Thanda Safari is a unique bush experience in the heart of Northern Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Combined with a cultural and ecological element that offers guests a special retreat into luxury and value for money. Directly translated from Zulu; Thanda means “love”. And it is an expression of the magical union of powerful Zulu culture, wildlife, romance, and exclusivity.
Thanda Safari is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. It offers guests a choice between the opulence of the main lodge, Thanda Safari Lodge. The rugged refinement of the safari-style tented camp, Thanda Tented Camp. Or an exclusive-use Villa. Or the new The Royal Residences. All four options offer five-star accommodation and service in very private surroundings.
The inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bushland of Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal; 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 is this unique and sought-after balance between energizing and exclusive relaxation. That we want to share with you and your dear ones.
Thanda Safari’s ethos is based on the people, wildlife, and the environment. Coming together to conserve the region’s wild, natural surroundings. While partnering in socio-economic upliftment, job creation, education, and skills development in the region.
Thanda Safari is a multiple World’s Leading Luxury Lodge winner that is frequently featured in the media. Whichever Thanda Safari accommodation option you chose; you know you will be well taken care of. Thanda Safari Game Reserve can accommodate up to 60 x guests and 30 x children in its three accommodation options. Plus, The Royal Residences. This makes it ideal for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, and other group needs. However; you would never realize this; as each lodge is small and intimate.
Thanda Safari Lodge ↓
About Thanda Safari Lodge
The main lodge encompasses 9 x bush suites which offer guests the epitome of self-contained privacy and sheer luxury. Reminiscent of a traditional Zulu homestead against a hill. Circular in structure; each of the air-conditioned suites boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding game reserve. 220 m2 in size, each suite has its own spacious lounge area and master bedroom with an interleading fireplace. A thatched outdoor game-viewing deck (sala) and a private heated infinity pool offer refreshing solace from the summer heat. Each of the villas has a full ensuite bathroom. Complete with an enormous oval-shaped bath that is big enough for two. And indoor and outdoor showers. The villas are all equipped with private bomas; for an intimate and romantic candlelit dining experience.
The shared areas are sumptuously African. Including an inviting lounge, expansive deck, and library overlooking a waterhole, private business area, and an impressive wine cellar. As well as the Thanda Safari Spa.
Thanda Safari Lodge is ideal for honeymoons and romantic occasions.
Thanda Safari Lodge with private pool and sala
About Thanda Tented Camp ↓
Thanda Tented Camp
Thanda Tented Camp offers an authentic African experience with its 15 x luxurious safari tents. Colonial-safari style; complemented with flickering firelight and lanterns illuminating your path at night. Camp with glamour (glamping) and a uniquely romantic ambiance. Each spacious tent comes with a private sun deck as well as an en-suite canvas bathroom. The camp has limited solar and battery power with a backup generator. This allows the tents to have power for a few hours each day to charge cameras and phones.
Within Thanda Tented Camp is Jabula Tent. It is romantic and private; yet beautifully spacious. Decorated in sophisticated safari chic, it is ideal for bridal couples, honeymooners, and special occasion travelers. As well as families wanting to share with each other under one canvas roof. The Jabula Tent has a king bed, a lounge area, an en-suite canvas bathroom with an outdoor shower. And a private splash pool; with spectacular views of the 14 000ha game reserve.
As a deterrent to wildlife, there is a partially electrified fence; along the perimeter of the camp. It’s shared areas include a reception area, a curio shop, a lounge area and a dining area. A large rim-flow pool is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. There is a boma, as well as a spa tent. All are decorated in natural shades and complemented by the rich, warm hues of the African sunset.
Jabula Tent Bedroom with lounge area
About Villa iZulu ↓
Villa iZulu
This magnificent Afro-chic safari villa was initially built as a private getaway for Thanda Safari’s Swedish owners, the Olofsson family. Who have subsequently opened it to guests. It has a butler, chef and manager attending to guests’ every need.
Villa iZulu offers total seclusion, elegance, and luxury encompassed in 1 000m². Voted as Africa’s Leading Luxury Villa Accommodation at the World Travel Awards. This magnificent air-conditioned villa has five lovely bedrooms sleeping up to 10 x guests. It is the ideal safari retreat for celebrities and royalty. Plus visitors who want complete solitude as well as for families, friends, and gatherings. Villa iZulu features its own helicopter pad as well as separate quarters for childminders and VIP security officials.
Villa iZulu’s public areas are colorful and drenched in light, with touches of beading, welcoming leather, and authentic wood. They include an inviting library / cigar room, a spacious lounge, and a grand piano. A wooden deck around a heated pool overlooks a waterhole that is popular with giraffes and other wildlife. On the deck, you will also find basic gym equipment, table tennis facilities, and a dart board. There is also a private business area, and a games room for fun-filled days spent at your Villa. Furthermore; an impressively stocked wine cellar.
