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.

Safari – Twice-daily game drives included in rate
A truly African experience goes beyond the five senses. It’s felt. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best way to absorb the sights, smells and sounds of Africa. Encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo): the animals that inspire a long-lasting connection with the continent. And, once you’ve found them, go looking for Africa’s other famous five – the Little Five (elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise, ant lion and buffalo weaver). Thanda guides and trackers are experts in the circle of life, and how it spins both slowly and frenetically in the African bush. They will offer you wildlife lessons from their own cultures and knowledge. They will tell stories and share anecdotes. They will explain, inform, educate and then sit back and let you fall in love with the wild in your own way. With 14 000 hectares to explore, you’ll see diverse wildlife including cheetah, hyena, warthog and the occasional wild dog, as well as abundant bird and plant life. What is more, it’s all exclusively yours. Thanda is a private game reserve and our dedicated staff members are the only people you’ll encounter on the roads while you’re here.

Dining
South African cuisine is as diverse as its population and the menus carefully created by Thanda’s chefs reflect this. Rich potjiekos – slow-cooked to perfection. Delicious game meat – prepared with care. Freshly grown vegetables – grown and nurtured locally. This is the Thanda promise. Thanda chefs are dedicated to each guest who dines at Thanda – creating thoughtful dishes that produce perfection for the palate. And impeccable service extends from the stylish and alluring dining room to the bustling kitchen, where every one of our employees is motivated to do his or her part to create the ideal dining experience. Beyond the kitchen, we are enormously proud of our herb garden, located and carefully tended at Villa Izulu. This garden provides the fragrant organic herbs and flavours that so perfectly characterise our wide range of exquisite dishes. Thanda is proud to be able to cater for all dietary requirements.

Spa
Time spent in the bush is full of excitement, anticipation and wildlife wonder. But then it’s time to relax, to unwind and be still. We’ve designed our two unique Spas to help you achieve this. Enter these sanctuaries of luxurious simplicity in the heart of the Reserve, where our expert therapists will lead you on a journey of beauty, healing and restoration.Our signature treatments are a combination of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices – learnt from traditional Zulu women, to massage, soothe and heal. We offer a wide range of spa treatments, including a choice of facials, massages, reflexology, body treatments, hydrotherapy treatments, waxes, manicures and pedicures.In our evocative environment, you’ll forget the pressures of daily life. In our therapists’ care, you’ll surrender to our special Spa experience and relinquish all responsibility for a magical while.

Kids
Watching your children experience the bush, discover new places and have new adventures? Priceless. At Thanda we understand that you want to share your African journey with your kids, but also need the space to do your own exploring. Thanda’s Bucks & Bugs Club ensures that your kids have the time of their lives, while you enjoy the adult activities and services the Reserve offers. From the time they arrive, kids are given all the tools they need to experience Thanda – safely.