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Location:
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Situated 23km north of
Hluhluwe in northern Zululand in South Africa, Thanda Private Game
Reserve is a celebration of the Zulu people and their rich culture.
Thanda, meaning 'love' in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union
of powerful Zulu culture, wildlife, romantic decadence and
exclusivity. It´s the magic of romance and Zulu culture that makes
Thanda unforgettable. |
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• The Wellness Centre at the prestigious
Thanda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal was voted as the winner
in the Safari Spa category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards
2006, June 2006
• Thanda Private Game Reserve in Zululand has been selected as the
first and only game reserve in the world to achieve ‘Leading Hotels of
the World’ status and joins the elite membership that is reserved for
only 400 of the world’s finest properties, September 2005
• The 5-star Thanda Private Game Reserve's Wellness Centre was chosen
as a top 5 finalist in the category of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles
Esthetique during their inaugural South African 2005 Sanitas Per Aquas
Spa Awards, July 2005 |
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Accommodation:
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The nine luxury bush
villas at the main lodge offer a level of opulence that is hard to
surpass. Measuring 220 square meters in size, each villas has its own
private heated splash pool, viewing deck and boma, ideal for intimate
open-air private dinners. The outdoor salas are impossible to resist
for an afternoon siesta on feather-filled cushions amid extraordinary
views of the surrounding unfenced bush. Each villa has a fireplace
interleading between the bedroom and the lounge. Luxurious bathrooms
have enormous egg-shaped baths and indoor as well as outdoor showers.
Should the urge arise to venture out of your private retreat, Thanda's
public areas include a lounge, library, fully equipped business
centre, a finely stocked wine cellar, cigar bar and several dining
venues where deliciously mouth-watering meals are served. There are
also viewing and dining decks overlooking tranquil water features. The
curio shop stocks atefacts made by local artists. |
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Tented Camp
The non-electrified tented camp is
built in a colonial safari style, suited for guests in search of an
authentic, yet luxurious bush experience. Situated on the slope of a
hill, the tents have spectacular views of the reserve and offer guests
an authentic bush experience. With no compromise on luxury or service,
the Tented Camp offers guests an opportunity to get closer to nature
in style.
The four beautifully furnished tents have four-poster beds, en-suite
canvas bathrooms with a shower, 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. Guests can opt to have their meals in the dining tent or
around the boma fire. The lounge in the sala is ideal for relaxing and
the splash pool is welcoming during the warm days of summer. Guests
staying at the Tented Camp may make use of the facilities at the Main
Lodge and at the Wellness Centre. |
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Facilities / Attractions:
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Thanda Private Game Reserve has created a
world-class spa facility with exclusive treatments which consist of
reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stone massage using African essential
oils in a base of shea butter, pressure point scalp massage,
manicures, pedicures, hot & cold outdoor kniepp therapy pools, a
reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area, steam room &
hydrotherapy bath all with a unique Zulu feel and designed exclusively
for Thanda. Guests can pamper, indulge and rejuvenate mind, body and
soul whilst being inspired by the vast expanse of African bush.
The Thanda Signature Treatments draw
inspiration from the Zulu culture and are designed to be indulgent to
both the body and soul, allowing the African spirit to enchant each
and every guest. The wellness centre was voted as the winner in the
Safari Spa category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2006,
and it was a finalist in the category Resort Spa in 2005.
Communication: Each villa has a telephone and there is a good Internet
connection at the main lodge. There is no Internet facility at the
tented camp, nor are there telephones as the tented camp is not
electrified. There is reception for mobile phones in many parts of the
reserve, but mountains obstruct the signal in certain areas. |
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Culinary masterpieces skilfully prepared
by the dedicated and professional chefs can be experienced in a
variety of venues at Thanda. The public facilities of the main lodge
include a fire-lit dining room, outdoor dining decks and an outdoor
'boma' (open reed enclosure). Private
dining is available at the bush villas, where meals can be served in
the private bomas or the private decks of each villa, under sparkling
skies on clear nights. 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. A superbly stocked wine
cellar and cigar bar are available at the main lodge. |
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Game Viewing & Activities:
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Free your adventurous spirit with
the thrill of Big Five game viewing, the exhilaration of diving with
dolphins, or the wonder of whale watching from sun-drenched beaches.
Or perhaps you would prefer to restore your soul with a leisurely
cruise through tropical estuaries followed by a refreshingly cool
swim in your private splash pool. An abundance of activities awaits
guests who would like to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
The Elephant Coast, as this part of
KwaZulu-Natal is now called, has 21 different ecosystems and is home
to a rich variety of fauna and flora. Sand forests, lakes, lagoons,
wetlands and pristine stretches of beaches are home to many animals
such as hippos, crocodiles, giant turtles and over 460 bird species.
