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Thanda Private Game Reserve

Safari and Wildlife Lodge
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Thanda Private Game reserve is situated just an hours’ transfer north of Richards Bay in northern Zululand. Thanda, meaning “love” in Zulu, is a celebration of the Zulu people, their rich culture and the local wildlife.

The land has been rehabilitated to its original state with the reintroduction of species endemic to the area, including the big five.

The main camp is a luxurious affair with spacious villas built under thatch and based on traditional Zulu design boasting private pools. The spacious main lodge has sweeping views of bush and mountains.

Thanda also offers a tented camp with 15 luxury tents, each with viewing deck and sumptuous interiors. Villa iZulu is a private homestead which sleeps 10 and offers the ultimate in exclusive family accommodation, complete with its own guide and chef. Gourmet meals are served indoors, around the campfire in the boma, or in the privacy of a villa, whilst a spa offers a variety of therapies and beauty treatments.

Why we like Thanda Private Game Reserve

Thanda offers such a great diversity of accommodation in a secret part of South Africa which was once King Shak’s private hunting ground. It is so close to the beach which makes a Bush and Beach holiday very viable with minimal travel.

Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Where to stay in South Africa

Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any journey.

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The Oyster Box

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The Oyster Box is an iconic hotel, complete with lighthouse, it is a landmark on the Umhlanga beach on the outskirts of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal. After a refurbishment that took two years, the Oyster Box…

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Fugitives Drift Lodge

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Lovingly created by legendary historian the late David Rattray and his wife Nicky, Fugitives Drift Lodge, located in the heart of the historic Zulu Battlefields, is renowned for its warm hospitality and is home to some…

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South Africa

Thonga Beach Lodge

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Stretching along the beautiful shores of the Maputuland coast in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal is Thonga Beach Lodge. Set above a secluded bay and nestled into the indigenous coastal dune forest with sweeping beach views. In keeping…

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South Africa

Three Trees at Spioenkop

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Three Trees Lodge at Spioenkop is located on the side of the famous hill of Spioenkop, overlooking the secluded Spioenkop Game Reserve in the valley below. This traditional corrugated iron farmhouse is surrounded by a typical…

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South Africa

Makakatana Bay Lodge

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A privately owned safari lodge, Makakatana Bay Lodge lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site in northern KwaZulu Natal. Set on the banks of Lake St Lucia, Makakatana Bay is surrounded by unspoiled wilderness,…

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South Africa

Phinda Private Game Reserve

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Situated just north of Richards Bay in the Heart of KwaZulu Natal, stands the conservation success story that is Phinda Private Game Reserve. This large and geographically diverse reserve was once depleted farmland which was regenerated…

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An excellent holiday well organised with personal help from Illona. Always available to answer my questions. Everything worked like clockwork whilst in South Africa.

South Africa

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