Villa iZulu at Thanda – exclusive-use safariWaterhole in front of Villa iZulu
About The Royal Residences ↓
The Royal Residences
The Royal Residences are located in the western part of Thanda within The Royal Thanda Club Estate. A 386 hectare fenced area free of dangerous game. Therefore, allowing guests to walk, cycle and run within the Estate.
Each exclusive-use villa has been exquisitely designed and elegantly furnished. Epitomizing natural flow and sophistication, and incorporating an unique Zulu design theme. They are positioned to offer absolute privacy and show stopping views.
The villas range in size from 587m² to 945m², accommodating between eight and ten guests depending on the design. Each villa has its own swimming pool and unique charm.
The Royal Residences exteriorThe Royal Residences bedroom
Activities at Thanda Safari
Early morning and late afternoon open vehicle game drives in search of the Big Five. All under the supervision of knowledgeable rangers and trackers.
On your safari on Thanda’s 14 000-ha game reserve; you’ll see an incredible range of animals. These include cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, warthogs, and abundant bird and plant life.
Lion catching a zebraCheetah cubsThanda Leopard
A guided walk through the bush is a completely thrilling experience of the wilderness and all its inhabitants. Thanda’s guides and trackers will share their extensive knowledge and animal-tracking ability with you. As well as ancient Zulu stories of the wild.
Birding
As a result of Thanda Safari’s multitude of habitats and micro habitats. As well as being the meeting place of tropical and temperate biomes; it is a hotspot of diversity. Thanda Safari has been acknowledged as a landowner within the Zululand Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Therefore detailed records are kept of all bird species by wildlife team members; using Bird Atlasing (distribution, abundance, long-term change as well as their seasonal patterns). It is also a member of Birdlife South Africa.
Blue WaxbillBrown-hooded Kingfisher
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 is an expert at sharing the art of capturing wildlife on camera.
Aside from these short complementary lessons, he also offers longer photography sessions. These take guests out into the bush for a more practical experience. Covering a variety of wildlife subjects of all sizes. A wonderful offering for birders and non-birders alike. It also allows you to choose between a half-day and a full-day optional excursion to the nearby Mkhuze Game Reserve. Mkhuze features some of the most active hides in South Africa. They are visited by hundreds of animals and a large number of bird species.
Thanda Safari and Christian Sperka Photography now also offer a luxury photography game-viewing vehicle. Called the Green Mamba. This converted Land Rover Defender is the ultimate wildlife safari vehicle. It takes two photographers, with an additional three guests; in ultimate comfort. Some of the special features include a Marine sound system for playing bird sounds and a 12.9″ Apple iPad Pro with various nature apps. Even a Thanda-style bush bar and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Photography safari vehicle
Zulu Culture
At Thanda Safari most of the team members are Zulu. Gain a special introduction to the Zulu people in the community. They generously share their living culture, ancient traditions, and stories of their founding monarch; the legendary King Shaka Zulu. Experience a traditional Zulu homestead, visit a traditional Zulu healer or Sangoma and experience spellbinding Zulu singing and war dancing.
Zulu Culture
Other Activities on offer from Thanda Safari
On a Thanda Safari, you can experience and participate in every aspect of wildlife conservation. One of the highlights is spending time with specialist rhino monitors and conservation teams. Or visit the nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park on a guided boat tour to experience hippos and crocodiles.
Being so close to the Indian Ocean; Thanda is also able to offer a world-class bush and beach breakaway. Some of the beach options include horse riding on the beach, whale watching, diving packages, and snorkeling.
Family Safaris at Thanda Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu
Child Policy and Family Safari ↓
Enjoy a family safari holiday and witness your kids experiencing and discovering the Big Five. And all the other creatures in the bush for the first time. This is an incredible, ‘once in a lifetime feeling’. To add to this, Thanda offers something special just for kids. The Bucks & Bugs Club; where your children have the time of their lives. While you get to enjoy time out in the bush or relax at your lodge, camp, or spa.
While you’re staying at Thanda Safari; your kids can also join the Junior Rangers Course. They spend time with one of the guides; learning the ways of the wild. They’ll learn about game tracking, game spotting, spoor identification as well as bird and plant life. At the end of their stay, they will receive a Junior Ranger Certificate. Something they will cherish for years to come.
Kids on safari
Children of all ages are welcome at Thanda Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu. Children under 3 years old stay free of charge. While ages 3 – 16 pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing a suite with 2 full paying adults. Two children aged 16 and younger can share with 2 adults. Cots are available for children up to the age of 2; kids aged 3 – 16 sleep on individual single beds. Children aged 17 and older pay normal rates.
