Thanda Safari – proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World

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 Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Actively involved in conservation and wildlife research, it works to uplift 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 unparalleled lifestyle opportunities and experiences, giving members the chance to contribute to nature conservation and children’s education. Thanda Safari Starlight Productions (TSSP) will feature special musicals, concerts, and artists performing in the bush, along with invited speakers and exclusive events. Guests can socialise in a safe, protected, open-air “theatre” with limited numbers, observing all Covid-19 safety protocols. This innovative model enables Thanda to provide additional value, job protection, and exciting new experiences for guests.

Accommodation Options at Thanda Safari

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. A new package includes 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 barbecue; a flight to the western mountains on Thanda to enjoy the sunset; and unique wildlife experiences (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. From January 2021, Thanda Tented Camp is available for special events and exclusive use only. When no events are taking place, only Thanda Safari Lodge and 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 Condé Nast Traveller Awards, and recent 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.

Location and Access

Thanda Safari is situated 23 km north of Hluhluwe on the N2, approximately 220 km 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.