Thanda Safari

4.0 star property
All-inclusive lodge with a full-service spa and a sauna

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thanda Safari

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Standard Tent | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing
Lounge
Villa, 5 Bedrooms | Courtyard view
Luxury Tent | Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
D242 Off The N2, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, 3960
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
    ‪47 min drive‬

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Room options

Villa, 5 Bedrooms

  • 10763 sq ft
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Tent

  • 592 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Luxury Room

  • 2368 sq ft
  • Valley view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Honeymoon Tent

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tent

  • 592 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Twin Room

  • 2368 sq ft
  • Valley view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Hluhluwe

Thanda Safari places you 19 mi (30.6 km) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park and 24.6 mi (39.5 km) from Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve. This 25-room, 4-star lodge welcomes guests with a restaurant, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve - 39 min drive - 22.8 miles
  • Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre - 47 min drive - 27.0 miles

About this property

Thanda Safari

All-inclusive lodge with a full-service spa and a sauna
Guests staying at Thanda Safari enjoy access to a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. There's free parking and an airport shuttle. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, securing valuables, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this all-inclusive lodge include free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a business center.
Guests can expect to find TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Other standard amenities include electric kettles and safes.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor pool and a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has massage/treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is open daily.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Languages

English, Zulu

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Helicopter/airplane tours
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Sauna

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Spa treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 floor
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2004
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 4363.0 per day
  • This property doesn't allow children 18 and younger (only guests older than 18 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 4363.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-7:00 AM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the lodge at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Thanda
Thanda Game Reserve
Thanda Private
Thanda Private Game
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Thanda Private Game Reserve Hluhluwe
Thanda Private Game Reserve Lodge
Thanda Private Game Reserve Lodge Hluhluwe
Thanda Private Reserve
Thanda Reserve
Thanda Private Game Reserve Hotel Hluhluwe
Thanda Safari Lodge Hluhluwe
Thanda Safari Hluhluwe
Thanda Safari Lodge
Thanda Safari Hluhluwe
Thanda Safari All Inclusive
Thanda Safari Lodge Hluhluwe

Frequently asked questions

Are there all-inclusive rates at Thanda Safari?

Thanda Safari is an all-inclusive resort and rates come with all meals.

Are free cancellation options available at Thanda Safari?

Thanda Safari offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

Is there parking available at Thanda Safari?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Is there a spa at Thanda Safari?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include deep-tissue massages, prenatal massages, and body wraps.

Does Thanda Safari include a casino?

No, Thanda Safari doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Thanda Safari?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Thanda Safari?

There are many amenities for couples at this lodge, including an outdoor pool plus some guestrooms feature private pools and fireplaces.

Does Thanda Safari have a hot tub?

Yes, this lodge offers private spa tubs in some guestrooms.

Does Thanda Safari have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Thanda Safari doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Thanda Safari allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Thanda Safari.

Does Thanda Safari have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this lodge.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Thanda Safari?

No, at Thanda Safari, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Does Thanda Safari host weddings?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Thanda Safari.

Thanda Safari Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice weekend getaway

Beautiful place in the bush . The tents were luxurious and didn’t lack for anything . May need an air conditioner in summer .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

HENRY, BOCA RATON

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mahomed

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Birgit

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great game drives with knowledgeable driver and tracker. The Food was excellent. The tents were adventurous and different in a good way. The bathroom was tired and need some upgrading. Very comfortable beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Safari Heaven

The hospitality of this establishment was absolutely incredible. The staff go out of their way to assist you and they are genuinely interested in ensuring that you have the best stay ever. The tented camp has all the luxuries one would need and the food is amazing. The rate is full board including game drives. Bheki and Sabelo really went out of their way to ensure that your safari is one to remember. Their knowledge of the bush is fantastic and they have a great rapport with each other... chatting about every animal and bird they come across as we move through the bush. Joe is a gem at the bar and dinner and makes sure that you are well taken care of. Wish I could stay a bit longer but I will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, amazing game drives, wonderful staff! We will definitely be back for another stay in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The poperty is in a beautiful area and is very well cared for
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property and exceptional service at every level. Many little added touches to really enhance the experience. Great value for the money. Food is high quality and well-prepared with local choices available. The facilities are 5 star, the safari experiences personalized and excellent. You cannot go wrong choosing this safari! There is no wi-fi in the tents, only at the main lodge, that was my only negative feedback.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alwin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Well worth it!!

This was one of the most amazing experiences we have had - top class service & accommodation. Game viewing was excellent & staff incredible!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

revivit

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing place needs a revamp.

we stayed there expecting a high standard (based on the cost) and a large room (75sm) with wifi (based on the hotels.com site description), and we were disappointed with both the size of the room as well as lack of wifi, and the poor state of the bathroom. All staff were very nice and the location and the game drives were amazing. Food; breakfast great dinner just ok.

8/10 Good

Pat, Umhlanga KZN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great style and comfort but not fine dining

A fantastic venue with great style, everyone was very pleasant and attentive unfortunately dinner was very disappointing.

10/10 Excellent

Darren, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Safari break

This was an amazing hotel, the staff were so friendly and made the experience really special. The food was great and the Safari trips were amazing. Highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

CJ Strydom , Cape Town

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful African Bush Experience

We had a wonderful weekend at Thanda Tented Camp. They went all out to make it a really special weekend for us and memorable experience. Could not fault them in any way! 10/10

8/10 Good

Lesley, Norfolk England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good game viewing and friendly staff.

This is the third game reserve we have visited. We enjoyed out tented experience but would probably not repeat in the African summer as lack of air con made life a bit sticky. Evening meal not 5 star but game drives excellent.

10/10 Excellent

peter, Great Bowden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Thanda Review

Fantastic, as good as the website describes. Great service, accommodation, staff.

8/10 Good

david, london

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great game viewing

The herd of 23 Elephants turned up on que at the waterhole for their evening sundowner. The 5 cheetahs were easily found. The rooms were pleasant, the dining staff very friendly and the hotel was easily located off the main highway.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Un Lodge à l’ancienne où chacun est à sa place. La qualité de service est là mais il manque l’accueil chaleureux qu’on peut trouver dans certains Lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

SUSUMU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

dominique

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent sejour

Excellent séjour, avons vu de nombreux animaux pendant les 2 safaris, super brunch au retour u safari du matin. Tente très confortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019