Thanda Safari Lodge

R9,965 - R20,720

per person sharing

At A Glance

R9,965 - R20,720

Per Person Sharing

Destinations
Nearest Airport

Zulu Inyala Airport (Phinda)

Children Under 12 Welcome

Accommodation Highlights

Located in private Big 5 game reserve
Sole traversing rights and resident photographic expert
Luxury spa wellness centre
Fascinating glimpse into the Zulu culture
Member of 'Leading Hotels of the World'

Overview of Thanda Safari Lodge

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal

Located a short drive north of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in northern Zululand, Thanda Safari Lodge is set within a 14 000 hectare Big 5 private game reserve and offers you the option of experiencing the sumptuous accommodation of the main lodge or the opulence of the colonial-style tented camp.

Activities include game drives, bush walks, boat trips on the beautiful St Lucia estuary, diving, fishing, horse riding on the beach and seasonal whale watching. Meaning ‘love' in the isiZulu language, Thanda focuses heavily on preservation of the natural surroundings (they are founding members of Project Rhino, dedicated to preserving this vulnerable species), as well as supporting the surrounding communities. A stay here offers you the chance to learn all about the richness of Zulu history and tradition.

Almost all the staff at Thanda Safari Lodge hail from the local community, and 100 percent of all the proceeds from village visits are handed to villagers. If you are a budding or even keen photographer, the resident photographer will conduct a two-hour complimentary workshop that takes into account your aptitude and equipment. Because no other camps have traversing rights, you will feel like you have the land to yourself and will be afforded some unforgettable photographic opportunities.

 

Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences

12 Jan 2026 - 18 Dec 2026

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

19 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

11 Jan 2027 - 15 Dec 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

16 Dec 2027 - 9 Jan 2028

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

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Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
Located in private Big 5 game reserve
Sole traversing rights and resident photographic expert
Luxury spa wellness centre
Fascinating glimpse into the Zulu culture
Member of 'Leading Hotels of the World'

Bird watching

Bush dining

Cultural visits

Deep sea fishing

Game drives

Guided walks

Historical tours

Local village visits

Star gazing

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Rooms at Thanda Safari Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Bold colours & traditional textures create a distinctive ambience in each suite

Luxury Suite

The main lodge features nine luxury bush villas, three of which can be converted to doubles.rnrnEach spacious villa has a private splash pool and viewing deck, a sala, a lounge with a fireplace, and a huge bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower. Your private boma offers you absolute privacy should you choose to dine there.rnrnWithout compromising luxury or service, Thanda’s tented camp offers you the opportunity to get closer to nature in style. Each of the 14 luxury tents has a viewing deck and a spacious en suite bathroom with a shower.rnrnThe Honeymoon Tent is a stunning mix of romance, privacy and luxury. Spacious in its design, the tent offers a king-size bed in a bedroom that has a separate lounge area. Outside, a shower and hot tub offer spectacular views of the reserve.rnrnFor larger families or groups looking for a private and exclusive stay, there is the Royal Private Villa which can accommodate 10 guests in five luxurious suites. Facilities include a private boma, library, games room and heated swimming pool while a magnificent viewing deck overlooks a much-frequented waterhole.

General Facilities

The award-winning wellness centre offers a full spectrum of treatments in luxurious surrounds.

Unique features of the centre include hot and cold outdoor kniepp therapy pools, a reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area, and a steam room and hydrotherapy bath.

You have full access to the facilities at the main lodge, including a lounge, library, safari shop, boma, wine cellar, cigar bar and fully-equipped business centre.

Bar

Boma

Library

Restaurant

Spa

Swimming pool

Wi-Fi available

Dining

All meals and local beverages are included at Thanda Safari Lodge. Enjoy a varied menu and a range of settings in which to dine; in the main boma, the dining room, or by candle light in the privacy of your suite.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Bonita Cronje

Bonita Cronje

Africa Safari Expert

Thanda means 'Love' in Zulu and you will definitely fall in love with this exclusive hideaway. It is also the perfect destination for those looking for romance.

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Traveller Reviews

  • ST
    Sabriya Targete
    traveler

    Thanda was fantastic! Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Accommodations and service were unparalleled. Our son wants to spend the rest of his life on safari and our daughter said they had the best gluten-free food she's ever had!

  • BC
    Bonita Cronje
    employee

    Thanda means ‘Love’ in Zulu and you will definitely fall in love with this exclusive hideaway. It is also the perfect destination for those looking for romance.

  • SW
    Stephen White
    traveler

    Beautiful lodge with lots of game. We just loved it all, and can’t wait to be back.

ST
Sabriya Targete
traveler

Thanda was fantastic! Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Accommodations and service were unparalleled. Our son wants to spend the rest of his life on safari and our daughter said they had the best gluten-free food she's ever had!

BC
Bonita Cronje
employee

Thanda means ‘Love’ in Zulu and you will definitely fall in love with this exclusive hideaway. It is also the perfect destination for those looking for romance.

SW
Stephen White
traveler

Beautiful lodge with lots of game. We just loved it all, and can’t wait to be back.