Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve
Thanda Safari offers an authentically South African wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Meaning love in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of World’s Leading Luxury Lodge. It is known for meaningful safari experiences and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s magnificent Big Five.
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 Africas other famous five the Little Five (elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise, ant lion and buffalo weaver).
With 14 000 hectares to explore, you’ll see diverse wildlife and 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 are here.
Experience & Facilities
Step out onto your wooden deck. Take a dip in your plunge pool. Enjoy dinner served in your own private boma. Or admire the African sunset from the circular daybed atop your thatched outdoor sala.
Thanda Safari Lodge is known for its 9 beautiful bush suites each self-contained for absolute privacy. Shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead, the 220m² suites have panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.
Each suite is a tribute to abundance, Africa-style – with a spacious lounge and majestic master bedroom and double-sided fireplace. The bathroom has a vanity, his-and-hers basins, egg-shaped bath, enclosed toilet as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
Thanda Safari Lodge’s public areas are colourful and drenched in light, with touches of beading, welcoming leather and authentic wood. They include an inviting library overlooking a waterhole that is favoured by elephant and other game, a private business area, a cigar bar and an impressively stocked wine cellar.
Our 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.
More than a luxury lodge, more than a dream safari destination, more than an African escape