Hotel Overview

Thanda, meaning "love" in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa's top award winning safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean.

Accommodations
As Africa's leading luxury lodge, Thanda Private Game Reserve offers guests a choice between the opulence of the main lodge and the rugged refinement of the safari-style tented camp. Both options offer five-star accommodation and service in very private surroundings. Accommodation packages at both the main lodge and tented camp include all meals, game activities and local drinks served on game drives.

The non-electrified tented camp has been built in colonial safari-style structure best suited for guests who are searching for an authentic safari experience. The four beautifully furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite canvas bathrooms and magnificent views of the game reserve. Public facilities include an intimate dining tent, dramatic outdoor boma, stylish outdoor lounge and plunge pool for cool relief on hot summer days. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to stay in the tented camp for safety reasons as the camp is unfenced. The tented camp is suggested for the guest in search of a more authentic bush experience. Thanda's tented camp is an approximate 15-minute drive from the main lodge in an open Land Rover.

Enjoy exclusive use of the Royal Suite, which opens its doors to lead into a magnificent lounge filled with attractive Afro-chic décor with a piano and fireplace. A beautifully conceptualised dining room is ideal for the family to gather in for a light snack or a first class dinner prepared by your personal chef, who will cater for any dietary requirements. The fully equipped kitchen meets professional standards. The five richly decorated and spacious en-suite bedrooms are the pinnacle of luxury, each with its own viewing deck. The executive room has its own private outdoor Jacuzzi. The lodge handles the hot summer days with its air-conditioning and ceiling fans and keeps out the cold chilly nights with its fireplace.

Dining
Thanda is proud to offer its guests a variety of dining venues to enhance the African experience. The drama of the boma, in front of the setting sun and behind the flames of a roaring fire is an image synonymous with the safari experience, but only one of the dining options afforded guests.

Head chef Richard Phiri prides his ability to offer versatile, mouthwatering dishes that appeal to guests of all cultures and nationalities. South African cuisine is only one flavor in Richard's potjie as he enjoys experimenting with the flavors he encountered during his training years spent in Milan, The United States, Malawi and Mauritius. Seasonal game meat is always on the menu for the more adventurous eaters, but partaking is entirely optional. The maintenance of a herb garden at the owners' private villa ensures a constant supply of fresh ingredients. Despite the mélange of tastes he offers, he still is very traditional when it comes to etiquette and values the art of fine dining. Intimate discussions with clients ensure that their dietary requirements are respected and maintains Thanda's exceptional standards. Guests are highly recommended to advise of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at reservations stage.

Spa
Based on centuries of old traditions, these spa body treatments have therapeutic and medicinal properties that detoxify the body, revitalise the skin & calm the mind. Their body exfoliations (scrubs), wraps, massages, steam & jets of water take the body on an unforgettable Thanda sensory experience.

Indulge your senses in a Thanda Signature experience, a unique fusion of different therapies designed to replenish and soothe body, mind and soul. All products used for the following treatments are part of the Africology range, containing: marula oil, African potato, rooibos, a