Thanda is a unique beach and bush
destination, with Sodwana Bay located merely an hour away. A day at
the beach can be arranged where guests have the possibility to sport
fish, dive with sharks, snorkel above coral reefs, ride horses on
the beach or just enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. |
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Thanda Private Game Reserve aims to
restore nature's balance by reintroducing species endemic to the
area, as well as the Big Five. The rehabilitated land has encouraged
the birds and wildlife to flourish, and has assisted in the
re-establishment of the natural ecosystem.
Game drives in the open game viewing
vehicles and bush walks guided by knowledgeable and experienced game
rangers and trackers afford guests a better understanding and
appreciation of our wild heritage.
The private game reserve is part of
an ongoing game rehabilitation programme that will ensure the
long-term sustainment of wildlife. It is the first privately owned
game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal to introduce a breeding pack of wild
dog, complementing the Big Five experience. |
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Why settle for the Big Five when you
can have the Big Seven? Once you've had your fill of game viewing,
you can opt to join one of the many outside activities that Thanda
offers. Spot whales and dolphins on a deep-sea boat trip between
June and November along the eastern shores of KwaZulu-Natal, or dive
with sharks in Sodwana's warm waters.
The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands is
South Africa's first declared world heritage site, and a boat cruise
on the estuary will enable you to encounter some of the 1500 species
of fauna found here.
Other activities arranged by Thanda
include fresh-water and deep-sea fishing, horse riding on the beach
or at a nearby non-Big Five game reserve, swimming and walking along
the pristine beaches at the Indian ocean and having your own beach
barbeque, snorkeling, birding safaris, microlight flights, midnight
turtle tours to Mbibi, kayak and canoe safaris and visits to a
traditional village and school. There are also five golf courses in
the surrounding areas for golf enthusiasts. For those guests who
would like to learn more about our solar system, our game rangers
are knowledgeable in this field, and star gazing can be enjoyed
during evening game drives. |
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A fantastic way to end an exciting
morning game drive is with a deliciously prepared bush breakfast,
served in a secluded spot in the heart of the bush - but rangers
will keep an eye out for the wilder inhabitants of Thanda!
Guests can get close to nature and
enjoy a decadent African bush dinner lit by paraffin lamps and
candlelight - perfect for a romantic surprise, or a special
occasion.
The game rangers, field guides and
trackers have a vast knowledge not only of the fauna, but the flora
too. During bush walks, guests can have the opportunity to learn
about all the fascinating uses of the plants in the area, and to
identify spoor. On request, guests can track animals with specially
trained rangers. |
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Night Walks - This is ideally done
when the full moon provides enough light to walk without the
assistance of torches or lamps. This is a very special experience,
and highly recommended for those who are more adventurous at heart.
The best time for game drives is first thing in the morning, and
early evening as animals tend to be more active at these times of
the day.
Game drives are conducted in the
latest Land Rovers, with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. We will
try and give families their own vehicle depending on availability.
Guests interested in specific topics related to wildlife and
conservation will enjoy the wildlife lectures given by the 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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The focus point of Thanda Private
Game Reserve is to fully embrace the Zulu culture by including
elements of it throughout all aspects of the lodge. From the décor
to the cuisine, guests will truly learn to appreciate the rich and
still very much alive traditions of the Zulu people. Vula Zulu, a
traditional homestead is the setting for guests to have the
privilege of watching 50 to 100 Impi warriors trained by an
associate of a Zulu prince, performing age-old dancing rites, as was
done prior to and after battle. A guided tour to a nearby Zulu
tribal village will offer guests an insight into the daily life of
the community. Visit local historical sites and battlegrounds, or
witness young children's enthusiasm and ambition during a visit to a
local school. Thanda's rangers will embrace the close connections
and traditions between nature and the Zulu people, and in the
library at the main lodge, you can read about the many fascinating
aspects of the Zulu nation, from culture and history to myths and
legends. Even the Zulu songs will stay with you long after your
visit to Thanda! In this way, Thanda is contributing to the
sustainment the sustainment of the Zulu culture, through job
creation as well as maintaining an ongoing interest in the Zulu
heritage, and offering guests a unique opportunity to experience all
aspects of this incredibly interesting culture, not found at any
other lodge. |
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Vula Zulu Cultural Experience is a
traditional homestead showcasing Zulu culture and history, situated
adjacent to Thanda. With the advice and assistance of experts
specialising in Zulu culture, the homestead has been purpose-built
as a museum for visitors to get an insight into the way of life of
the Zulu people in days gone by.
Guests can taste traditional Zulu
beer, observe spear combat methods, and watch as women weave baskets
using local Ilala palms and create intricate bead accessories. T
he highlight of Vula Zulu is the
immensely powerful traditional Impi dancing, where warriors perform
age-old dancing rites as was done pre- and post-battle with King
Shaka Zulu. Facilities at Vula Zulu include a restaurant, a craft
centre and a curio shop stocked with artefacts made by local
craftsmen. |
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Please contact us for a suggested
itinerary and quote