Average Weather
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Ave Monthly Rain mm
29
101
29
178
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Thanda Safari
Wildlife Lodge
Our Rating
9.6
Thanda Safari, a luxurious retreat 23 km north of Hluhluwe in Zululand, blends romance and exclusivity on a 14,000-hectare Big Five private game reserve. Meaning 'love' in isiZulu, it celebrates Zulu culture and vibrant wildlife.
The nine luxury bush suites at Thanda Safari Lodge feature private infinity pools, expansive viewing decks, private salas, lounges, fireplaces, and full bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, ensuring refined comfort amidst breathtaking vistas. Villa iZulu, accommodating up to ten guests in five individually decorated suites, offers private decks, a heated pool, boma, library, wine cellar, and a grand deck overlooking a lively waterhole. Thanda Tented Camp, with 15 colonial-style tents, provides an authentic bush experience with en-suite canvas bathrooms, viewing decks, a dining tent, boma, and a 10x5m rim-flow pool, while the Jabula Tent adds a romantic flourish with a king-sized bed, separate lounge, outdoor shower, and splash pool.
Culinary masterpieces, crafted with fresh ingredients, are served in private bomas, the dining room, or on scenic decks, paired with selections from the wine cellar or enjoyed in the cigar bar. The award-winning spa, blending Western techniques with ancient Zulu holistic practices, offers rejuvenating treatments, complemented by public facilities like a lounge, library, and private business area. Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles deliver thrilling encounters with the Big Five, over 400 bird species, and cultural experiences like Zulu warrior rituals.
Recognised as Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2013 World Travel Awards, Thanda Safari, located in a low-risk malaria area, offers unmatched hospitality and conservation-focused adventures. Situated in northern Zululand, it provides a soulful fusion of sophisticated luxury and the wild beauty of South Africa's flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
Available Board
All Inclusive
Rooms & Suites
Lodge Suite
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Private Pool
- Balcony
- Garden View
- Pool View
- Pool With A View
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Iron
- Fan
- Towels
- Ironing Facilities
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Board Games/puzzles
- Bedside Socket
- Patio
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Spa Tub
- Refrigerator
- Linens
- Minibar
- Fireplace
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Sofa Bed
- Heating
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Mosquito Net
- High Chair
- Dining Area
- Bathtub
- Bathroom
Beds: Two sofa beds, One king bed
Located in the Thanda Safari Lodge, these spacious and private bush suites have panoramic views of the game reserve. Each suite has a spacious lounge, a master bedroom, a fireplace and full bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower. They offer a private and heated infinity pool, a viewing deck and a boma for dining in privacy. This package includes: - 3 meals (brunch, high tea and dinner) - 2 game drives per day - guided bush walks - a selection of local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers) - in-room mini-bar - laundry Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies). The extra person rates vary according to the season and may be lower than indicated in the policies.
Tented Camp
- Balcony
- Bathtub Or Shower
- Garden View
- Pool With A View
- Patio
- Minibar
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Fan
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Slippers
- Refrigerator
- Linens
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Toilet Paper
Beds: One king bed
Known as Thanda Tented Camp, this camp is built in colonial-safari style. Each spacious tent comes with a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathroom. The camp is non-electrified but does have limited solar and battery power with a back-up generator to power the tents for a few hours each day for guests to charge cameras and phones. Public facilities at the tented camp include a dining tent, a boma area, and a sala consisting of an ‘open-air’ lounge and a splash pool. This package includes: - 3 meals (brunch, high tea and dinner) - 2 game drives per day - a selection of local beverages (tea, coffee, juice) - house wines and local beverages (offered on the afternoon game drive and with dinner) Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay in the tented camp for safety reasons. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies). The extra person rates vary according to the season and may be lower than indicated in the policies.
Tent with Plunge Pool
- Attached Bathroom
- Balcony
- Private Pool
- Garden View
- Pool View
- Pool With A View
- Patio
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Fan
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Slippers
- Refrigerator
- Linens
- Minibar
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Sofa Bed
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Dining Area
- Bathtub
- Bathroom
Beds: One king bed
Known as the Jabula Tent, this private and spacious tent is decorated in sophisticated safari chic and offers panoramic views of the reserve. It features a king-sized bed, a separate lounge and en-suite canvas bathroom with outdoor shower and splash pool. This package includes: - 3 meals (brunch, high tea and dinner) - 2 game drives per day - a selection of local beverages (tea, coffee, juice) - house wines and local beverages (offered on the afternoon game drive and with dinner) Please note that children under the age of 12 cannot be accommodated in this room.
