Situated in the rich wildlife area of South Africa’s northern Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), is one of Africa’s most luxurious safari destinations, Thanda Safari. This multi-award-winning Big Five private game reserve spans 14,000-hectares.

Thanda Safari Lodge’s central dining and gathering area includes an inviting lounge, expansive deck and library overlooking a waterhole, private business area, cigar bar and impressive wine cellar. This safari lodge has the Thanda Safari Spa, offering a range of treatments from expertly trained therapists.

Thanda Safari Lodge‘s central lounge and dining area opens onto a deck that overlooks a waterhole where elephants come to drink. From the central area, eco-friendly wooden walkways lead to nine luxury bush suites with wraparound decks overlooking the reserve. Each deck also has a resting area called a ‘sala’ and plunge pool – a big favourite with guests after spending time in the bush.

Suites

Thanda Safari Lodge has nine self-contained suites, each with a lavish living space, heated plunge pool and outside ‘sala’ or resting area overlooking the reserve. The circular design of the suites pays homage to the region’s Zulu culture where traditional homesteads are circular in design.

Each suite has relaxing, open-air sala lounging spaces on the deck and a heated plunge pool.

The suites are far enough from one other for privacy but without feeling isolated. They are connected to the shared central living areas with eco-friendly wooden walkways and because there are no fences around Thanda Safari Lodge, all guests are escorted to their suites by guards in the evening.

Dining

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.

Their breakfasts, lunches, dinners and high teas personify the Thanda Safari style, and they offer delicious cuisine for every dietary requirement.

Safari

Nothing compares to the feeling of being in the African bush. On an early morning or late afternoon safari, all your senses awaken during up-close encounters with the Big Five in their home terrain. The lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo: these icons of the African wilderness inspire a lifelong connection with Thanda Safari Game Reserve and Africa.

Thanda’s dedicated team of wildlife guides and trackers lead guests on an adventure into the reserve’s plains, valleys and mountains in search of the legendary Big Five and all the extraordinary wildlife that can be seen on an African Safari.
An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 14,000 hectares to explore and led by their experts of the African bush, you’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life.

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.