Child Activities and Dining
No children under the age of 3 may go on open game drive vehicles. Or dine in the boma, dining room, or on decks. We can arrange a private boma experience for families traveling with children under the age of 3. Else; childminders are available at a nominal extra rate.
For children under the age of 3; there is a ‘Bush Bumble’ in a closed vehicle. This is inbetween the morning and afternoon game drives.
Children aged from 3 to 6 may participate in game drives on a private game drive vehicle. This is at an additional cost. Or if there are six guests in the group who will be seated on the same game drive vehicle. Children from the age of 6 may participate in the lodge game drives. Thanda Safari Lodge is unfenced; therefore wild animals can roam between the suites and the main lodge area. Villa iZulu is fenced to provide safety from wildlife.
Thanda Tented Camp welcomes children aged 6 years and over. A child up to 16 years pays 50% of the adult rate; when sharing a suite with 2 adults. The Jabula Tent can sleep up to 2 children of 6 years and older. Children aged 17 and older pay normal adult rates.
Children from the age of 6 may participate in the lodge game drives.
Where is Thanda Safari?
Thanda Safari is in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), with close proximity to the warm Indian Ocean. It is some 260kms north of Durban; making it ideal for a self-drive safari or alternatively; we can arrange transfers. It is also an easy road access to Southern Mozambique.
Richards Bay is the nearest commercial airport, a 1½ hour’s drive away. Durban (King Shaka International Airport) is the nearest international airport, a 3-hour drive. Flights from Johannesburg also operate to neighboring Phinda Private Game Reserve on a daily basis. From where we can arrange a transfer to Thanda.
Best time to visit Thanda
Wildlife viewing at Thanda is excellent all year round. Zululand can get very hot. If you prefer to avoid the hottest times, then travel in the cooler months between May to October. Rainfall occurs between October and March and peaks in January. The average temperature in January is 28ºC with high humidity, and the average temperature in July is 22ºC.
Accommodation Rates at Thanda Safari Lodge
Off-Peak Season:
8th January until 13th December 2024
Peak Season:
14th December 2024 until 5th January 2025
Per person sharing
R 9 965
R 11 160
Single
R 12 456
R 13 950
Per child from 3 – 16 years of age; sharing with 2 adults
R 4 983
R 5 580
Thanda Safari Lodge Rates Include
Luxury accommodation per night, Two game drives per day with a professional guide and tracker, Bush walks with specialist walking guides, All meals, Selected local beverages, house wines, local spirits, and beers; and minibar, Laundry, WiFi is available in public areas and rooms.
SADC rates are also available so please mention where you are from in your inquiry.
Thanda Tented Camp Accommodation Rates per night
Off-Peak Season:
8th January until 13th December 2024
Peak Season:
14th December 2024 until 5th January 2025
Regular Tents per person sharing
R 5 595
R 6 266
Regular Tents single
R 6 994
R 7 833
Regular Tents per child 6 – 16 years of age; sharing with two adults
R 2 798
R 3 133
Jabula Tent per person sharing
R 6 855
R 7 677
Jabula Tent single
R 8 569
R 9 596
Jabula Tent per child from 6 – 16 years of age; sharing with two adults
R 3 428
R 3 839
Thanda Tented Camp Rates Include:
Tented accommodation, Two game drives per day with professional guide and tracker, All meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), Minibar, WiFi in public areas.
Laundry and Guided bush walks with specialist walking guides are not included. However, guided bush walks are available at an additional cost.
Tanda Tented Camp may also be on an exclusive-use basis; when you book a minimum of 10 x tents.
Villa iZulu Accommodation Rates per night
Exclusive use for a maximum of 10 guests Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2024: R105 000 Peak Season: 18th December 2024 until 7th January 2025: R117 600
Rates at Villa iZulu Include: Private bush residence including Villa iZulu host, service team, chef, guide, tracker, All meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), Bush walks with specialist walking guides, WiFi and laundry.
The Royal Residences Accommodation Rates
4 Suites – exclusive use – max 8 guests: Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2024: R 150 000 Peak Season: 18th December 2024 until 7th January 2025: R 168 000
5 Suites – exclusive use – max 10 guests: Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2024: R 187 500 Peak Season: 18th December 2024 until 7th January 2025: R 210 000
The Royal Residences Rates include: Private luxury Villa including Villa host, service team, chef, guide, tracker, All meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), Bush walks with specialist walking guides, WiFi and laundry.
