Thanda Private Game Reserve
Northern Zululand,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Private Game Reserve
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THANDA GAME RESERVE RATES: Thanda Game Reserve Rates
THANDA PRIVATE
GAME RESERVE, NORTHERN ZULULAND, KWA-ZULU NATAL
Reawaken romance in one of
the luxury bush villas, or embrace nature at the
colonial safari-style tented camp. Encounter the
abundance of African game including lion, rhino,
elephant, buffalo and leopard found at Thanda.
Let your tension be smoothed away at one of South
Africa's most exquisite African bush spas, or feel
the rush of adrenalin diving with sharks at the
nearby warm Indian Ocean waters. Be transfixed
in awe as you witness a hundred-year-old ritual
performed by Zulu warriors, offering you a glimpse
of a powerful nation that still retains its deep
traditions.
Situated 23km
north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand in South
Africa, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a celebration
of the Zulu people and their rich culture. Thanda,
meaning 'love' in Zulu, is an expression of the
magical union of powerful Zulu culture, wildlife,
romantic decadence and exclusivity.
It´s
the magic of romance and Zulu culture that makes
Thanda unforgettable.
Accolades
• The Wellness
Centre at the prestigious Thanda Private Game Reserve
in KwaZulu-Natal was voted as the winner in the Safari
Spa category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa
Awards 2006, June 2006
• Thanda
Private Game Reserve in Zululand has been selected
as the first and only game reserve in the world to
achieve ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ status
and joins the elite membership that is reserved for
only 400 of the world’s finest properties,
September 2005
• The 5-star Thanda Private Game Reserve's Wellness
Centre was chosen as a top 5 finalist in the category
of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles Esthetique during
their inaugural South African 2005 Sanitas Per Aquas
Spa Awards, July 2005
Accommodation  For
images of Thanda, click Thanda
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Main
Lodge
The
nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge offer
a level of opulence that is hard to surpass.
Measuring
220 square meters in size, each villas has its
own private heated splash pool, viewing deck and
boma, ideal for intimate open-air private dinners.
The outdoor salas are impossible to resist for
an afternoon siesta on feather-filled cushions
amid extraordinary views of the surrounding unfenced
bush. Each
villa has a fireplace interleading between the bedroom
and the lounge. Luxurious bathrooms have enormous
egg-shaped baths and indoor as well as outdoor
showers.
Should the
urge arise to venture out of your private retreat,
Thanda's public areas include a lounge, library,
fully equipped business centre, a finely stocked
wine cellar, cigar bar and several dining venues
where deliciously mouth-watering meals are served. There
are also viewing and dining decks overlooking
tranquil water features. The curio shop
stocks atefacts made by local artists.
Tented Camp
The non-electrified
tented camp is built in a colonial safari style,
suited for guests in search of an authentic,
yet luxurious bush experience. Situated on the
slope of a hill, the tents have spectacular views
of the reserve and offer guests an authentic
bush experience. With no compromise on
luxury or service, the Tented Camp offers guests
an opportunity to get closer to nature in style.
The four beautifully
furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite
canvas bathrooms with a shower, and magnificent views
of the game reserve.
Public
facilities include an intimate dining tent and boma,
a very stylish outdoor lounge and a plunge pool for
cool relief on hot summer days. Guests can opt to
have their meals in the dining tent or around the
boma fire. The lounge in the sala is ideal
for relaxing and the splash pool is welcoming during
the warm days of summer.
Guests staying
at the Tented Camp may make use of the facilities
at the Main Lodge and at the Wellness Centre.
Facilities
Wellness Centre
Thanda Private Game Reserve has created a world-class spa facility
with exclusive treatments which consist of reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stone
massage using African essential oils in a base of shea butter, pressure point
scalp massage, manicures, pedicures, hot & cold outdoor kniepp therapy pools,
a reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area, steam room & hydrotherapy
bath all with a unique Zulu feel and designed exclusively for Thanda.
Guests
can pamper, indulge and rejuvenate mind, body and
soul whilst being inspired by the vast expanse
of African bush. The Thanda Signature Treatments
draw inspiration from the Zulu culture and are
designed to be indulgent to both the body and
soul, allowing the African spirit to enchant
each and every guest.
The wellness
centre was voted as the winner in the Safari
Spa category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques
Spa Awards 2006, and it was a finalist in the category
Resort Spa in 2005.
