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Thanda Private Game Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Experiences – Family Vacations, Wildlife & Safari, Cultural Journeys

Getaway Experiences
  • Enjoy game drives in open 4x4 vehicles provide opportunities to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
  • Experience guided birding tours which allow enthusiasts to spot a variety of species, including raptors, waterfowl, and endemic birds.
  • Guests can participate in guided tours to nearby communities, visit cultural villages, and experience traditional Zulu dancing, music, and cuisine.
  • Learn about the wildlife conservation initiative through guided tours and presentations, gaining insight into the efforts to protect endangered species and support local communities.
  • Embark on an extraordinary private cruise adventure with Thanda, where opulent luxury meets scenic splendour. 
  • Discover the thrill of water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming with whale sharks.
Highlights
  • A premier Big Five safari destination, showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences,
  • 4 distinct accommodation options each with their own style, atmosphere and appeal.  
  • Its commitment to sustainable tourism and giving back to the local community with innovative projects. 
  • Beautiful beaches and reefs are nearby including world-class scuba diving, it is the perfect mix of beaches.
  • Discover exclusive yacht charters and curated cruise itineraries to stunning destinations especially for you.
  • Enjoy dining experiences under the African sky, often accompanied by traditional entertainment and exceptional cuisine prepared by talented chefs.
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Services & Amenities
  • Tariffs & Packages
Overview
thanda private game reserve top view

Thanda, which means "Love” in isiZulu, is a truly authentic African wildlife experience and embraces a love for nature and wildlife as has been proven by its commitment to the environment and conservation. It is an ideal luxury destination for lovers of the bush and the beach. Located in northern Zululand and Kwazulu Natal, Thanda is home to the big 5 and plenty of other wildlife. Yet it is only an hour away from Sodwana bay where guests can enjoy a range of ocean activities. 


Thanda has 4 very different, very unique accommodation options to offer – Thanda Safari Lodge, The flagship product, Villa Izulu for those who want the utmost in luxury and privacy and Thanda Tented camp which offers a truly authentic safari experience. The facilities at Thanda include fine dining, a well stocked wine cellar & cigar bar, an award winning wellness center and viewing decks overlooking the water features. The Bush and Bugs club and the Thanda Junior Rangers Club are designed especially for children. Thanda has consciously supported the local community through various initiatives.
Location

Thanda Private Game Reserve is located in KwaZulu-Natal. It is accessible by a flight to Richard's Bay from either Johannesburg or Durban. It is a 3 hour drive from Durban and a 1 ½ hours from Richards Bay airport.

Rooms

Thanda has 4 very different, very unique accommodation options to offer – Thanda Safari Lodge, the flagship product, Villa iZulu for those who want the utmost in luxury and privacy and Thanda Tented camp which offers a truly authentic safari experience. The Thanda Tented camp also has the romantic Jabula Tent.

  • Thanda Safari Lodge

    The stunning safari lodge offers a lavish living space, heated plunge pool and outside ‘sala’ or resting area overlooking the reserve. The circular design of the suites pays homage to the region’s Zulu culture where traditional homesteads are circular in design. The suites are far enough from one other for privacy but without feeling isolated. Thanda Safari Lodge’s central dining and gathering area includes an inviting lounge, expansive deck and library overlooking a waterhole, private business area, cigar bar and impressive wine cellar. Thanda Safari Lodge has a spa where a range of treatments are offered in the tranquil therapy rooms or outside in the sala space with beautiful views of the reserve. The therapists are trained in a wide range of treatments, including a combination of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices. The room features a private plunge pool, mosquito nets, a bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, a double vanity, a minibar and an in-room safe for all your belongings.

  • Thanda Tented Camp

    Thanda Tented Camp has a central living area for relaxing and dining, with a swimming pool and boma where guests sit around the fire at night or enjoy a bush braai. All in an evocative wilderness environment complemented with flickering firelight and lanterns illuminating the paths to the tents at night. Guests are escorted by guards to their safari tents in the evening. The Camp epitomizes the classic African safari, with fifteen deluxe safari tents in an evocative wilderness environment, complemented with flickering firelight and lanterns illuminating the path at night. Each tent includes its own sun terrace as well as en-suite canvas bathrooms. For guests on honeymoon or for special occasions or families, there is the sumptuous Jabula safari tent. It has a king-sized bed and separate lounge, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, splash pool and spectacular views. In the central area, there is a rim-flow pool, a boma for sitting around the fire at night or enjoying a bush barbecue, and an evocative Hemingway-style lounge and dining area.

  • Villa iZulu

    Villa iZulu is an exclusive and luxurious accommodation option within the Thanda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It is a magnificent villa that offers privacy, comfort, and a range of amenities for discerning guests.The villa features spacious suites, each elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities. It includes a central living area, dining room, library, and outdoor entertainment spaces such as a swimming pool and sun deck. Guests at Villa iZulu enjoy personalized service with a dedicated team of staff, including a private chef, butler, and game ranger. This ensures a seamless and comfortable stay throughout your time at Thanda Private Game Reserve. In addition to safari adventures, Villa iZulu provides opportunities for relaxation with spa treatments, yoga sessions, and wellness programs designed to rejuvenate guests after exhilarating days spent exploring the reserve.

  • The Royal Thanda Club

    The Royal Residences are situated within a high security, safe access controlled enclosed estate in the central part of Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve. Guests can freely roam, run, cycle and explore the 386-hectare game-fenced area of the estate where there are no dangerous wild animals, yet all of the plains game to enjoy and appreciate. Each exclusive-use Royal Residence is magnificently designed and elegantly furnished for natural flow and sophistication, referencing a unique Zulu architectural theme. They are positioned for absolute privacy with never-ending views over the game reserve. Guests have a butler and private chef, and enjoy Leading Hotels of the World dining and hospitality. Thanda’s highly experienced guides and trackers lead them during their unforgettable Big Five Safari.

Services & Amenities
  • 4 distinct accommodation options each with their own style, atmosphere and appeal.  
  • Experience stunning natural surroundings with luxurious, exclusive accommodation 
  • Dining offering gourmet South African cuisine
  • Safari’s with a wide range of magnificent African wildlife 
  • Guided bush walks accompanied by a game ranger
  • A world class spa & wellness center

Tariffs & Packages

Estimated Average Price: From ZAR 11,160 per night excluding taxes, the reserve also has a minimum two- night stay policy.


 
Terms & Conditions:
  • The estimated average price listed is for the base category room and is only indicative and may /may not include taxes. Please speak to or mail our luxury travel consultants with your dates of travel or fill out our enquiry form and we will revert with the best currently available price / offer for the chosen room category
  • The exclusive and/or special offers, if listed, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without prior notice. Proof of eligibility maybe required to avail of some types of special offers (eg: honeymoon offers)
  • The booking, payment and cancellation policies of the hotel/s will apply and our luxury travel consultants will advice you of the same at the time of reservation
  • Check in time for most hotels worldwide is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 hrs. Early check in will be on request and is subject to availability
  • We do not levy any booking fees or service charges