We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 24 Hluhluwe accommodations

Thanda Private Game Reserve

5.0 of 5
D242 off the N2, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Offers & Announcements
Complimentary Bush Walk
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Enter dates for best prices
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices
Compare best prices from top travel partners
Booking.com LHW.com Priceline.com
and 2 more sites!
94%
Most recent review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013
Dutchylabrador York, United Kingdom
Write a Review

121 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    107
    7
    3
    4
    0
Date Rating
York, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

This is a luxurious , quality reserve with experienced guides, great selection of game and high quality accommodation. We spent 4 nights here at the start of a 2 week trip and having visited some high quality game reserves before including Ulasaba in Kruger, we were not disappointed. Particular credit to Dumi who is a very experienced ranger and made... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
BOREHAMWOOD
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
16 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

This game reserve is the finest one we have ever been to for luxury accommodation.The rooms are very spacious and are circular with a lounge/bedroom/dressing room/bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers.On your outside deck you have your own infinity pool with sun loungers as well as a cabana with a circular bed should you wish to get out of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dearest Mad about Animals, Thank you for your recent review. It is so rewarding to see guests loving their experience away from home. Shaka Zulu is reputed to have constantly pointed to the buffalo thorn (Zizphus mucronata) which has one thorn pointing forward and one pointing backwards, to remind his people to look to the future but never forget their... More

california
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

We stayed four nights at Thanda. We had originally booked the tent cabins, but due to rennovations were upgraded to a luxury room with a private dip pool and stunningly beautiful day bed area outside on the deck overlooking the bush. Wow. It was difficult to pry myself away from our room and go on safaris. Food was very gourmet... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dear Sharon, Thank your for your review and the subsequent email chat regarding how we can further improve, and the value for money comment and suggestions, it is truly appreciated. We are excited about our new game drop offs happening this month and this should further improve the game viewing, as you mentioned the predator population is thriving and provides... More

Brighton, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
31 hotel reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Spamandla, the lodge manager heads up a very friendly and attentive Thanda team. On the service team Sipho, Nombusa and Wonderboy are great ambassadors for Thanda! At first light, departed on game drive with ranger guide Bernard and Wenneth tracking. Spent time in the savannah following a very playful pride of lion, practising their stalk and pounce moves on each... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dearest Single on Safari, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Sphamandla and his team are doing an amazing job, and we appreciate the acknowledgement of this. I will pass on your good wishes, and am happy to announce that we are undergoing further training for our locals chefs to try and improve constantly. Have a wonderful summer in England. Kind... More

Brighton, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

I would lie to start off by firstly congratualting Thanda staff for providing me and my family with such a wonderful holiday. We felt welcomed from the moment we entered the first gate even though it was raining slighltly there was a covered waiting area with facilities in case you've had a long drive. the guard offered water and taught... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dear Gail, Thank you for your review on trip advisor. I appreciate the feedback regarding the slippers, I will ensure that this is passed onto our housekeepers. Yes, those spiders are amazing. We had another recent visitor a leopard brought her three cubs into camp a little while ago, very exciting. Once again thank you for your review. Kind regards... More

Bristol, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

We discovered this lodge through a friend who recommended it in Jan, we took my partner's family in Feb, my parents in March and lastly my brother in April. Each time we have stayed in the safari tents which are beautifully decorated with ensuite bathrooms, some of the tents have an outside shower as well. The game drives are well... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dearest Isabella, Thank you for your incredible support. We truly appreciate it. Those Cheetah boys, I pass them every single morning on my way to work and I am beginning to feel that they are acting as security guards at North gate :). You will be pleased to know that our female cheetah has had 4 cubs, and are looking... More

Oslo, Norway
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

Our stay in Thanda was an experience of a liftime. Thank you to our wonderful guides who picked us up at the gate, and took good care of us during our stay. The personnel in Thanda are very friendly and helpful. The safaris, the food, the luxury villas - everything was perfect.

