Thanda Private Game Reserve
In the heart of Zululand, a new life stirs amidst the rich traditions of a proud nation.
Location
Situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a celebration of the Zulu people and their rich culture. Not only will guests have the opportunity to learn more about their history and traditions, the people from the adjacent tribal land will benefit in many ways from the creation of Thanda Private Game Reserve. It´s the magic of romance and Zulu culture that makes Thanda unforgettable a five star lodge
Let your senses awaken with sumptuous decadence, and candlelit culinary masterpieces impeccably served in your private boma. Thanda invites you to experience ultimate luxury and world-class service. The nine luxury bush villas are pure indulgence. Each spacious bush villa has a private splash pool and viewing deck, sala, lounge, fireplace and a full bathroom with an inside as well as an outside shower. The private bomas offer absolute privacy should that be your choice.
The public area at the main lodge has a lounge, library, dining room, boma, dining deck, wine cellar, cigar bar, fully equipped business centre and viewing decks overlooking tranquil water features. Artefacts made by local artists can be found in the curio shop adjacent to the business centre.
Tented camp
Wild, yet gentle; rugged, yet refined; Thanda Private Game Reserve offers a select few a luxurious escape into nature. Situated on the slope of a hill, the tents have spectacular views of the reserve, and offer guests an authentic bush experience. The camp has no electricity, and guests can opt to have their meals in the dining tent or around the boma fire.
Without compromising luxury or service, the tented camp offers guests an opportunity to get closer to nature in style. Each of the four luxury tents has a viewing deck, and a spacious bathroom with a shower.
Fine Dining
In the coolness of the night, dine on tender delicacies to the echoing sounds of triumphant creatures feasting. Our dedicated and professional chefs will skilfully prepare an exquisite variation of Western and traditional Zulu cuisine.
And you choose where you would prefer to savour the masterpieces that will be presented to you: in front of a roaring fire in the dining room in winter, under sparkling skies on clear nights in the boma or in the bush, or for a more romantic or private option, in your own secluded private boma or terrace. Guests staying at the tented camp can partake in their meals at the dining tent, or at the dining facilities at the main lodge.
Romantic Getaway
It´s for the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones that Thanda has been created. And Thanda means "love" in Zulu. Thanda is the perfect environment to rediscover romance, with romantic turndowns, candlelights, bush dinners lit by paraffin lamps with your ranger being your guard, private heated splash pools, your own sala where you can sleep under the stars during the night listening to a lion roaring or take a nap after lunch whilst impalas graze below you, private bomas for romantic dinners with your own fireplace, relaxing massages at the wellness centre, excellent wines, foam baths with candlelights and champagne and outdoor showers that can be used in the magical African night. Our aim is to spoil you and provide privacy.
Thanda is an exquisite venue for a honeymoon or a bush wedding. All co-ordination requirements will be taken care of by the lodge, from the legal documents to arranging an ordained minister, ensuring that the most special day of your life is totally unforgettable and stress-free. Thanda can accommodate a maximum of 26, however the lodge is able to cater for more guests for the wedding ceremony and reception, and would assist in finding additional accommodation nearby if required.
Wellness Centre
Take heed of your body and mind’s desire for inner peace and close your eyes whilst life’s daily stresses vanish beneath skilful hands.
The wellness centre offers a variety of therapies and beauty treatments to ease the effects of life's daily stresses on your body and mind. Qualified health and skin care therapists will ensure that your soothing full body aromatherapy massage or healing reflexology, to name just a few, will aid you to unwind and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Thanda Private Game Reserve.
Zulu culture
Sawubona; welcome to our land! Open your mind to a spiritual culture of rhythmic dances, colourful beadwork and intricate reed creations as King Shaka's descendants share their ancient tales of the powerful Zulu people.
The focus point of Thanda Private Game Reserve is to fully embrace the Zulu culture by including elements of it throughout all aspects of the lodge. From the décor to the cuisine, guests will truly learn to appreciate the rich and still very much alive traditions of the Zulu people. Vula Zulu, a traditional 'kraal' is the setting for guests to have the privilege of watching fifty to one hundred Impis trained by an associate of a Zulu prince, performing age-old dancing rites, as was done prior to and after battle.
A guided tour to a nearby Zulu tribal village will offer guests an insight into the daily life of the community. Visit local historical sites and battlegrounds, or witness young children's enthusiasm and ambition during a visit to a local school. Our rangers will embrace the close connections and traditions between nature and the Zulu people, and in the library at the main lodge, you can read about the many fascinating aspects of the Zulu nation, from culture and history to myths and legends. Even the Zulu songs will stay with you long after your visit to Thanda!
In this way, Thanda will be contributing to the sustainment of the Zulu culture, through job creation as well as maintaining an ongoing interest in the Zulu heritage, and offering guests a unique opportunity to experience all aspects of this incredibly interesting culture, not found at any other lodge.
