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Thanda Safari

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Villa, 5 Bedrooms | Courtyard view
Terrace/patio
Standard Tent | Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds
Lounge
Aerial view

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
D242 Off The N2, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, 3960
  • Place, Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Place, Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Place, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Twin Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds

Luxury Twin Room

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

View all photos for Luxury Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds

Luxury Room

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

View all photos for Villa, 5 Bedrooms

Villa, 5 Bedrooms | Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds

Villa, 5 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 10763 sq ft
  • 5 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Luxury Tent

Luxury Tent | Mountain view

Luxury Tent

  • Garden view
  • 592 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Tent

Standard Tent | Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds

Standard Tent

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 592 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Honeymoon Tent

Honeymoon Tent | Premium bedding, in-room safe, soundproofing, rollaway beds

Honeymoon Tent

  • Garden view
  • 807 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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.
View more Lodges in HluhluweOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve - 41 min drive - 21.5 miles
  • Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre - 49 min drive - 26.8 miles
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park - 55 min drive - 30.1 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Phinda Game Drive Cocktails - ‬65 min drive

About this property

Thanda Safari

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 luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. 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.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Mavela Game Lodge
Jozini
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Parking included
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 10 reviews
$781 nightly
The price is $904
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total with taxes and fees
Mavela Game Lodge

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
  • Smoking not allowed

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: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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: 2:00 PM—-6:00 PM
  • 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Thanda Safari?

As of Jul 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thanda Safari on Jul 4, 2026 start from $560, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

Will I be able to park 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, hot stone massages, and body wraps.

Does Thanda Safari have luxury amenities?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and deep-tissue massages at this lodge.

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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Thanda Safari?

There are many amenities for couples at this lodge, including a restaurant plus some guestrooms feature a private plunge pool and a private hot tub.

Are there hot tubs at Thanda Safari?

No, but guests can enjoy a sauna at this lodge.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Thanda Safari?

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

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

No, there aren't any guestrooms at Thanda Safari that offer 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. 26 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our first time at Thanda and we loved it . The staff were all wonderful and could not do enough to help. Zeepo and Zee were the best guide and tracker we have ever had on safari . The spa treatments were great and the food , while not fine dining, was really tasty . Really lovely atmosphere and vibe around the place and supportive of the local Zulu communities . We wanted to go back in October but it seems to be fully booked for our dates 😢
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tannis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding experience, truly a highlight of our trip! The accommodation was amazing felt like luxury but you were still in nature. The tent was very clean and the staff turned over our room daily for day and evening (example tent flaps up during the day for more light and closed at night). Staff were friendly, meals were good, and the evening camp fire was a great way to meet other travelers. The stand out was the amazing game drives, our driver and guide Taisa and tracker Derek were great and went out of their way to get us the best viewings and ensure animals we wanted to see were a priority. We had the same guide team the entire stay which meant they got to know us and tailor our game drives to what we had already seen. This surpassed my expectations and I highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Birgit

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified 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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Björn

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

Relaxing stay with fantastic game drives.

Beautiful green vegetation and landscape. It was a pleasure to attend the game drives with lot of animals.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Verified

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcel

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

Einmalige Erlebnisse mit Top Service und Herz

Super schöne Anlage mit top Zelten mit allem Komfort ausser Strom was nicht gestört hat. Tolle Game Drives mit schwerpunkt big 5. Wir hatten sehr viel Glück und haben bleibende Erinnerungen mit den Löwen, Gepard, Elefanten, Nashorn und Wasserbüffel welche wir aus kürzester Distanz von weniger als 5 Metern gesehen und erlebt haben. Und wir haben uns im offenen Land Rover jederzeit sicher gefühlt. 100% Wiederholungsfaktor!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mats

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

Fantastisk safaricamp

Fantastisk safariupplevelse, utmärkt bonde och mycket god mat och dryck.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

daniel

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

Excelente

O quarto eh espetacular assim como o servico. Nao tenho nenhuma observacao negativa a fazer.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Safari

Gute Safari-Erfahrung, aber Zeltcamp entspricht nicht einer 5-Sterne-Kategorie eines Leading Hotels of the World. Extrem harte Plastik-Liegen, Speiseraum recht einfach, Essen meist als Buffet zwar umfangreich und von guter Qualität, aber nicht auf hohem Niveau. An der Bar kein Kaffee/Tee möglich. Thanda selbst erweckt in seinen Beschreibungen die Erwartung, dass das Zeltcamp zwar rustikaler, kleiner und günstiger ist, aber dem Niveau der Lodge entspricht. Wir fanden es eher enttäuschend, haben die Lodge aber nicht kennengelernt.
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Zulugastfreundschaft und African Style

Alles in allem ein herrlicher Aufenthalt: Leute, Tiere, Essen und Unterkunft empfehlenswert.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

HUBERT

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

Excellent

Excellent à tous points de vue très bon accueil les Rangers le pisteurs surdoué bd avons vu tous les big five les repas excellent nos retournerons à thanda Honey and moôn
Verified

8/10 Good

Pat

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darren

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CJ Strydom

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Lesley

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

peter

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

Thanda Review

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

8/10 Good

david

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.