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; found at Thanda Safari.
As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World; Thanda Safari 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. All three 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.
Whichever Thanda Safari accommodation option you chose at this exclusive game reserve; as a multiple World’s Leading Luxury Lodge winner that is frequently featured in the media; 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. 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. Circular in structure and reminiscent of a traditional Zulu homestead against a hill; 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, cigar bar, 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
Villa iZulu
About Villa iZulu
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 airconditioned Afrochic villa has five lovely rooms sleeping up to 10 guests. It is the ideal safari retreat for celebrities and royalty; 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, a grand piano; a wooden deck around a heated pool overlooking 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, a games room for fun-filled days spent at your Villa, and furthermore; an impressively stocked wine cellar.
Villa iZulu at Thanda – exclusive-use safariVilla iZulu – Waterhole
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 to 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 between the morning and afternoon game drives.
Children aged from 3 to 6 may participate in game drives on a private game drive vehicle; 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
About Thanda Tented Camp and Family Safaris
Thanda Tented Camp offers an authentic African experience with its 15 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 ensuite canvas bathroom. The camp has limited solar and battery power with a backup generator; to power the tents for a few hours each day for guests to charge cameras and phones.
Luxury glamping at Thanda Tented Camp
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. While it nestles off to the side of Thanda Tented Camp; it is both near to and slightly remote from the shared areas, to enable true solitude.
As a deterrent to wildlife, there is a partially electrified fence; along the perimeter of Thanda Tented Camp. The camp’s shared areas include a reception area, a curio shop, a lounge area, a dining area; a large rim-flow pool surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, 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
Thanda Tented Camp Family Safari
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.
Activities at Thanda Safari
Thanda Activities on Offer
Early morning and late afternoon open vehicle game drives in search of the Big Five; 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 kill of a zebra
Thanda Leopard
Cheetah cubs
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 microhabitats; 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 in a 1 ½ hour session. This is at no charge to guests staying for two nights or more.
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 1. 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; a 12.9″ Apple iPad Pro with various nature apps, a Thanda-style bush bar; even 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 explore beyond the reserve on a guided boat tour to experience hippos and crocodiles; in the nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
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.
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. As Zululand can get very hot, if you prefer to avoid the hottest times; then the best time for your safari is 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
All rates include: Luxury accommodation, two game drives per day with a professional guide and tracker, all meals, and selected local beverages house wines, local spirits, and beers; minibar. WiFi is available in public areas.
SADC rates are also available so please mention where you are from in your inquiry.
Thanda Safari Lodge Cost per night
Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2023
Peak Season: 18th December 2023 until 7th January 2024
Per person sharing
R 8 665
R 9 705
Single
R 10 831
R 12 131
Per child from 3 – 16 years of age; sharing with 2 adults
R 4 333
R 4 853
Rates at Thanda Safari Lodge also Include
Bushwalks with specialist walking guides, wifi in all rooms, and laundry.
Villa iZulu Cost per night
Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2023
Peak Season: 18th December 2023 until 7th January 2024
Exclusive use for a maximum of 10 guests
R 85 500
R 95 760
Rates at Villa iZulu also Include
Villa iZulu host, service team, personal chef, guide, tracker, bush walks with specialist walking guides; wifi in all rooms, and laundry.
Thanda Tented Camp Cost per night
Off-Peak Season: 10th January until 17th December 2023
Peak Season: 18th December 2023 until 7th January 2024
Regular Tents per person sharing
R 4 995
R 5 590
Regular Tents single
R 6 244
R 6 988
Regular Tents per child 6 – 16 years of age; sharing with two adults
R 2 498
R 2 795
Jabula Tent per person sharing
R 6 120
R 6 855
Jabula Tent single
R 7 650
R 8 569
Jabula Tent per child from 6 – 16 years of age; sharing with two adults
R 3 060
R 3 428
Tanda Tented Camp may also be on an exclusive-use basis; when you book a minimum of 10 x tents.