Communication: Each villa has
a telephone and there is a good Internet connection
at the main lodge. There is no Internet facility
at the tented camp, nor are there telephones
as the tented camp is not electrified. There
is reception for mobile phones in many parts
of the reserve, but mountains obstruct the signal
in certain areas.
Cuisine
Culinary masterpieces
skilfully prepared by the dedicated and professional
chefs can be experienced in a variety of venues at
Thanda. The public facilities of the main lodge include
a fire-lit dining room, outdoor dining decks and
an outdoor 'boma' (open reed enclosure). Private
dining is available at the bush villas, where meals
can be served in the private bomas or the private
decks of each villa, under sparkling skies on clear
nights.
Bush breakfasts,
lunches or dinners are also available for special
occasions. Dining facilities at the tented camp
include an intimate dining tent and a boma. A
superbly stocked wine cellar and cigar bar are
available at the main lodge.
Romance
Thanda,
meaning 'love' in Zulu, embraces the philosophy
of 'For the love of nature, wildlife and dear
ones'.
Thanda is the
perfect setting to rediscover romance, with romantic
turndowns, candlelights, bush dinners lit by
paraffin lamps whilst your ranger keeps a watchful
eye for any wildlife, private splash pools, your
own sala where you can sleep under the stars
during the night listening to a lion roaring
or take a nap after lunch whilst impalas graze
below you, private bomas for romantic dinners
with your own fireplace, relaxing massages at
the wellness centre, excellent wines, foam baths
with candlelights and champagne and outdoor showers
that can be used in the magical African night.
Thanda is an
exquisite venue for a honeymoon or a bush wedding.
All co-ordination requirements will be taken
care of by the lodge, from the legal documents
to arranging an ordained minister, ensuring that
the most special day of your life is totally
unforgettable and stress-free. Thanda can accommodate
a maximum of 26 guests, however the lodge is
able to cater for more guests for the wedding
ceremony and reception, and would assist in finding
additional accommodation nearby if required.
Activities
Free
your adventurous spirit with the thrill of Big Five
game viewing, the exhilaration of diving with dolphins,
or the wonder of whale watching from sun-drenched
beaches. Or perhaps you would prefer to restore your
soul with a leisurely cruise through tropical estuaries
followed by a refreshingly cool swim in your private
splash pool.
An abundance
of activities awaits guests who would like to
enjoy all that the area has to offer. The Elephant
Coast, as this part of KwaZulu-Natal is now called,
has 21 different ecosystems and is home to a
rich variety of fauna and flora. Sand forests,
lakes, lagoons, wetlands and pristine stretches of
beaches are home to many animals such as hippos,
crocodiles, giant turtles and over 460 bird species.
Thanda
is a unique beach and bush destination, with
Sodwana Bay located merely an hour away. A day
at the beach can be arranged where guests have
the possibility to sport fish, dive with sharks,
snorkel above coral reefs, ride horses on the
beach or just enjoy the warm waters of the Indian
Ocean.
Nature
Thanda Private Game Reserve aims to restore
nature's balance by reintroducing species endemic
to the area, as well as the Big Five. The rehabilitated
land has encouraged the birds and wildlife to flourish,
and has assisted in the re-establishment of the natural
ecosystem. Game drives in the open game viewing vehicles
and bush walks guided by knowledgeable and experienced
game rangers and trackers afford guests a better
understanding and appreciation of our wild heritage.
The
private game reserve is part of an ongoing game rehabilitation
programme that will ensure the long-term sustainment
of wildlife. It is the first privately owned game
reserve in KwaZulu-Natal to introduce a breeding
pack of wild dog, complementing the Big Five experience.
Private
game drives are also available on request.
Surrounding Areas
Why settle for the Big Five when you can
have the Big Seven? Once you've had your fill of
game viewing, you can opt to join one of the many
outside activities that Thanda offers. Spot whales
and dolphins on a deep-sea boat trip between June
and November along the eastern shores of KwaZulu-Natal,
or dive with sharks in Sodwana's warm waters. The
Greater St. Lucia Wetlands is South Africa's first
declared world heritage site, and a boat cruise on
the estuary will enable you to encounter some of
the 1500 species of fauna found here.
