Thanda Safari Lodge

Description

An African safari is a life dream for so many, and Thanda Safari makes sure you have an up-close, life-changing safari in our Big Five, South African private game reserve, including spending time with our conservation team. For those who want to experience the bush on foot, exclusive guided walks are offered. 

The word Zulu means ‘Heaven’, the Zulu people, amaZulu, are ‘The People of Heaven’, and their home KwaZulu is ‘The Place of Heaven’. At Thanda Safari, where most of our team members are Zulu, we offer you a special introduction to the Zulu people in our community who 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. Being part of their Zulu community, a wide range of Zulu cultural and community experiences are available in neighbouring villages.

Enjoy a family safari holiday and witnessing your kids experiencing and discovering the Big Five and all the other creatures in the bush for the first time 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 enjoy time out in the bush or relaxing at your lodge, camp or spa.

Villa iZulu was voted Africa’s Leading Luxury Villa Accommodation at the World Travel Awards. This magnificent Afro-chic luxury accommodation has five lovely rooms, a heated swimming pool, a wine cellar, a library, a games area, and a wide observation terrace overlooking a water hole. It is the ideal safari retreat for 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. 

Experience fine safari dining with Thanda Safari. The South African cuisine is as diverse as its population, and Thanda Safari’s menus, creatively conceived by chefs, reflect this. From slow-cooked potjiekos to tender game cuts flavoured with homegrown herbs, our chefs produce perfection for the palate and cater for all dietary requirements. Every meal offers unique Thanda dishes and tastes, combined with carefully chosen wines and impeccable service. Our breakfasts, lunches, dinners and high teas personify the Thanda Safari style.

Getting There

Thanda Safari Lodge is a 3 hour drive from Durban or a 6 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg. Road transfers are available from Durban, Richards Bay and Mkuze