Thanda Safari Lodge
Thanda Private Game Reserve is in KwaZulu Natal not far from Phinda Private Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. This 15,000 hectare reserve is home to the Big Five and only three properties, Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and Thanda iZulu, an exclusive-use house.
Thanda Safari Lodge has 9 enormous and luxurious bush suites. Shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead, the suites are 2300 square feet and have panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve. We love that the outside area is as big as the room and includes a deck, sala, private boma dinner area and a heated plunge pool. The common areas at Thanda Safari Lodge are also lovely and the food and service are both excellent. There is also a great spa. If you are looking for a luxury lodge in a private reserve then Thanda Safari Lodge is the right fit for you. If you are looking for a lower-priced option then Thanda Tented is charming and better fit.
While we feel the reserve itself feels a little small and don’t love that a small portion abuts a main road, we have gotten nothing but enthusiastic feedback from clients. We do really like that the reserve offers a Zulu cultural/educational experience and that guests staying at Thanda can easily access southern Mozambique by road to end their safari on the beach at somewhere like White Pearl.