All Thanda Safari Rates Excludes
Spa treatments Cellar wines, champagnes, all imported spirits and beers Transfers to / from Thanda Safari Curios, gratuities, and telephone calls Conservation Levy per person per stay
Thanda Safari Offers and Packages
Three-Night Honeymoon Safari
Discounted rates for honeymoon couples staying three nights at either Thanda Safari Lodge or the Jabula Tent at Thanda Tented Camp. In addition, couples will also get: A private romantic dinner, A scented bath with a romantic turndown and champagne on ice, Chocolate fondue for two, A beaded Zulu necklace, A traditional Zulu wedding blessing under a Marula tree.
The cost of the three-night honeymoon package is: Thanda Safari Lodge: R 44 844 per couple Jabula Tent: R 30 849 per couple
The above honeymoon package rates are valid for guests who got married 12 months or less from travel dates. Valid between the 8th of January and the 13th of December 2024
Mid-week Romance Package
For all romantic couples, young and old, we offer our Mid-Week Romance Package (Sunday-Thursday). This features two nights at either Thanda Safari Lodge or Thanda Tented Camp with its choice of luxury safari tents. The cost of the two-night romance package is: Thanda Safari Lodge: R 40 335 per couple Thanda Tented Camp: R 22 855 per couple Jabula Tent: R 27 895 per couple
The package includes all game drives, meals, and selected local beverages. As well as a private moonlit dinner (Lodge only), a bottle of Cap Classique, and a 30-minute couple’s massage.
Valid between the 8th of January and the 13th of December 2024
Renew your vows or get married
Book a traditional Zulu Blessing. The Zulu blessing is done by a local Zulu and is typically held under the Marula tree. Also called the ‘fertility tree’ or the ‘marriage tree’; it is a sacred tree amongst the Zulus.
We can tailor-make this ceremony for you but prices start at around R4 500 for 2 people. This includes a 1-hour blessing and a half-day private game drive vehicle.
In addition, what could be more romantic than a full destination wedding at Thanda Safari – see our Thanda Safari Weddings
4-night Thanda Combo Package
Pay for two nights at Thanda Safari Lodge and one night at Thanda Tented Camp; and get an extra night at Thanda Tented Camp for free!
The above 4-night combo package is valid from 8th of January and the 13th of December 2024
Pay / Stay Offers
Enjoy complimentary nights at Thanda Safari Lodge or Thanda Tented Camp with our free night offers.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 Valid in May, June, July, and August 2024
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 Valid from 8th of January and the 13th of December 2024
Zulu and Pearls Package
We also have a great 7-night package for you to combine a safari at Thanda Safari with White Pearl Resorts in Southern Mozambique. This is called the Zulu and Pearls Package – see more info on this link.
Collars & Conservation Safari Package
Every booking of this five-night Collars & Conservation Safari enables the purchase of a GPS collar. It provides six guests at a time with the rare opportunity to witness first-hand the positive impact of their stay. Joining Thanda Safari’s Wildlife Conservation Team in identifying, darting to sedate, and placing collars on one of Africa’s iconic species. A lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, or hyena. An essential yet thrilling task, it assists the wildlife conservation team in monitoring and protecting the animals. And gathering much-needed data for research.
Whether tracking big game, such as the endangered rhino in order to monitor them. Or using telemetry equipment to locate a cheetah. Or examining footage of the carefully placed camera trap to observe wildlife, guests gain in-depth awareness of what it takes to manage a Big Five game reserve. Guests learn how the Conservation Team addresses the threats faced by some of Africa’s diminishing species. Together with an insight into their behavior and feeding patterns, and the ecosystems in which they live.
A six-seater helicopter transfers guests directly from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. The 75-minute flight along the magnificent KwaZulu Natal coastline heads north to historic Zululand. And the ultimate safari hideaway, Villa iZulu on Thanda Safari.
Collars & Conservation Safari Package Rates
5-night package for 6 guests: Villa iZulu: R 630 000
The package includes game drives and bush walks. Guests will also be able to join the wildlife conservation team on their daily rounds. To safeguard and monitor the reserve’s animals. The package also includes a 25-minute helicopter flight across the ancient Lebombo Mountains. Followed by a short road trip over the dunes to Nine Mile Beach in the UNESCO World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park. An area of 220km of pristine Indian Ocean. Enjoy an afternoon of sun, sea, and sand. And a delicious beach braai (barbecue) before flying back for a 360-degree panoramic sunset sundowner on Thanda Safari.
One of South Africa’s best Eco-tourism destinations at Kosi Forest Lodge, iSimangaliso World Heritage Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Birding and snorkeling at it’s best
Thanda Safari is a unique safari experience in the heart of Zululand; with a cultural and ecological element offering guests a luxury retreat at Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp, and the exclusive-use Villa iZulu
Dramatically set into a cliff face, Phinda Rock Lodge’s six intimate and private accommodation suites provide breathtaking views of Phinda Private Game Reserve
