Thanda Private Game Reserve

Overview

Location: South Africa–>KwaZulu-Natal
Accommodation Type: Guest house,Hotel,Lodge,Bungalow
Comfort Level: Luxury

Good For: Solo, Couple/Romantic, Family |

The Thanda private game Reserve is located on 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness along the KwaZulu Natal Elephant coast. The reserve, winners of multiple international awards, offers guests an incredible safari experience at one of its three accommodation option. Guests can choose to experience opulence at the luxurious main lodge, enjoy the rustic yet comfortable safari tented camp, or revel in tranquillity at the Royal Private Villa.  No matter where guests decide to stay they can expect delicious food, sumptuous surrounds and impeccable service

The Elephant Coast in northern KwaZulu-Natal stretches from St Lucia in the south to Kosi Bay in the north, and across to the Lubombo Mountains in the west. This pristine wilderness has 21 different ecosystems and a rich biodiversity fauna and flora. Thanda Game Reserve proudly supports both conservation and community through its many initiatives.

Accommodation

Thanda Private Game Reserve offers guests accommodation in the opulent main lodge, the exclusive Royal Private Villa, or the refined safari-style tented camp.

Thanda’s main lodge comprises of nine spacious bush villas, with awe-inspiring views of the game-rich reserve. The circular arrangement of the villas against the hill, ensures maximum privacy, and is reminiscent of a traditional Zulu homestead. Each villa has a spacious lounge opening onto a thatched game-viewing deck and private infinity pool. The large master bedroom, with an inter-leading fireplace, has a full en-suite bathroom with an enormous oval bathtub, and indoor and outdoor showers. Each villa offers a private boma – ideal for romantic intimate dinners.

The expansive Royal Private Villa offers unrivalled luxury and self-contained privacy. The exclusive-use villa provides guests with a private game-viewing vehicle and ranger, personal chef and masseuse. Measuring 1000 m², the sumptuous villa includes a private boma, cellar, business room, and games room. The Afro-chic lounge has a piano and fireplace, while the exquisite dining room is a wonderful place to gather for a gourmet meal. The five deluxe spacious en-suite bedrooms, each come with their own viewing deck, and the executive room has its own private outdoor Jacuzzi. After a private game viewing drive, guests can recline at the private pool, or relax on the viewing deck overlooking the Big Five frequented waterhole.

The unfenced tented safari camp, a mere 15 minute drive from the main lodge, has been designed and decorated in a colonial safari style. The fourteen en-suite safari tents have spacious bedrooms with decadently draped four-poster beds. Secluded viewing decks afford expansive bushveld views. Thanda’s Honeymoon tent offers a king-sized bed, and a separate lounge area. The deluxe bathroom has a large bathtub, with an additional outdoor shower for sun-dappled or moonlit refreshment. The private viewing deck and plunge pool create an intimate romantic ambience.

Wildlife

Thanda Private Game Reserve aims to restore nature’s balance by reintroducing species endemic to the area. The rehabilitated land has led to the re-establishment of the natural ecosystem, in which the bird and wildlife flourish. Over the past several years a number of indigenous species including; African wild dog, cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino, have been reintroduced.

In addition to regular sightings of the Big Five, Thanda offers plentiful opportunities for viewing hyena, nyala, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, giraffe, grey duiker, and the rare suni.

With over 400 species recorded in the area, Thanda is a paradise for birding enthusiasts. There are regular sightings of larger species, such as the Bateleur eagle, Southern banded snake eagle, Secretary bird, and Hooded vulture. Colourful smaller species includes Woodward’s barbet, Neergaard’s sunbird, Rudd’s apalis, and Delegorgue’s pigeon.

More Info

Children
Children of all ages are welcome. Children under 2 years stay free of charge.
Children aged 2 – 16 years pay 50% off RACK when sharing a suite with 2 full paying adults.
Cots are available for children aged 0 – 2 years; children aged 3 – 16 sleep on individual single beds.
Two children aged 16 and younger can be accommodated with 2 parents.
Regretfully, children aged 5 years & younger cannot participate in game drives unless an exclusive-use vehicle is booked.
Children aged 6 – 11 years may be accommodated on game drives at the lodge/villa manager’s discretion

Please Note:
Road transfers are available from Durban and Richards Bay, and self-drive clients are required to leave their vehicles at the main gate.
Thanda is located in a malaria free area.

Directions

Directions from Johannesburg
Take the N17 via Springs to Ermelo. From Ermelo, take the N2, past Piet Retief. Continue on the N2 towards Hluhluwe – approximately 25 km past Mkhuze (before Hluhluwe), turn right into the D242, continue for approximately 5 km on the gravel road to the Thanda gate on the right.

Directions from Durban
Take the N2 towards Hluhluwe. Approximately 20 km past the turn-off for Hluhluwe, turn left into the D242, continue for approximately 5 km on the gravel road to the Thanda gate on the right.