Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of powerful Zulu culture, wildlife, romantic decadence and exclusivity. Reawaken romance in one of the luxury bush villas, or embrace nature at the colonial safari-style tented camp. Encounter the abundance of African game including lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard found at Thanda. Let your tension be smoothed away at one of South Africa’s most exquisite African bush spas, or feel the rush of adrenalin diving with sharks at the nearby warm Indian Ocean waters. Be transfixed in awe as you witness a hundred-year-old ritual performed by Zulu warriors, offering you a glimpse of a powerful nation that still retains its deep traditions.
A variety of dining experiences are available at Thanda. The public facilities of the main lodge include a dining room, outdoor dining decks and an outdoor ‘boma’ (open reed enclosure). Private dining is available the bush villas, where meals can be served in the private bomas or the private decks of each villa. Bush breakfasts, lunches or dinners are also available for special occasions. Dining facilities at the tented camp include an intimate dining tent and a boma.
Experience an authentic Big Five African safari during an open vehicle game drive or bush walk, and have the opportunity to encounter lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and the elusive leopard. All guests staying at Thanda will visit the Vula Zulu homestead adjacent to Thanda, witness a hundred-year-old ritual performed by Zulu warriors, and enjoy a traditional meal. Take heed of your body and mind’s desire for inner peace and close your eyes whilst daily stresses vanish beneath skilful hands. Several western and African therapies are available, and guests can opt for an indoor or outdoor Thanda Signature Treatment inspired by Zulu traditions, using products such as African maize meal and shea butter. A day at the beach, approximately an hour from Thanda, can be arranged where guests have the possibility to dive with sharks, snorkel above coral reefs, ride horses on the beach or just enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge offer a level of opulence that is hard to surpass, each with private heated splash pools and private bomas, ideal for intimate open-air dinners. The outdoor salas are impossible to resist for an afternoon siesta on feather-filled cushions amid extraordinary views of the surrounding unfenced bush. The public areas at the main include a library, business centre, a finely stocked wine cellar and several dining venues where deliciously mouth-watering meals are served. The non-electrified tented camp is built in colonial safari style, suited for guests in search of an authentic yet luxurious bush experience. The four beautifully furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite canvass bathrooms and magnificent views of the game reserve. Public facilities include an intimate dining tent and boma, a very stylish outdoor lounge and a plunge pool for cool relief on hot summer days.
