Elephant
Coast Accommodation / Hluhluwe
Game & Safari Lodges
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Thanda
Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, Elephant Coast, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa
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| Thanda,
meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power
of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game
Reserve is South Africa’s top award winning safari destination and is situated
in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean.
The
inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated
and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four
hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an
extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body. It’s the unique
and sought after balance between energizing and exclusive relaxation that
we want to share with you and your dear ones.
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availability and rates
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Thanda
offers a choice of five-star accommodation to suit every taste and budget:
the exclusive opulence of the main lodge or the rugged refinement of the
tented camp, which would you prefer?
Savour
the very best of African-inspired and European treatments at Thanda's award-winning
wellness centre during your stay. The safari-spa offers world-class body
and facial treatments, as well as full-day packages to pamper, rejuvenate
and uplift the body while the mind goes on safari...
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availability and rates
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| Would
you like to know what's in store for the kids, or how you can make your
stay at Africa's most romantic safari destination even more unforgettable?
Our head chef specialises in catering sumptuous cuisine in the most intimate
venues and the Thanda staff will keep the kids busy while you relax.
Dining
In
the coolness of the night, dine on tender delicacies to the echoing sounds
of triumphant creatures feasting
Thanda
is proud to offer its guests a variety of dining venues to enhance the
African experience. The drama of the boma, in front of the setting sun
and behind the flames of a roaring fire is an image synonymous with the
safari experience, but only one of the dining options afforded guests.
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Head
chef Richard Phiri prides his ability to offer versatile, mouthwatering
dishes that appeal to guests of all cultures and nationalities. South African
cuisine is only one flavour in Richard’s potjie as he enjoys experimenting
with the flavours he encountered during his training years spent in Milan,
The United States, Malawi and Mauritius. Seasonal game meat is always on
the menu for the more adventurous eaters, but partaking is entirely optional.
The maintenance of a herb garden at the owners’ private villa ensures a
constant supply of fresh ingredients.
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availability and rates
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| Despite
the mélange of tastes he offers, he still is very traditional when
it comes to etiquette and values the art of fine dining. Intimate discussions
with clients ensure that their dietary requirements are respected and maintains
Thanda’s exceptional standards. Guests are highly recommended to advise
of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at reservations stage.
Excellent
wines are the perfect accompaniment to fine food and Thanda boasts a superbly
stocked wine cellar and cigar bar for the discerning guest.
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availability and rates
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Wellness
Centre
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Wellness
Centre attire: You will be supplied with a personal gown and a pair of
slippers, and discreet underwear for all body treatments.
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We will
provide you with your own locker for any personal belongings.
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Please
bring a swimsuit to enjoy our hydrotherapy area.
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Mobile
phones and smoking are not permitted in the Wellness Centre at any time.
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No children
under 16 are permitted in the Wellness Centre.
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Romance
at Thanda:
Thanda’
means love in Zulu and embraces the ethos ‘For the love of nature, wildlife
and dear ones’, paying tribute to the cultural landscape to which it owes
its creation, merging its ethnic roots with the mystical beauty that permeates
it. Thanda is an idyllic setting to nurture or rediscover romance, offering
romantic turndowns, bush dinners and magical foam baths by candlelight.
An
exquisite venue for honeymoons, bush weddings and proposals, each of the
luxury bush villas offers guests the epitome of self-contained privacy;
each villa has its own private boma, infinity pool and sundeck, private
sala as well as indoor and outdoor showers that can be used in the magical
African night.
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availability and rates
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| Tented
Camp
The
non-electrified tented camp has been built in colonial safari-style structure
best suited for guests who are searching for an authentic safari experience.
The four beautifully furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite canvas
bathrooms and magnificent views of the game reserve. Public facilities
include an intimate dining tent, dramatic outdoor boma, stylish outdoor
lounge and plunge pool for cool relief on hot summer days.
Children
under the age of 16 are not permitted to stay in the tented camp for safety
reasons as the camp is unfenced. The tented camp is suggested for the guest
in search of a more authentic bush experience.
