Southern Africa Travel - World leaders in tailor-made African travel.
2010, 11 & 12 Winner of
the World Travel Awards Leading Luxury Tour Operator for South Africa
36 YearsTailor-made
WINNER OF MULTIPLE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS - 'Africa’s leading Luxury Game Reserve' in 2012, 'Africa's Leading Luxury Villa‘ in 2011, 'Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ in 2010 and more. Thanda Private Game Reserve lies 23 km's north of the prestigious Hluhluwe Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The safari lodge is set on an 8 000 hectare (20 000 acre), private Big Five game reserve located in a malaria-free area near the scenic east coast. The name Thanda is the Zulu translation of ‘love’, aptly describing this romantic and intimate lodge infused with Zulu cultural influences. The nine luxurious villas at this exclusive lodge, feature private rim-flow pools, game viewing decks and private open-air bomas. These bush villas have their own lounge areas fitted with cosy fireplaces, as well as full bathrooms featuring both outdoor and indoor showers.
Facilities in the main lodge area, include a spacious lounge, library, dining room, as well as an open-sided boma and outdoor dining deck. Thanda Lodge also boasts a well-stocked wine cellar, cigar bar, state-of-the-art business facilities and game viewing decks. The lodge villas can accommodate 10 guests, as a group booking or individually. Guests can enjoy pampering treatments in the award-winning wellness centre. The tented camp at the lodge is styled in a classical colonial safari fashion, creating an authentic, luxury African bush experience. The luxurious tents feature wooden viewing decks and en suite bathrooms constructed of canvas. Facilities at the tented camp include a ambient dining tent, outdoor boma area and an open-sided lounge area featuring a plunge pool.
A traditional homestead, called Vula Zulu, is located next to Thanda and showcases traditional Zulu dancing. These ancient dancing rituals performed by Zulu warriors once served as rites of battle, completing the rich cultural experience at Thanda.
Thanda Private Game Reserve provides luxury bush accommodation in harmonious balance with untamed nature. Accommodation ranges from romantic bush villas to luxury tented suites at the colonial-style safari camp. The luxurious villas each feature private bomas, plunge pools, open-air pavillions and wooden decks, as well as open plan lounge areas, indoor fireplaces and en suite bathrooms, with outdoor showers.
The luxury tented camp is electricity free, adding to the romance the bush experience, without compromising on comfort. The four en suite tents are ideal for getting up close to unspoilt nature in complete style. These tastefully furnished safari tents are fitted with large four-poster beds and offer spectacular views of the game-rich bush. Thanda Private Game Reserve has a wellness centre offering various therapeutic treatments in a stunning bush setting. The safari lodge also features several beautiful venues for fine dining in the wilderness.
6 Nights | 7 Days
Forget the winter blues with this six-night South African escape to the sub-tropical climate of KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast. We combine a thrilling safari adventure in the untamed Thanda Private Game Reserve with the romance of the untouched, white sandy beaches of Thonga Beach Lodge.
7 Nights | 8 Days
Discover the beauty of KwaZulu Natal, the sun-drenched beaches, the famous KwaZulu Natal battlefields and the magical African wilderness.
Thanda is set on 5 300 hectares of untamed wilderness, not far from the Indian Ocean, offering a ‘Big Five’ wildlife and beach holiday adventure.
Thanda Private Game Reserve is 350 kilometres from Durban International Airport and 120 kilometres from Richards Bay Airport.
It was truly an experience we will never forget— Braden Bledsoe, USA
Superb in Every Way— Mr Dave Cohen, UK
It is a truly amazing place— Sandra Donnan
