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Experience world-class service at Thanda Safari

Winner of Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2013 World Travel Awards, Thanda Safari brings man and nature together on a 14 000 hectare access-controlled private game reserve. Situated in northern Zululand, Thanda Safari is home to amazing wildlife and over 400 different bird species. Find your balance at one of South Africa’s most exquisite bush spas or witness a hundred-year-old ritual performed by Zulu warriors. Thanda means love in Zulu, signifying the deep connection the game reserve has with Zulu culture and native flora and fauna. Experience the ultimate in luxury in one of the bush suites or embrace nature at the authentic safari-style tented camp. Thanda’s public areas include a library, business centre, wine cellar and spa area, ensuring you hours of entertainment and pleasure. Two daily game drives are offered to all guests at Thanda Safari. Culinary masterpieces, prepared by the dedicated kitchen team, can be sampled at several venues, including your private boma. Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the low risk malaria reserve.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Buffet

Free private parking available on-site


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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
Bedroom
1 extra-large double bed
Living room
2 sofa beds
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 1
2 single beds
Bedroom 2
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 3
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 4
1 large double bed
Bedroom 5
2 single beds
2 single beds
Bedroom
2 single beds
Living room
1 sofa bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.6
Facilities
9.4
Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.7
Value for money
8.9
Location
9.7
Free WiFi
7.8
High score for Hluhluwe

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Lauren
    France France
    - Amazing location at the center of the reserve - Good game drives, the Thanda reserve has plenty to offer. We saw many elephants, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, secretary bird, rhino - Excellent food, wines and beers included - Beautiful common...
  • Mark
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Staff, facilities and food exceeded our expectations. The resort was truly impressive. The rooms were fantastic and the communal areas excellent. The game rangers were brilliant and the amount of very close big 5 viewings was extraordinary. Seeing...
  • Brian
    Ireland Ireland
    The location and food was fabulous . We were fed like a King and Queens for our stay. The staff couldnt do enough for us especially our guide Janice and our tracker Medibe who were so enthusiastic about finding "the big 5" for us.
  • Rhiannon
    Australia Australia
    We stayed in the tented camp and our accommodation was so comfortable. All staff were welcoming and friendly. Our guide CJ was amazing, he really went above and beyond so we could see as many animals as possible and he was very knowledgeable. Food...
  • Liz
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Beautiful tented accommodation, extremely comfortable - everything you needed. Fantastic friendly staff, safari guide and tracker were exceptional in their knowledge. Fabulous stay
  • Juan
    New Zealand New Zealand
    They just made out stay so memorable and they just went out of to achieve this. Super friendly and efficient and professional. You can sure tell they love their jobs.
  • Petro
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything. Staff friendly and helpful. Accommodation neat and clean. Food delicious. Our guide was excellent.
  • Peter
    South Africa South Africa
    Breakfast was amazing Staff were fantastic, especially Buselaphi Game viewing was outstanding
  • Natalie
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The villas were incredible. The nicest accommodation we’ve ever stayed in! The villas are huge with their own heated plunge pool, decking area for sunbathing & also a covered lounge area. Also an area for private dining. The food was incredible...
  • Benjamin
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Loved that the game drives were very interactive with trackers and guides talking you through the whole experience. The staff were incredible in general. Was amazing all round.

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Halal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Thanda Safari
Great facilities! Review score, 9.4

Most popular facilities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Restaurant
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Bar

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

View

  • Garden view
  • View

Outdoors

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Room Amenities

  • Clothes rack

Activities

  • Live music/performance
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Themed dinner nights
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Game drives
  • Kids' club
  • Hiking
  • Games room

Living Area

  • Sofa
  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant

Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Valet parking

Reception services

  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Currency exchange
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Entertainment and family services

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Babysitting/child services
    Additional charge

Cleaning services

  • Trouser press
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Laundry

Business facilities

  • Fax/photocopying
    Additional charge
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/banquet facilities

Safety & security

  • Safety deposit box

General

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service

Outdoor swimming pool
Free!

  • Pool with view

Wellness

  • Spa/wellness packages
  • Spa lounge/relaxation area
  • Spa facilities
  • Light therapy
  • Body wrap
  • Body scrub
  • Body treatments
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing services
  • Facial treatments
  • Beauty Services
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre
    Additional charge
  • Sauna

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Zulu

House rules
Thanda Safari takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 14:00 to 19:00
Check-out
From 06:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children are not allowed.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubMaestroCash is not accepted

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note: There is no guide/driver on standby at the gate.Guests need to arrive in time for transfer from gate to the lodge. The transfer times from the gate are as follows: 14h00, 14h30, 15h00, 16h00 and 17h00.

No early arrivals will be honoured, unless prior arrangement has been made.

Please note that the game reserve has very strict child policies, and should be cleared with the hotel directly.

FAQs about Thanda Safari

  • Check-in at Thanda Safari is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • The prices at Thanda Safari may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Room options at Thanda Safari include:

    • Suite
    • Tent
    • Villa
  • Thanda Safari has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1
  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Guests staying at Thanda Safari can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.0).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Full English/Irish
    • Buffet
    • À la carte
  • Thanda Safari offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Spa and wellness centre
    • Sauna
    • Massage
    • Hiking
    • Games room
    • Kids' club
    • Beauty Services
    • Tour or class about local culture
    • Body scrub
    • Swimming Pool
    • Pedicure
    • Walking tours
    • Spa lounge/relaxation area
    • Game drives
    • Waxing services
    • Live music/performance
    • Light therapy
    • Themed dinner nights
    • Body treatments
    • Spa/wellness packages
    • Facial treatments
    • Body wrap
    • Manicure
    • Spa facilities
  • Thanda Safari is 9.9 miles from the centre of Hluhluwe. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.