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Winner of Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2013 World Travel Awards, Thanda Safari brings man and nature together on a 14 000 hectare access-controlled private game reserve. Located in northern Zululand, Thanda Safari is home to amazing wildlife and over 400 different bird species. Find your balance at one of South Africa’s most exquisite bush spas or witness a hundred-year-old ritual performed by Zulu warriors. Thanda means love in Zulu, signifying the deep connection the game reserve has with Zulu culture and native flora and fauna. Experience the ultimate in luxury in one of the bush suites or embrace nature at the authentic safari-style tented camp. Thanda’s public areas include a library, business center, wine cellar and spa area, ensuring you hours of entertainment and pleasure. Two daily game drives are offered to all guests at Thanda Safari. Culinary masterpieces, prepared by the dedicated kitchen team, can be sampled at several venues, including your private boma. Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the low risk malaria reserve.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

    • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

    • Breakfast Info

    • Continental, Full English/Irish, Buffet

    • Free Private Parking Available On Site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.7
Facilities
9.4
Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
8.9
Location
9.7
Free Wifi
8.2
High score for Hluhluwe

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Karen
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    We were here for only 29 hours but it was such a memorable experience. Our guides for the evening and morning safari, Martin and Lucky, were very knowledgeable and we had a great experience. The food at the rented camp was amazing
  • Karen
    Canada Canada
    Everything was exceptional and beyond what we expected in terms of accommodations and service. Tents were very well designed. All staff were so professional and attentive. Game drives were awesome. Food and drinks were delicious.
  • Alicia
    United States United States
    everything. living comfortable in the midst of the wild
  • Leanne
    Australia Australia
    We loved every minute of our stay from the first Welcome to the last goodbye from the Thanda Team. A true reflection of how beautiful South Africa really is. We are definitely going back.
  • Terhi
    Finland Finland
    The breakfast was really delicious, beautiful surroundings, lots of animals and great staff.
  • Mamfu
    South Africa South Africa
    My birthday cake, the singing, game drive. The staff is really great! I managed to take a bath and a shower in my paraplegic condition. Now that was exciting, the bathroom just had more than enough space and the outdoor shower was fantastic!
  • Lauren
    France France
    - Amazing location at the center of the reserve - Good game drives, the Thanda reserve has plenty to offer. We saw many elephants, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, secretary bird, rhino - Excellent food, wines and beers included - Beautiful common...
  • Mark
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Staff, facilities and food exceeded our expectations. The resort was truly impressive. The rooms were fantastic and the communal areas excellent. The game rangers were brilliant and the amount of very close big 5 viewings was extraordinary. Seeing...
  • Brian
    Ireland Ireland
    The location and food was fabulous . We were fed like a King and Queens for our stay. The staff couldnt do enough for us especially our guide Janice and our tracker Medibe who were so enthusiastic about finding "the big 5" for us.
  • Rhiannon
    Australia Australia
    We stayed in the tented camp and our accommodation was so comfortable. All staff were welcoming and friendly. Our guide CJ was amazing, he really went above and beyond so we could see as many animals as possible and he was very knowledgeable. Food...

Area info

Restaurants
1 Restaurant On Site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambience
      Family-friendly • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Halal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Thanda Safari
Great facilities! Review score, 9.4

Most popular amenities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Spa
  • Airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Bar

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Slippers
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet

View

  • Garden view
  • View

Outdoors

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun deck
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Room Amenities

  • Clothes rack

Activities

  • Live music/Performance
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Themed dinners
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Game drives
  • Kids' club
  • Hiking
  • Game room

Living Area

  • Sofa
  • Sitting area
  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Fruit
  • Wine/Champagne
  • Kids' meals
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant

Internet
Wifi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Valet parking

Front Desk Services

  • Private check-in/out
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Currency exchange
  • Express check-in/out
  • 24-hour front desk

Entertainment & Family Services

  • Board games/Puzzles
  • Babysitting/Child services
    Additional charge

Cleaning Services

  • Suit press
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Laundry

Business Facilities

  • Fax/Photocopying
    Additional charge
  • Business center
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities

Safety & security

  • Safe

General

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Wake-up service
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake-up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service

Outdoor swimming pool
Free!

  • Pool with view

Spa

  • 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
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa
    Additional charge
  • Sauna

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Zulu

House rules
Thanda Safari takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in
From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Check-out
From 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubMaestro Cash is not accepted

The fine print
Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note: There is no guide/driver on standby at the gate.Guests need to arrive in time for transfer from gate to the lodge. The transfer times from the gate are as follows: 14h00, 14h30, 15h00, 16h00 and 17h00.

No early arrivals will be honored, unless prior arrangement has been made.

Please note that the game reserve has very strict child policies, and should be cleared with the hotel directly.

FAQs about Thanda Safari