Rating: Deluxe
Thanda Safari Lodge offers the very best in accommodation, facilities and game veiwing. Located in Northern Zululand some 23kms north of Hluhluwe, the safari lodge is set in a private game reserve, known for sitings of the Big 5, cheetahs, hyena and wild dogs among others.
Accommodation comprises 9 separate and self-contained bush villas. These are circular in structure, reminiscent of a traditional homestead and offer space and comfort. Each villa has a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom complete with large oval bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers. The villas all have their own boma, where guests can choose to dine in a secluded and romantic atmosphere.
The main lodge facilties include a lounge-bar, library and business centre. The lodge has a choice of dining areas and the cuisine here is South African with influences drawn form a number of other countries and complemented by excellent South African wines. There is also a wellness centre offering a variety of services ranging from facials to massages and spa body treatments. The infinity pool is heated in cooler months.
There are morning and evening game drives in open Land Rovers. The lodge also offers guided bush walks, night walks at full moon and excursions to St Lucia. Other activities that can be arranged here are horse riding on the beach, diving and snorkelling and whale watching (seasonal).
For Thanda, ecological commitment is about people coming together to protect their land, water, animals and plants, to use these resources to benefit future generations. Alongside helping the upliftment of rural communities, Thanda also partners with various wildlife conservation foundations, such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation Trust. Through these partnerships, Thanda backs elephant and rhino conservation, plus cheetah breeding and spotted hyena research. They also worked on wild dog conservation for many years.