Thanda Safari Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

Location

Set on a 14,000-hectare private game reserve just 260 km north of Durban, Thanda Game Reserve offers fantastic Big Five spotting opportunities and is only shared with two other private camps, Thanda Tented Camp and the smaller Villa Izullu. With only three lodges, spread out over the reserve, the game and wildlife spotting opportunities are aplenty. Home to the iconic Big Five, you'll also spot cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes and an abundance of bird and plant life. Being a private reserve, bush walks are also available and offer a unique perspective for wildlife sightings, all under the guidance of expert trackers and guides.

Accommodation

Inspired by Zulu culture, each of the nine available thatched-roof suites are a tribute to African abundance, where you'll find a spacious lounge, inviting bedroom, double-sided fireplace, and an indulgent bathroom with a bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. Set on undulating terrain, overlooking the reserve, you'll enjoy evenings spent on your private verandah, watching the sunset and wildlife pass by. The main part of the lodge is just as inviting, where you can enjoy lounging by the pool between game drives, sharing stories at the evening fire pit or watching more wildlife that frequent the lodge's water hole.

Dining

The Thanda Safari Lodge dining experience is as diverse as the wildlife on the reserve, and the fantastic chefs and hosts will make sure you are well fed while on safari. From sunrise to sunset, you'll be treated to the full Thanda experience, with buffet breakfasts, afternoon high teas, bush stops full of local favourites and unique bomas, right in the heart of the reserve. Whether you're after slow-cooked game cuts, traditional dishes or have unique dietary requirements, the team will accommodate every need. What's more, if you're planning a meal for a special occasion, the team will assist in a private setting on the verandah, in the bush or from the privacy of your suite. And, with an impressive wine cellar, each meal can be perfectly paired with a fine South African red or a crisp white from the cape area.

Facilities

Head to the expansive deck and refreshing plunge pool between game drives to fully unwind and relax, afterall you're on holiday, or, book a treatment at the Thanda Safari Spa for a truly indulgent experience. The open-air lounge offers the chance to share stories of the unique game spotted whilst out exploring the reserve and where you'll likely find the in-house photographer, who will always offer tips on how to improve your shots. The lodge's library offers a relaxing environment to visit, where you can find classic African literature and it's the go-to place to watch the waterhole, where a variety of species are known to visit throughout the day. Outside the lodge, you'll be able to visit one of many ongoing conservation programmes on the reserve and in the KwaZulu-Natal area, whether it be the Project Rhino KZN, the Black Rhino Expansion Project or the Wildlands Conservation trusts, they are all striving to make a difference.