Private Five Bedroom Villa
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Private Pool
- Balcony
- Garden View
- Pool View
- Pool With A View
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Flat-screen TV
- Oven
- Outdoor Furniture
- Iron
- Fan
- DVD Player
- Ironing Facilities
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Guest Bathroom
- Patio
- Microwave
- TV
- Toaster
- Linens
- Tile/Marble Floor
- Kitchenware
- Sofa Bed
- Heating
- Washing Machine
- Cable Channels
- Toilet Paper
- Mosquito Net
- Hot Tub
- Bathtub
- Bathrobe
- Coffee Machine
- Dining Table
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Towels
- Terrace
- Board Games/puzzles
- Bedside Socket
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Slippers
- Barbecue
- Hairdryer
- Spa Tub
- Refrigerator
- Minibar
- Fireplace
- Stovetop
- Toilet
- Kitchenette
- Electric Kettle
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Satellite Channels
- High Chair
- Dining Area
- Bathroom
Beds: Four twin beds, Two king beds, One queen bed
Known as Villa iZulu, this spacious private villa is surrounded by expanses of African bush and contains five luxuriously decorated suites with private bathrooms. The villa is equipped with a private boma, an outdoor gym, library, cellar, games room, offices with internet and a helicopter pad. The villa also comes with the services of a personal chef and waiting staff. It features a heated swimming pool and a viewing deck with spa bath. This package includes: - 3 meals (brunch, high tea and dinner) - 2 game drives per day (with a private guide and vehicle - guided bush walks - a selection of local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers) Please note that the price is based on 1-6 guests. Maximum occupancy is 10 (see Hotel Policies). The extra person rates vary according to the season and may be lower than indicated in the policies.
Tent
- Balcony
- Bathtub Or Shower
- Garden View
- Patio
- Minibar
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Fan
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Slippers
- Refrigerator
- Linens
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Toilet Paper
- Bathtub
Beds: Two twin beds
The tent is furnished with a desk and a seating area and features a mini-bar, a wardrobe and garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Suite
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Private Pool
- Balcony
- Garden View
- Pool View
- Pool With A View
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Iron
- Fan
- Towels
- Ironing Facilities
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Board Games/puzzles
- Bedside Socket
- Patio
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Spa Tub
- Refrigerator
- Linens
- Minibar
- Fireplace
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Sofa Bed
- Heating
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Mosquito Net
- High Chair
- Dining Area
- Bathroom
Beds: One sofa bed, Two twin beds
This luxurious suite provides a pool with a view, a spa bath and a fireplace. The spacious suite features air conditioning, a mini-bar, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 3 beds.
General Facilities
Activities
- Live Music/Performance
- Tour Or Class About Local Culture
- Themed Dinner Nights
- Walking Tours
- Game Drives
- Kids' Club
- Hiking
- Games Room
Wellness
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Spa/Wellness Packages
- Spa Lounge/Relaxation Area
- Spa Facilities
- Light Therapy
- Body Wrap
- Body Scrub
- Body Treatments
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing Services
- Facial Treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun Umbrellas
- Sun Loungers Or Beach Chairs
- Massage
- Spa And Wellness Centre
- Sauna
General
- Private Check-in/Check-out
- Luggage Storage
- Tour Desk
- Currency Exchange
- Express Check-in/Check-out
- 24-hour Front Desk
- Trouser Press
- Ironing Service
- Dry Cleaning
- Laundry
- Fax/Photocopying
- Business Centre
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities
Hotel Reviews
Location Sleep Quality Rooms Service
Value Cleanliness
Guide and tracker Garreck and Madidi were absolute top class
Arrived at Thanda Game reserve to a warm welcome and refreshing much needed drink. And in time for the evening safari drive. Settled into lodge before setting off. Saw a Cheetah, family of Giraffes...
Absolutely outstanding experience. Romantic, private and the staff is gracious and wonderful. My wife and I spent 4 nights here in early November. The weather was cool and rainy the first day but...
All the staff were extremely friendly. Compared to other lodges we have visited I think they are over-staffed, so you never really engage with them properly. Food was okay and tasty but not wow. Our...
Average Weather
Ave Daily Temp °C
Ave Monthly Rain mm
29
101
29
178
28
76
27
88
25
20
24
9
24
13
25
13
26
25
26
45
27
124
28
117