Thanda, meaning "love" in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa's top award winning, 5-star rated safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in KwaZulu Natal, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean.

The inimitable integration of South Africa's best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body. It's the unique and sought after balance between energizing and exclusive relaxation that we want to share with you and your dear ones.

Thanda is situated 23 kilometers north of Hluhluwe on the N2, towards Mkhuze, approximately 400 km north of Durban

As Africa's leading luxury lodge, Thanda Private Game Reserve offers guests a choice between the opulence of the main lodge and the rugged refinement of the safari-style tented camp. Both options offer five-star accommodation and service in very private surroundings. Accommodation packages at both the main lodge and tented camp include all meals, game activities and local drinks served on game drives.

Luxury Safari Lodge:

The main lodge encompasses nine bush villas which offer guests the epitome of self-contained privacy and sheer luxury. Circular in structure and reminiscent of a traditional homestead against a hill, each of the villas boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding game reserve. 220 m2 in size, each villa has its own spacious lounge area and master bedroom with inter-leading fireplace. A thatched outdoor game-viewing deck (sala) and infinity pool offer refreshing solace from the summer heat. Each of the villas has a full en-suite bathroom complete with an enormous oval shaped bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The villas are all equipped with private bomas for an intimate and romantic dining experience.

Should the urge arise to venture beyond your private retreat, the lodge's public areas include a library, business centre, finely-stocked wine cellar and cigar bar, as well as a choice between romantic dining venues in the heart of the African bush.

Tented Safari Camp:

The non-electrified tented camp has been built in colonial safari-style structure best suited for guests who are searching for an authentic safari experience. The four beautifully furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite canvas bathrooms and magnificent views of the game reserve. Public facilities include an intimate dining tent, dramatic outdoor boma, stylish outdoor lounge and plunge pool for cool relief on hot summer days.

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to stay in the tented camp for safety reasons as the camp is unfenced. The tented camp is suggested for the guest in search of a more authentic bush experience. Thanda's tented camp is an approximate 15-minute drive from the main lodge in an open Land Rover.

Royal Private Villa:

Conceptualised and crafted for Swedish investor Dan Olofsson and his family, Thanda's Royal Private Villa has now been made available to the public. Fit for royalty and surrounded by expanses of African bush, the Royal Private Villa can accommodate ten guests in five luxuriously appointed suites (three queens and two doubles).

The exclusive-use Royal Private Villa welcomes family and groups of friends to enjoy the luxury and privacy of this five star home away from home. The Royal Private Villa was designed for a family and thus it has a range of facilities that will make a family stay enjoyable and fun but still luxurious and exclusive.

The Royal Private Villa provides top class personal service, a warm and hospitable African ambience and outstanding cuisine, prepared by your personal chef. Recline at the pool between game drives or spend the afternoon on the private viewing deck overlooking a waterhole, frequented by game including the elephant and lion. Take a siesta or just unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the bush.

Thanda also offers all guests the use of its award-winning wellness centre.

Kids of all ages are also welcome at Thanda Private Game Reserve, and when they arrive at the Lodge, they will be invited to join the Thanda Bucks & Bugs Club.

In the coolness of the night, dine on tender delicacies to the echoing sounds of triumphant creatures feasting

Thanda is proud to offer its guests a variety of dining venues to enhance the African experience. The drama of the boma, in front of the setting sun and behind the flames of a roaring fire is an image synonymous with the safari experience, but only one of the dining options afforded guests.

Head chef Richard Phiri prides his ability to offer versatile, mouthwatering dishes that appeal to guests of all cultures and nationalities. South African cuisine is only one flavour in Richard's potjie as he enjoys experimenting with the flavours he encountered during his training years spent in Milan, The United States, Malawi and Mauritius. Seasonal game meat is always on the menu for the more adventurous eaters, but partaking is entirely optional. The maintenance of a herb garden at the owners' private villa ensures a constant supply of fresh ingredients. Despite the mix of tastes he offers, he still is very traditional when it comes to etiquette and values the art of fine dining. Intimate discussions with clients ensure that their dietary requirements are respected and maintains Thanda's exceptional standards. Guests are highly recommended to advise of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at the reservations stage.

Excellent wines are the perfect accompaniment to fine food and Thanda boasts a superbly stocked wine cellar and cigar bar for the discerning guest.

The elusive Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard) can be found in Thanda Private Game Reserve. Other wildlife on Thanda's 14,000-ha property include the very entertaining wild dog, cheetah, hyaena, warthog and plains game as well as an abundance of bird life.

Wondering what you're going to do on vacation? Viewing the Big Five by open Land Rover, enjoying a rejuvenating wellness treatment and sunbathing next to your private splash pool are but a few of the activities you can experience during your stay at Thanda.

Being so close to the Indian Ocean Thanda is able to offer a world-class bush and beach breakaway with trips to nearby Isimangaliso, formerly known as St. Lucia, (a World Heritage Site) an essential part of your holiday.

Horse riding on the beach, cultural excursions, whale watching, diving packages, deep sea fishing and snorkel safaris are just some of the options that Thanda has on offer. Being this close to the warmth of the Indian Ocean you'll understand where the phrase "sunny South Africa" was coined...

Other activities on offer:

• Bush dinners and breakfasts
• Star gazing
• Kids' Club
• Bush walks
• Wildlife lectures and talks.

All rates include 1% tourism levy. Rates include all meals and game activities at Thanda. Drinks: House wine & water with meals and on game drives are included.

Please enquire about transfer rates and discounted fees for stays of 4 nights and over.

Children's Rates / Conditions:

• Main Lodge - Children under 2 stay free. Children 2-12 sharing with 2 full paying adults 50% of pps rate.
• Tented Camp - No children under the age of 16.
• Private Royal Villa - Children under 2 stay free. Children 2-12 sharing with 2 full paying adults 50% of pps rate.