Travellers seeking a truly luxurious 5 star safari experience, Thanda Safari in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa is a must-visit destination. This private game reserve offers a range of lavish accommodations and exclusive safari experiences that provide an unforgettable escape into the African wilderness.
Thanda Safari is located in Hluhluwe, the heart of Zululand, a region known for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. The reserve is home to a diverse range of animals, including the Big Five, as well as cheetahs. Guests can enjoy a range of safari experiences, including game drives and guided walks all led by experienced rangers and trackers who are knowledgeable about the reserve’s flora and fauna.
Included in your room rate are 2 safaris every day and all food and drink. The safaris take place twice a day, at 5:30am and 4pm, they are 3-hour long drives that end with drinks and snacks with a beautiful view in the middle of bush. We got really lucky on our trip and experienced some of the most incredible encounters including a pride of lions at 6am in an open field, cleaning each other, play fighting and being incredibly regal. It was one of the most incredible encounters I’ve ever had. Even on days that we didn’t see the big 5 there was no shortage of knowledge from the guides and trackers to keep us engrossed and an array of giraffes, zebras, and impalas absolutely everywhere.
The reserve offers three accommodation options – a luxury villa, Suites and a Tented Camp, each designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The lodge’s suites are spacious and beautifully appointed, with private decks, a boma, an outdoor shower and a heated plunge pool overlooking the African bush. Every morning and evening while you are out on safari, you would have your room made up or turned down, what’s so spectacular is the level of service, the staff made me feel welcome and warm. They would remember how and what I ordered and have it ready for me before I even realised that’s what I want. You don’t need to think or do literally anything, it’s all taken care of, the attention to detail is impeccable. For someone who is a workaholic like me I have never had a more relaxing holiday, there’s something truly special about the bush and the service that puts you in the most relaxed state.
There are 2 very distinct memories I will forever hold dear, one of them being a trip to the western part of the reserve tracking elephants but they had gone deep in the dense forest but while on our way, from a distance, perhaps a few kms away on the mountain in front of us was a giraffe’s neck floating in & out of the trees. It looked surreal, otherworldly, I cannot fully explain but it made me realise just how small I am in relation to the world. It seemed completely untouched from the rest of the world, pure. A second moment I won’t forget, more comical perhaps, was a kudu walking past my window as I showered and looked straight at me, it waited for me to react and when I didn’t it carried on with its day. For once, I felt like the stranger, in his house, and I should appreciate and be grateful he allowed me to be here. What really brought me joy above all else was the care and conservation Thanda puts into protecting this wildlife, these beautiful creatures who deserve to live freely and as wonderfully as they do.
In addition to its accommodations and safari experiences, Thanda Safari offers a range of spa treatments and wellness activities that provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. You can indulge in massages, facials, and other treatments at the reserve’s spa, which is set in a tranquil bush setting. The reserve also offers yoga and meditation classes, as well as a fitness center for those looking to stay active during their stay.
Overall, Thanda Safari offers a truly luxurious escape into the African bush, with its exclusive accommodations, unforgettable safari experiences, and wellness offerings. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a high-end safari experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and the best of African hospitality.
