Thanda Safari Lodge, KwaZulu Natal

Overview

The epitome of luxury and romance
Each villa has own plunge pool, outdoor private dining area and tsala
Superb Wellness Centre

Thanda Private Game Reserve lies in northern KwaZulu Natal on 14,000ha of Big Five bushveld and comprises Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp, Villa iZulu and the superb Thanda Spa.

Thanda Safari Lodge is the epitome of opulence and romance - probably the most luxurious and romantic game lodge in KwaZulu Natal. Modern African arts and crafts have been incorporated into the décor in an imaginative and trend-setting way.

The main lodge is beautifully decorated with colourful fabrics, touches of beading, welcoming leather and authentic craftwork. They cascade over several levels with an inviting library overlooking a waterhole favoured by elephant, business centre, well stocked wine cellar, cigar bar as well as spacious sitting and dining rooms. Featuring African art, huge windows, fascinating books, plush sofas and open views over the bushveld, Thanda Safari Lodge epitomises African hospitality.

Accommodation

Each of the nine enormous luxury bush villas (220 sqm) has their own plunge pool, large sun deck with a sala for those all-important afternoon siestas, spacious sitting room, double sided fireplace, spacious indulgent bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers. Step out onto your wooden deck, take a dip in your heated pool or admire the African sunset from your circular daybed in the thatched outdoor sala.

Children of all ages are welcome at Thanda Safari Lodge and two children up to 16 can share with their parents. The lodge also offers a 'Bucks & Bugs' children's safari programme. Children under 6 cannot join the scheduled game drives but families with children over 3 years old can opt to take a private vehicle. For children under the age of 3, a ‘Bush Bumble’ in a closed vehicle can be organised between the morning and afternoon game drives.

Activities

As well as 4x4 game drives and bush walks in Thanda Game Reserve, you also have the opportunity to learn more about wildlife photography. Thanda’s resident wildlife photographer, Christian Sperka, is an expert in the art of catching the perfect moment. In a 90-minute session, he’ll teach you how to set up your digital camera for wildlife photography and introduce you to motion photography - the best way to capture wildlife on camera.

Thanda Spa

Closeby is the Thanda Spa which is located in a lush yet hidden corner of the lodge. It offers an extensive menu of treatments including reflexology, aromatherapy, detox body treatments, facials, African massages, hand and feet treatments, hydrotherapy baths; hot and cold Kneipp therapy pools.

VillaIZulu - Exclusive Use Villa

Thanda also has an award-winning Luxury Private Villa with 5 en suite bedrooms. This comes with its own staff, private vehicle and ranger. Perfect for a group of friends or a multi-generational family.

In Pictures

Thanda Safari Lodge on the map

Rooms

Bush Suite - Twin/King

Each suite at Thanda Safari Lodge is approximately 220 square metres in size, decorated in Zulu-Chic style and comprises of an open plan lounge with fireplace, open plan bedroom with king size bed, full en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers as well as a large oval bath, private viewing deck with stunning views overlooking the reserve, private heated plunge pool, private boma where meals can be served and a sala (thatched outdoor day bed area).

Thanda Tented Camp review by Peter Bates

Thanda Tented Camp is a very attractive tented camp that offers a good alternative to its sister lodge, the very chic Thanda Safari Lodge. Luxury tents have the minimum of electric lighting, but are comfortable and spacious. Had some great elephant and rhino sightings, and generally thought the guiding was excellent. Food was very good.

Accommodation was pretty spacious. 1 electric light in bathroom. Otherwise it’s candles in glass lanterns
Fan but no air-conditioning – so it will be hot in summer!
Thanda is on “sodic” soil which is very fragile. Hence they are VERY strict about off-roading. Needs to be confirmed sighting of a significant animal such as one of the 'Big Five'
Much of the reserve quite densely vegetated
Some might find the relative proximity of the N2 (sight and sound) somewhat troubling
Guiding was very good
Food was excellent