Laundry and Guided bush walks with specialist walking guides are not included at Thanda Tented Camp. However, guided bush walks are available at an additional cost.
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 36 555 per couple Jabula Tent at Thanda Tented Camp: R 25 950 per couple
The above honeymoon package rates are valid for guests who got married 12 months or less from travel dates. Valid between the 10th of January and the 16th of December 2023
Mid-week Romance Package
For all romantic couples, young and old, we offer our Mid-Week Romance Package (Sunday-Thursday). This features two unforgettable 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 32 955 per couple Thanda Tented Camp: R19 375 per couple Jabula Tent at Thanda Tented Camp: R 23 550 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 10th of January and the 16th of December 2023
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; the ‘fertility tree’ or the ‘marriage tree’; which is a sacred tree amongst the Zulus.
We can tailor-make this ceremony for you but prices start at around R3 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
When staying two nights at Thanda Safari Lodge and one night at Thanda Tented Camp; you will receive an extra night at Thanda Tented Camp for free!
The above 4-night combo package is valid from 10th January until 16th December 2023
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 2023
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 Valid from 10th January until 16th December 2023
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.
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. You will join 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: US$44 500 (US dollars)
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 the immaculate 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.
Sea and Safari Package
Located in a luxury estate with entrancing Indian Ocean views, The Capital Zimbali Resort is a utopian paradise. It is just fifteen minutes from King Shaka International Airport. Set in a tropical forest that leads down to the ocean, the resort blends organically with the landscape. This desired destination attracts fun seekers, families, couples, solo explorers, and business travelers. It beckons guests to turn off the fast lane, and take time to enjoy the heavenly surroundings. For the active, a choice of activities, sports, signature spa, and sensational cuisine offer a boost to well-being. Once guests check in, they never want to leave.
Sea and Safari Package Option 1:
A four-day package includes: Two nights in a Luxury Room at The Capital Zimbali. Including breakfast, airport transfers, secure parking, and daily cleaning services, Two nights in a Luxury Tent at Thanda Tented Camp. Including transfers, two game drives per day, all meals, and selected local beverages. As well as WiFi in public areas.
Cost for Single Occupancy for four days: R 28 880 Cost per Couple for four days: R 37 090
The Capital Zimbali – Luxury Rooms: To offset the subtropical surroundings, the Luxury Rooms have a cooling, calming color palette. They have super-comfortable king beds that can convert to twins. A spacious bath and shower room, minibar fridge, and tea/coffee station. There is a large flat screen TV, uncapped WiFi, and a work desk. Most of the rooms have a sleeper couch for younger children as well as balconies with dazzling views. The resort is a world apart from the chaotic pace of life for those who need to relax., including a signature spa. For the active, it offers a choice of sports, and to suit diverse palates there is a range of dining options.
Sea and Safari Package Option 2:
A four-day package includes: Two nights in a luxurious One-Bedroom Apartment at The Capital Zimbali, with breakfast, airport transfers, limited laundry, and ironing service, secure parking, and daily cleaning services, Two nights in a sumptuous Bush Suite at Thanda Safari Lodge, including transfers, two game drives per day, all meals, and selected local beverages. As well as bush walks, in-room minibar, WiFi, and laundry.
Cost for Single Occupancy for four days: R 41 580 Cost per Couple for four days: R 55 290
The Capital Zimbali – One-Bedroom Apartments: Settle into your luxury apartment on the Indian Ocean, all with breathtaking views. The large, light-filled apartments have a private balcony, super-comfortable king beds that can twin, spacious bath and shower rooms, desirable dining and a lounge area, 55-inch TV, uncapped WiFi, and work station. All apartments have sleeper couches for young children. Most of the apartments have full kitchens with an oven, a stove, and a microwave. Some have microwaves only. It’s a soul-soothing environment, and at the same time, it offers a choice of activities.
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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
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