Other activities
arranged by Thanda include fresh-water and deep-sea
fishing, horse riding on the beach or at a nearby
non-Big Five game reserve, swimming and walking along
the pristine beaches at the Indian ocean and having
your own beach barbeque, snorkeling, birding safaris,
microlight flights, midnight turtle tours to Mbibi,
kayak and canoe safaris and visits to a traditional
village and school. There are also five golf courses
in the surrounding areas for golf enthusiasts.
Star Gazing
For those guests who would like to learn more about
our solar system, our game rangers are knowledgeable
in this field, and star gazing can be enjoyed during
evening game drives.
Bush Breakfast
A fantastic way to end an exciting morning game drive
is with a deliciously prepared bush breakfast,
served in a secluded spot in the heart of the bush
- but rangers will keep an eye out for the wilder
inhabitants of Thanda!
Bush Dinner
Guests can get close to nature and enjoy a decadent
African bush dinner lit by paraffin lamps and candlelight
- perfect for a romantic surprise, or a special
occasion.
Bush Walk
The game rangers, field guides and trackers have
a vast knowledge not only of the fauna, but the
flora too. During bush walks, guests can have the
opportunity to learn about all the fascinating
uses of the plants in the area, and to identify
spoor. On request, guests can track animals with
specially trained rangers.
Night Walk
This is ideally done when the full moon provides
enough light to walk without the assistance of
torches or lamps. This is a very special experience,
and highly recommended for those who are more adventurous
at heart.
Game Drive
The best time for game drives is first thing in the
morning, and early evening as animals tend to be
more active at these times of the day. Game drives
are conducted in the latest Land Rovers, with a
maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. We will try and
give families their own vehicle depending on availability.
Wildlife Lectures / Junior Ranger Programme
Guests interested in specific topics related to wildlife
and conservation will enjoy the wildlife lectures
given by the senior rangers and field guides. Thanda's
younger guests can participate in the Junior Ranger
Programme, a wonderful introduction to the bush.
Zulu Culture
The focus
point of Thanda Private Game Reserve is to fully
embrace the Zulu culture by including elements of
it throughout all aspects of the lodge. From the
décor to the cuisine, guests will truly learn
to appreciate the rich and still very much alive
traditions of the Zulu people.
Vula Zulu,
a traditional homestead is the setting for guests
to have the privilege of watching 50 to 100 Impi
warriors trained by an associate of a Zulu prince,
performing age-old dancing rites, as was done
prior to and after battle.
A guided tour
to a nearby Zulu tribal village will offer guests
an insight into the daily life of the community.
Visit local historical sites and battlegrounds, or
witness young children's enthusiasm and ambition
during a visit to a local school. Thanda's rangers
will embrace the close connections and traditions
between nature and the Zulu people, and in the
library at the main lodge, you can read about
the many fascinating aspects of the Zulu nation,
from culture and history to myths and legends.
Even the Zulu songs will stay with you long after
your visit to Thanda!
In this
way, Thanda is contributing to the sustainment the
sustainment of the Zulu culture, through job creation
as well as maintaining an ongoing interest in the
Zulu heritage, and offering guests a unique opportunity
to experience all aspects of this incredibly interesting
culture, not found at any other lodge.
Vula Zulu Cultural
Experience
Vula Zulu Cultural Experience is a traditional homestead
showcasing Zulu culture and history, situated
adjacent to Thanda. With the advice and assistance
of experts specialising in Zulu culture, the
homestead has been purpose-built as a museum
for visitors to get an insight into the way of
life of the Zulu people in days gone by. Guests
can taste traditional Zulu beer, observe spear
combat methods, and watch as women weave baskets
using local Ilala palms and create intricate
bead accessories.
The highlight of
Vula Zulu is the immensely powerful traditional
Impi dancing, where warriors perform age-old dancing
rites as was done pre- and post-battle with King
Shaka Zulu. Facilities at Vula Zulu include a restaurant,
a craft centre and a curio shop stocked with
artefacts made by local craftsmen.
Climate
The climate
at Thanda Private Game Reserve is tropical throughout
the year. Average daily temperatures are between
20-30ºC.
As Thanda is
situated close to the Indian Ocean, compared
to Mpumalanga (Kruger Park) the summers (December
to February) are not as hot, and the winters
(June to August) not as cold. Below is a temperature
chart with average daily temperatures, which
means that top temperatures during the day are
somewhat higher and minimum temperatures during
the night are somewhat lower.
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