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Old-style romance at a place called 'love'
Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
A magnificent African elephant.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The Thanda Foundation helps to uplift surrounding communities.
The romantic Thanda Private Game Reserve offers a unique combination of decadence, abundant wildlife and intriguing Zulu culture. As winner of the title 'Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge' at the 2007 World Travel Awards, it is not surprising that the 9 luxury bush villas at the main lodge stand in a class of their own.
Situated in KwaZulu-Natal, Thanda is the ideal destination for lovers of bush and beach. Sodwana Bay is just an hour away and the lodge can arrange day excursions to dive with sharks, snorkel above coral reefs, ride horses on the beach or just enjoy the Indian Ocean.
Thanda Private Game Reserve itself is home to the big 5 and plenty of other wildlife. Recently a breeding pack of African wild dogs was introduced to the property. The area is also known for its avian riches and the park boasts a bird list of over four hundred species.
Thanda means 'love' in Zulu and there will be no escaping the romance of this reserve. The award-winning wellness centre provides spa treatments and the main lodge has a library, wine cellar, cigar bar and viewing decks overlooking tranquil water features. Artefacts made by local Zulu artists decorate the public areas. For people who can’t leave their work behind there is a fully equipped business centre.
Besides the luxury at the bush villas, Thanda Private Game Reserve is also home to a non-electrified tented camp, where people can appreciate the smells and sounds of the African bush at its fullest.
There are many exciting activities for children in the reserve. They will receive a welcome kit on arrival including a colouring-in book, an animal and bird check list, a beading or gaming kit and information on the Thanda Junior Rangers Course.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0) 11 469-5082/3/4/5
E-mail reservations@thanda.co.za or reservations2@thanda.co.za
How to get here
Thanda Private Game Reserve is approximately 400 km north of Durban. The reserve is easily accessible by road. The closest commercial airport is Richards Bay and the closest international airport is Durban. Road transfers are available on request.
Tours to do
Enjoy activities ranging from game drives to star-gazing, to the very best of African-inspired treatments at Thanda's award-winning spa.
Get around
Once you arrive, you will be driven in the reserve's 4X4 vehicles.
What will it cost
This is a luxury reserve and is priced accordingly.
Length of stay
Anything from a few days to two weeks.
Where to stay
Thanda offers a choice of 5-star accommodation to suit different tastes, ranging from the opulence of the main lodge to the more rustic refinement of the tented camp.
What to eat
Look forward to versatile, mouth-watering 5-star cuisine with a wine cellar to match.