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, Villa iZulu. Or 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. We want to share that 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. At the same time, partnering in socio-economic upliftment, job creation, education, and skills development in the region.
Skip to Thanda Safari Rates, Thanda Tented Camp Rates or Villa iZulu and Royal Residences Rates
Thanda Safari Accommodation
Thanda Safari is a multiple winner of the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge and 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.
Please click on the dropdown below for each option.
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 inter leading 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 en-suite 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 Tented Camp
Thanda Tented Camp offers an authentic African experience with 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 has 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 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 14,000 ha game reserve.
As a deterrent to wildlife, there is a partially electrified fence along the perimeter of the camp. The 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.
Villa iZulu
This magnificent Afro-chic safari villa was initially built as a private getaway for Thanda Safari’s original Swedish owners, the Olofsson family. They 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 in 1,000m². It was 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. And guests who want complete solitude for families, friends, and gatherings. Villa iZulu features its helicopter pad and 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 dartboard. 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.
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 a 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.
Tailor made Residence option
Thanda Safari has launched a new tailor-made offering for smaller multi-generational families seeking a luxurious retreat at an exclusive-use Royal Residence. A new flexible configuration is now available, offering a reduced capacity for families who only require two or three individual suites of a four bedroom villa, while maintaining exclusive-use access to the villa’s full amenities.
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.
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, and their seasonal patterns). It is also a member of Bird life South Africa.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. 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 in-between 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 of age 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 260 kms north of Durban. Making it ideal for a self-drive safari. Alternatively, we can arrange transfers. It is also an easy road access to Southern Mozambique.
Richards Bay is the nearest commercial airport, a 1½ hours 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 daily. A short road 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
2026 Accommodation Rates at Thanda Safari Lodge |
Off-Peak Season: 1st January – 18th December |
Peak Season:
|
| Per person sharing | R9 965 | R11 160 |
| Single | R12 456 | R13 950 |
| Per child from 3 – 16 years of age sharing with 2 adults | R4 983 | R5 580 |
Thanda Safari Lodge Rates Include
Luxury accommodation per person 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, beers and minibar,
Laundry,
WiFi is available in public areas and rooms.
Thanda Tented Camp Accommodation Rates
2026 Thanda Tented Camp Accommodation Rates per night |
Off-Peak Season: 1st January – 18th December |
Peak Season:
|
| Regular Tents per person sharing | R 5,999 | R 6,700 |
| Regular Tents single | R 7,499 | R 8,375 |
| Regular Tents per child 6 – 16 years of age sharing with two adults | R 3,000 | R 3,350 |
| Jabula Tent per person sharing | R 6,999 | R 7,800 |
| Jabula Tent single | R 8,749 | R 9,750 |
| Jabula Tent per child from 6 – 16 years of age sharing with two adults | R 3,500 | R 3,900 |
Thanda Tented Camp Rates Include:
Tented accommodation,
Two game drives per day with a professional guide and tracker.
All meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks).
House wines, local spirits, and beers from 1pm.
WiFi in public areas.
Thanda Tented Camp Rates Exclude:
Bush dinners, bush breakfasts, and special drink stops (chargeable on request and subject to availability).
Spa treatments.
Bush Walks.
Cellar wines, champagnes, all imported spirits and beers.
Road and helicopter transfers to/from Thanda Safari.
Curios, gratuities and telephone calls.
Conservation Levy per person per night.
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: 12th January until 18th December 2026: R135 000
Peak Season: 19th December 2026 until 10th January 2027: R151 200
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
2026 Royal Residence Rates |
Off-Peak Season:
|
Peak Season:
|
| Four Bedroom: Royal Residence | R130,000 | R145,600 |
| Four Bedroom: Royal Deluxe Residence | R145,000 | R162,400 |
| Five Bedroom: Royal Residence | R187,500 | R210,000 |
| Five Bedroom: Grand Royal Residence* | R550,000 | R635,000 |
Royal Residence – tailor-made (exclusive use) |
||
| Two Bedroom Royal Residence | R90,000 | Not available |
| Three Bedroom Royal Residence | R112,500 | |
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.
*The five bedroom Grand Royal Residence also includes return helicopter transfers from King Shaka International airport in Durban.
All Thanda Safari Rates Excludes
Spa treatments
Cellar wines, champagnes, all imported spirits, and beers
Transfers to / from Thanda Safari (except Grand Royal Residence)
Curios, gratuities, and telephone calls
Conservation Levy per person per stay.
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D242 Road
Zululand South Africa
