Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Thanda Safari Lodge

Ultimate safari romance deep in KwaZulu-Natal's beautiful Thanda Reserve.
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4.9 out of 5 stars   Average guest rating
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or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667
Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (945 reviews)

About Thanda Safari Lodge

Zulu for ‘love’, Thanda makes you do just that. You will fall in love with this authentically South African wildlife experience. Thanda Safari Lodge is known for its plushly unique bush suites, each perched on a hill overlooking the reserve. With your own private sala on stilts, plunge pool, wrap-around deck and bush boma, you probably won’t want to leave to explore anything else. But trust us - it’s worth it. On Thanda’s game drives and bush walks you will fall in love again with the diverse wildlife and best of all, you get to enjoy it all to yourself.

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From $590 person/night

Lodge
9 Rooms

What you'll love

How about an afternoon dip in your plunge pool, followed by a private dinner under the stars listening to Africa's wildlife? Oh, go on then...

Insiders tip

Photography enthusiasts can enjoy a complimentary 90-minute wildlife photography lesson before heading into the bush in a specially-adapted vehicle to put new skills into practice.

Something to think about

Whilst the lodge is family friendly, it's definitely geared towards the romantic side of things...

The property

Thanda Safari Lodge’s main area is colourful and drenched in light. The lounge oozes African abundance with plush sofas and huge windows overlooking a waterhole teeming with game. With dark wooden accents brightened by rich hues and African art, this is the starting point for steaming coffee and biscuits or the hearty lunch that begins every game drive. There is also a library, private business area, cigar bar, wine cellar and a huge deck overlooking the reserve.

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The rooms

Each suite consists of three distinctively shaped thatched roof rondavels but that is where the resemblance to a traditional Zulu homestead ends. The 220m² homes are the height of luxury with huge bedrooms and plush lounges separated by a double fireplace and opulent indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Thanda Safari Lodge’s suites have their very own circular plunge pool, outdoor private boma and elevated sala circular deck with panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve. Sheer bliss!

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Activities

Game Drives
Walking safari
Boat Cruises
Night Drives

Thanda is known for meaningful safari experiences and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s magnificent Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). A truly African experience goes beyond the five senses. It’s felt. Thanda’s safari guides will tell stories, explain, inform, educate and share anecdotes. Whether on foot or a vehicle, they will let you fall in love with the wild. Thanda also offers the opportunity to participate in their conservation programs and learn more about the colourful Zulu culture.

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About Zululand & The Elephant Coast

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What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 945 reviews
Guest
Mar 2025 • 11 nights in Kenya and Rwanda
Jenna has been so attentive while planning our dream trip to East Africa. Jenna's attention to the details has... Read more
Gwyneth
Mar 2025 • 7 nights in Zimbabwe
We have used Timbuktu and Joanna in particular many times. Great ideas and service. She resolves any issues... Read more
Jena
Mar 2025 • 5 nights in Kenya
It was perfect! Jenna and Nadine were super responsive and everything was so simple and easy. They had great recs... Read more
MARK
Mar 2025 • 13 nights in Uganda
Just booked our 2nd trip through Timbuktu. Dealt with Tessa on both occasions and could not recommend her enough.... Read more
Paolo
Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Kenya and Uganda
I’ve planned several trips with Timbuktu—Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, and Uganda—and each experience has... Read more
Guest
Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Rwanda and Tanzania
Joanna Rigby-Jones and Nadine Levers have been excellent sources of suggestions, bookings, and ideas to help our... Read more
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