Just West of Lake St. Lucia
Thanda is exclusively yours: Thanda is a private game reserve and the dedicated staff members are the only people you’ll encounter on the roads while you’re there.
Location
Set in the heart of Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve offers an extraordinary Big Five safari experience across 16,500 hectares of untamed wilderness. Surrounded by the rolling hills and acacia-dotted plains of northern KwaZulu-Natal, the reserve is steeped in the heritage of King Shaka’s Zulu kingdom and shares borders with the historic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
The region’s warm, dry climate and richly diverse bushveld make Thanda a haven for wildlife. The reserve is home to an exceptional range of species, including more than 400 bird varieties. You’ll have the chance to encounter the iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — as well as the charming “Little Five”: elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise, ant lion, and buffalo weaver.
Rooms
From the exclusive-use Villa iZulu — once the owner’s personal retreat — to the grand Royal Residences and ultra-luxurious Villa Thandawena, accommodation at Thanda is designed for privacy, comfort, and immersion in nature. Expect private pools, expansive viewing decks, wine cellars, outdoor showers, and the kind of bespoke service that makes it easy to feel completely at home. What we love: each residence comes with its own private safari vehicle, tracker, guide, chef, and host; it’s a truly tailored experience.
Amenities
You’ll find every comfort thoughtfully considered, whether it’s spa treatments arranged in your villa, curated wine tastings, or yoga on your private sala deck. There are rim-flow pools and jacuzzis for cooling off, bomas for atmospheric dinners under the stars, and elegant indoor-outdoor living spaces where the line between wilderness and luxury melts away.
Dining at Thanda is a personalised affair. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals cooked by your private chef, with menus served in the comfort of your residence. For something unforgettable, embrace the spirit of Africa with a bush braai under the stars or a sundowner setup surrounded by nothing but wilderness and wide-open skies.
Activities
Days here are rich with adventure: expertly guided game drives, rhino conservation experiences, cheetah tracking, bush walks, Zulu cultural encounters, and even starlit dinners in the wild. For families, children can join the Junior Rangers course. Off-property excursions include estuary cruises, snorkelling at Sodwana Bay, and horseback safaris.
Sustainability
Thanda’s name means “love” in isiZulu — and love for the land runs deep. Through the Thanda Foundation Trust, the reserve is a champion of conservation and community upliftment, from endangered species protection to the long-running Star for Life programme, which has supported over 500,000 local students so far.
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KwaZulu-Natal Safari Trip Inspiration
When to go to South Africa
Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
February
The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.
March
March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.
April
April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.
May
With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.
June
The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. The Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.
July
July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.
August
Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.
September
September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.
October
October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.
November
Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.
December
December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.
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