Thanda
Tented Camp
Experience an authentic tented safari in an enchanting bush setting at Thanda Tented Camp in KwaZulu Natal. With 15 tents in total, including one opulent honeymoon tent, guests at Thanda Tented Camp can immerse themselves in the essence of nature in style. Thanda Private Game Reserve provides 14000 hectares of protected territory for Big 5 game viewing, remarkable wildlife sightings and is home to over 400 bird species.
Besides superb game drives led by a passionate ranger-tracker team, guests can indulge in a myriad of other extraordinary activities including boat trips on the beautiful St Lucia estuary, diving, fishing, horse riding on the beach and seasonal whale watching. Thanda Private Game Reserve sets conservation and community development at the forefront of its existence providing activities for guests to be involved in these initiatives as well as photography lessons and expeditions. After a day of excitement, retreat back to Thanda Tented Camp and cool down in the beautiful rim-flow pool, relax in the lounge, get a massage at the tented spa and indulge in romantic candlelight dinners under glistening African skies. Thanda also offers guests the luxury of their own private villa and the 5-star Safari Lodge which are spread out over the reserve.
Gallery
Wildlife
- Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
- Other wildlife include the cheetah, zebra, impala, kudu, giraffe, jackall and an abundance of other mammals.
- 265 species have been recorded in the reserve.
- 14,000-hectare private game reserve.
Game Drives
- Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
- The game drives are approximately 3 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
Highlights
- A unique tented safari camp offering an authentic safari experience in the heart of the bush.
- The main camp features a Hemingway-style lounge, dining areas, and a rim-flow pool with views over the reserve.
- Outstanding dinning experiences in the open-air traditional African Boma.
- 15 Deluxe tented suites.
- Each spacious suite features canvas bathrooms and a private deck.
- The Jabula safari tent is a more spacious and luxurious tent with a separate lounge and private plunge pool.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives in open 4×4 vehicles.
Location
KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting There
- The closest commercial airports are Durban (DUR) or Richards Bay (RCB).
- Flight time from Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 70 minutes
- Thanda Game Reserve is a 3 hour drive from Durban, and 1.5 hours from Richards Bay.
Child Policy
- Thanda Safari Lodge welcomes children from of all ages.
- Children 0 – 3 years stay free of charge.
- Children 0 – 6 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing with two adults.
- Children under 3 years are not permitted on game drives.
- Children 3 – 6 years are only permitted on game drives if a private vehicle is hired.
Special offers
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY STAY offers.
- Pay 3 Stay 4 offer is valid 01 May – 31 Aug
- Pay 5 Stay 7 offer is valid 08 Jan – 13 Dec
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, guided bushwalks and addtional activities, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 25% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 12 January 2026.
Seasons
- Peak season: 15 December – 10 January
- High season: 10 January – 15 December
Can't Find What You Looking For?
Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
Luxury Tents
Thanda’s 14 luxury tents each boast their own viewing deck making for glorious morning coffee gazing over the bushveld. En-suite bathrooms all come with an indoor shower Read more and double-vanity, whereas selected tents also feature a bathtub and alfresco shower. With a minibar, fans, and Wi-Fi in public areas, this is bushveld luxury for an authentic wildlife experience without forgoing any of life’s little pleasures. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 384per person, per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 343per person, per night |
Jabula tent
The Honeymoon Tent offers a spacious setting of romance and indulgence with a separate lounge area, en-suite bedroom with bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers and an Read moreexclusive use splash pool with magnificent reserve views from the sundeck. With a minibar, fans, and Wi-Fi in public areas, this is the perfect authentic safari getaway for couples, honeymooners, and families. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 480per person, per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 420per person, per night |
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