Thanda Safari Lodge

Thanda Safari Lodge, offers an authentic Big 5 bush experience in the 14,000 hectare Thanda Safari Reserve and a supremely romantic getaway. From its hillside position, the lodge commands gorgeous panoramic views across thick natural bush.

Nine luxurious, African-chic villas feature secluded bomas for intimate meals, private decks with heated pools and a thatched sala with a daybed. In fact, should guests prefer, they can remain in their personal spaces, minimising interaction with others.

Thanda Safari Lodge is decorated in a contemporary, Zulu-heritage style, incorporating both tradition and sophistication. Central areas include an award-winning spa, boma, lounge and dining area as well as a pool and wine cellar.

During your stay on Thanda Reserve, you can spend time with the conservation team, go on safari to see the Big 5, experience the bush on foot, with exclusive guided walks and because they are part of their Zulu community, they offer a range of Zulu

cultural and community experiences in their neighbouring villages. Rhino tracking and darting, plus cheetah tracking can also be organised at an extra cost.

Thanda Safari’s critically endangered species conservation initiatives include the African wild dog breeding programme. Thanda also partners with the Endangered Wildlife Trust on cheetah breeding and spotted hyena research. Thanda is a founder member of Project Rhino KZN, which is an intensive anti-poaching and conservation collaboration between KwaZulu-Natal’s leading conservation agencies, provincial game reserves, provincial government bodies, private game reserves and anti-poaching security specialists. 

As well as various conservation initiaties, Thanda assists the local communites with education and socio economic upliftment programmes. These include Thanda’s flagship Star for Life education and HIV/AIDS prevention programme, the Inkanyiso Crèche project and a job creating, paper-making project.