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availability and rates
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Main
Lodge:
The
main lodge encompasses nine luxury bush villas which offer guests the epitome
of self-contained privacy. Circular in structure and reminiscent of a traditional
homestead against a hill, each of the villas boasts an extraordinary view
of the surrounding game reserve. 220 m2 in size, each villa has its own
spacious lounge area and master bedroom with inter-leading fireplace. A
thatched outdoor game-viewing deck (sala) and infinity pool offer refreshing
solace from the summer heat. Each of the villas has a full en-suite bathroom
complete with an enormous oval shaped bath and indoor and outdoor showers.
The villas are all equipped with private bomas for an intimate dining experience.
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availability and rates
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| Should
the urge arise to venture beyond your private retreat, the lodge’s public
areas include a library, business centre, finely-stocked wine cellar and
cigar bar, as well as a choice between romantic dining venues in the heart
of the African bush. |
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availability and rates
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| Wondering
what you're going to do on vacation? Viewing the Big Five by open Land
Rover and sunbathing next to your private splash pool are but two of the
activities you can experience during your stay at Thanda.
Being
so close to the Indian Ocean Thanda is able to offer a world-class bush
and beach breakaway with trips to nearby Isimangaliso, formerly known as
St. Lucia, (a World Heritage Site) an essential part of your holiday.
Horse
riding on the beach, cultural excursions, whale watching, diving packages
and snorkel safaris are just some of the options that Thanda has on offer.
Being this close to the warmth of the Indian Ocean you'll understand where
the phrase ‘sunny South Africa' was coined...
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availability and rates
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Star
gazing
Knowledgeable
game rangers introduce guests to the world of star gazing and the solar
system. The natural, unpolluted air ensures a clear view of the magical
African sky.
Bush
breakfast
A fantastic
way to round an exciting morning game drive off is with a hearty breakfast
served in the heart of the bush- 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 lanterns and candlelight- perfect for a romantic surprise or a
special occasion.
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availability and rates
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| Bush
walk
Our
game rangers, trackers and field guides have extensive knowledge of both
the fauna and flora in Thanda’s ecosystems. During bush walks guests have
the opportunity to learn about all the fascinating uses of plant sin the
area and to identify animal spoor. Guests may also track specific animals
with a ranger’s assistance on request.
Night
walk
A night
walk is perfect when the full moon illuminates the course, instead of having
to rely on nightlights and torches. This is a very special experience and
highly recommended for guests who are more adventurous at heart.
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availability and rates
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Game
drive
The
best time for game drives is first thing in the morning or late afternoon
as animals are more active during the cooler hours of the day. Game drives
are conducted in open-topped Land Rovers, with a maximum of six guests
per vehicle.
Wildlife
lectures/ Junior Ranger Programmes
Guests
who are interested in specific wildlife and/or conservation topics will
enjoy the lectures conducted by senior rangers and field guides. Thanda’s
younger guests can participate in the Junior Ranger programme, a wonderful
introduction to the bush.
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availability and rates
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| Directions:
Thanda
is situated 23 kilometers north of Hluhluwe on the N2, towards Mkhuze,
approximately 400 km north of Durban. The reserve is easily accessible
from the N2 with a gravel road the D242 extending approximately 6 kilometers
to the west. The closest commercial airport is Richards Bay and the
closest international airport is Durban. Road transfers are available
upon request from both destinations.
Directions
from Johannesburg:
Take
the N17 via Springs to Ermelo. From Ermelo, take the N2, past Piet Retief.
Continue on the N2 towards Hluhluwe - approximately 25 kilometres past
Mkhuze (before Hluhluwe), turn right into the D242, continue for approximately
5 kilometres on the gravel road to the Thanda gate on the right.
Directions
from Durban:
Take
the N2 towards Hluhluwe. Approximately 20 kilometres past the turn-off
for Hluhluwe, turn left into the D242, continue for approximately 5 kilometres
on the gravel road to the Thanda gate on the right.
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availability and rates
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