Thanda Safari

4.0 star property
All-inclusive lodge with full-service spa and sauna
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Thanda Safari

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Standard Tent
Lounge
Luxury Tent | Terrace/patio
Lounge

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
D242 Off The N2, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, 3960
  • Zululand Rhino Reserve
    13 min drive
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve
    17 min drive
  • Manyoni Private Game Reserve
    23 min drive
  • Phinda (PZL)
    41 min drive

Room options

Villa, 5 Bedrooms

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Private pool
  • 1000 sq m
  • Sleeps 10
  • 3 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

Standard Tent

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
  • 55 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Luxury Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
TV
Renovated in 2013
  • 220 sq m
  • Valley view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Honeymoon Tent

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
TV
  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tent

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
  • 55 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Twin Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Fireplace
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
TV
Renovated in 2013
  • 220 sq m
  • Valley view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

About the area

Hluhluwe

An all-inclusive stay in Hluhluwe awaits you at Thanda Safari. You'll be 6.7 km (4.1 mi) from Zululand Rhino Reserve and 8.7 km (5.4 mi) from Phinda Private Game Reserve. Highlights at this lodge include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and hot stone massages along with body wraps, body scrubs and mani/pedis. For a drink, you can stop by the lodge's own lounge bar. Enjoy the sauna and pool loungers as well as access to a wildlife and game drive and game viewing. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Hluhluwe lodge, you'll be 10.7 km (6.6 mi) from Manyoni Private Game Reserve and 30.6 km (19 mi) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

What's nearby

  • Zululand Rhino Reserve - 13 min drive
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve - 17 min drive
  • Manyoni Private Game Reserve - 23 min drive
  • False Bay Park - 44 min drive
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park - 61 min drive

About this property

Thanda Safari

All-inclusive lodge with full-service spa and sauna
Thanda Safari is an all-inclusive lodge. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Thanda Safari offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a business centre and meeting rooms. A library, a terrace, and an arcade/games room are also featured at Thanda Safari. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Hluhluwe lodge is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 25 guestrooms or units
  • 3 buildings
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 2004
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Thanda Safari offers 25 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and a hairdryer. Beds feature premium bedding. Satellite televisions are provided. Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) are also available. A nightly turndown service is provided.
The on-site 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

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return 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/aeroplane 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 centre
  • 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 lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

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
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

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Thanda Safari

Children and extra beds

  • Children 18 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 18 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 4363.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 4363.0 per day

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

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 and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and American Express. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services. For reservations, contact the lodge before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 18 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

National rating

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

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

What is the cancellation policy at Thanda Safari?

Thanda Safari offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Thanda Safari?

Yep, Thanda Safari has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Thanda Safari?

The closest beach to Thanda Safari is Cape Vidal (51.1 km).

Is there a spa on site at Thanda Safari?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Thanda Safari. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as deep-tissue massages.

Does Thanda Safari have a pool?

Thanda Safari has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What makes Thanda Safari a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Thanda Safari.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Thanda Safari?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Thanda Safari?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Thanda Safari?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Thanda Safari?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

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

Travelled 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 traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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 traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with group
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 traveller

Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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 traveller

Travelled 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 traveller

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