species endemic to the area (for example, Wild Dog), as well as the Big Five. The rehabilitated land has encouraged the bird and wildlife to flourish, and has assisted in the re-establishment of the natural ecosystem. Game drives in the open game viewing vehicles and bush walks guided by knowledgeable and experienced game rangers and trackers afford guests a better understanding and appreciation of our wild heritage.

Private game drives are also available on request. Other activities arranged by Thanda include fresh-water and deep-sea fishing, or at a nearby non-Big Five game reserve, swimming and walking along the pristine beaches at the Indian ocean and having your own beach barbeque, snorkeling, birding safaris, microlight flights, midnight turtle tours to Mbibi, kayak and canoe safaris and visits to a traditional village and school.

Lodge Features

Additional Activities

• In the Footsteps of the Zulus (Fully tailor-made activity, minimum 2 pax) –  Daily
• In the Path of Wildlife (Fully tailor-made activity, minimum 2 pax) –  Daily
• Rhino Tracking (max 4 guests) – Daily
• Rhino Darting (half day, fully tailor-made activity, maximum 14 pax) – Daily
• Hippo & Croc Cruise (5 hour excursion – min 2 pax) – Daily
• Zulu Blessing (1 hour, fully tailor-made activity, 2 pax)The above activities are on request and will at an additional charge. It is recommended that you book them in advance with the lodge directly.