Thanda Safari is a Big Five game reserve situated on 14 000 hectares in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu- Natal owned by Swedish philanthropists Christin and Dan Olofsson. It offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round and has a sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and conservation of the environment; actively involved in conservation and wildlife research, it works to uplift the local communities through ‘Star for Life’ and other projects.

2021 heralds Thanda fulfilling its long-term vision of launching The Royal Thanda Club (incorporating the Thanda Royal Residences project). This will offer unapparelled lifestyle opportunities and experiences and will give members the opportunity to give back in the fields of nature conservation and children’s education. Thanda Safari Starlight Productions (TSSP) will comprise special musicals, concerts and artists performing in the bush; invited speakers and special events. Guests will be able to socialise in a safe, protected, open air “theatre” with limited numbers observing all the Covid-19 safety protocols. This different and innovative model will enable Thanda to provide additional value, job protection and exciting new experiences for guests.

Thanda Safari offers three different accommodation types:

Thanda Safari Lodge – nine bush suites with panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.

Villa iZulu – an outstanding safari hideaway for 10 guests in five suites, has a new package that will include a fly-in safari in a helicopter for six passengers (excluding pilot); an exclusive butler, chef, guide, tracker, housekeeper and spa therapist; a flight to the beach for a fish braai (barbeque); a flip to the western mountains on Thanda to enjoy the sunset; a unique wildlife experience (rhino dehorning etc). A minimum stay of five days is required.

Thanda Tented Camp – 15 colonial safari-style tents, each with its own viewing deck and en-suite bathrooms. As from January 2021 Thanda Tented Camp will be for special events and exclusive use only. When there are no special events taking place, only the Thanda Safari Lodge and the Villa iZulu will be open for guests.

Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a multiple winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge award, ranked as one of the 20 Top Resorts in South Africa in the 2020 Conde Nast Traveller Awards, and more recently was winner at the 27th World Travel Awards for World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2020: Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari, South Africa and World’s Leading Safari Lodge 2020: Thanda Safari Lodge at Thanda Safari, South Africa.

Thanda Safari is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe on the N2 approximately 220km north of Durban and is easily accessible from the N2 by gravel road (no 4×4 required). Richards Bay is the closest commercial airport, with King Shaka International Airport, Durban being the closest international airport. Road transfers are available from and to Durban and Richards Bay Airports.

E: Reservations
T: +27 (0) 32 586 0149
W: Thanda Safari

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