Thanda Safari Lodge, Zululand & The Elephant Coast | Timbuktu Travel
Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Thanda Safari Lodge

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Thanda Safari Lodge

Ultimate safari romance deep in KwaZulu-Natal's beautiful Thanda Reserve.
Zulu for ‘love’, Thanda makes you do just that. You will fall in love with this authentically South African wildlife experience. Thanda Safari Lodge is known for its plushly unique bush suites, each perched on a hill overlooking the reserve. With your own private sala on stilts, plunge pool, wrap-around deck and bush boma, you probably won’t want to leave to explore anything else. But trust us - it’s worth it. On Thanda’s game drives and bush walks you will fall in love again with the diverse wildlife and best of all, you get to enjoy it all to yourself.
From $660 per person/per night
Safari
9 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

Thanda Safari Lodge’s main area is colourful and drenched in light. The lounge oozes African abundance with plush sofas and huge windows overlooking a waterhole teeming with game. With dark wooden accents brightened by rich hues and African art, this is the starting point for steaming coffee and biscuits or the hearty lunch that begins every game drive. There is also a library, private business area, cigar bar, wine cellar and a huge deck overlooking the reserve.

The rooms

Each suite consists of three distinctively shaped thatched roof rondavels but that is where the resemblance to a traditional Zulu homestead ends. The 220m² homes are the height of luxury with huge bedrooms and plush lounges separated by a double fireplace and opulent indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Thanda Safari Lodge’s suites have their very own circular plunge pool, outdoor private boma and elevated sala circular deck with panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve. Sheer bliss!

Activities

Thanda is known for meaningful safari experiences and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s magnificent Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). A truly African experience goes beyond the five senses. It’s felt. Thanda’s safari guides will tell stories, explain, inform, educate and share anecdotes. Whether on foot or a vehicle, they will let you fall in love with the wild. Thanda also offers the opportunity to participate in their conservation programs and learn more about the colourful Zulu culture.

What you'll love

What you'll love

How about an afternoon dip in your plunge pool, followed by a private dinner under the stars listening to Africa's wildlife? Oh, go on then...
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Photography enthusiasts can enjoy a complimentary 90-minute wildlife photography lesson before heading into the bush in a specially-adapted vehicle to put new skills into practice.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Whilst the lodge is family friendly, it's definitely geared towards the romantic side of things...

South Africa

Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Ancient battlefields and wild shores merge to create a multi-faceted masterpiece.