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Dear Ann, Thank you so much for your recent review on Trip Advisor. It is so rewarding to see guests have enjoyed their holiday. We appreciate your business and would love to see you return to the Land of the Zulu's. Remember Shaka Zulu is reputed to have constantly pointed to the buffalo thorn (Zizphus mucronata) which has one thorn... More

Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Spent three wonderful nights at Thanda in one of the lodges. From the moment we were picked up through to our departure it was a wonderful experience. The accommodation; the game drives; the food.....and especially all the staff. It just could not have been better. This was the last part of our trip to South Africa and it was a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
16 April 2013

Dear Guest, Thank you for your review on Trip advisor. We are very excited about our upgrade at the end of May this year, and the drop off of plains game. There are a number of exciting animal introductions taking place already. If you are interested you are welcome to connect on our facebook page or contact me personally. Once... More

Durban, South Africa
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
18 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013

We recently spent 2 nights at the beautiful Royal Private Villa at this magnificent game reserve. It was a weekend of celebrations with the family and we had the exclusive use of the Villa. From the moment we entered we felt at home - a warm welcome, with refreshingly cool towels, drinks and the friendliest people, who greeted us all... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
16 April 2013

Dear Maliga, Thank you for your recent review on trip advisor. I remember the night I met you and your vibrant family at the bush dinner the same night that another guest struggled with the storm. It is so interesting how you enjoyed the evening and all that nature can offer, that storm was truly amazing, and after all the... More

Berlin, Germany
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013

We stayed for 3 nights at the Thanda Lodge ad had a mixed experience. Positive things first: As the Game reserve is not that big you have a good chance to see the Big 5 - we where really lucky to see the Rhinos, Lions, leopards and Cheetahs quite closely. Other side of the coin is that you drive along... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
ThandaD, Manager at Thanda Private Game Reserve, responded to this review
16 April 2013

Dear Guest, Thank you for your recent review which was dissappointing. I remember this night very clearly as this was the same night that Maliga joined us. There was a terrible african electrical storm, we rushed all guests back to the lodge and due to factors beyond our control all lighting went out. Bernard and Sipho your porters had 18... More

 
 
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
 
 
Makhasa Game Reserve and Lodge
Great value on a similar hotel
Hluhluwe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
5 of 5 stars 20 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Also consider these accommodations in or near Hluhluwe
Zulu Nyala Game Lodge 4.0 of 5 stars 202 reviews Makhasa Game Reserve and Lodge 5.0 of 5 stars 20 reviews Rhino River Lodge 4.5 of 5 stars 75 reviews Thonga Beach Lodge 4.5 of 5 stars 91 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d306916?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1726345?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1563988?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d630401?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 8 hotels in Hluhluwe, ranked by popularity

Been to Thanda Private Game Reserve? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Thanda Private Game Reserve

Also Known As:
Thanda Private Game Reserve Hotel
Thanda Private Game Reserve Hotel Hluhluwe
Address: D242 off the N2, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > KwaZulu-Natal > Zululand > Hluhluwe
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Centre Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Children Activities Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 24 Speciality lodging in Hluhluwe
Price Range: €€€€
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Thanda Private Game Reserve is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, South Africa, and is set on a 14 000-hectare Big Five private game reserve. Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, unites romance and exclusivity with Zulu culture and wildlife. The nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge have private infinity pools, viewing decks, private salas, lounges, fireplaces and full bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. The individual bomas at each villa offer guests dining privacy. The public facilities at the main lodge include a lounge, library, dining room, boma, dining deck, wine cellar, cigar bar, fully equipped business centre and viewing decks. The royal private villa can accommodate 10 people, offering accommodation as a unit or five separate suites. Each suite is individually decorated and very private, with own viewing deck. Public facilities at the royal private villa include a boma, library, cellar, business area, heated pool and a magnificent deck overlooking a waterhole. The tented camp is built in colonial safari style, offering an authentic bush experience in 14 tents. The tents have viewing decks and en-suite canvass bathrooms. Public facilities at the tented camp include a dining tent, a boma area, and a sala consisting of an ‘open-air’ lounge and a 10x5m rim-flow pool. The Honeymoon Tent offers a sophisticated mix of romance, privacy and refined comfort in the heart of the African bush. The Honeymoon Tent features a king-sized bed in a spacious bedroom, and a comfortable separate lounge area for relaxation. A highlight of the tent is the outdoor shower and splash pool which has spectacular panoramic views of the 14000-hectare reserve. Thanda’s award-winning wellness centre offers treatments such as aromatherapy and massages using African essential oils in a base of shea butter and the Africology range. Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the low risk malaria reserve. Vula Zulu, a traditional homestead adjacent to Thanda is a showcase of traditional Zulu warriors performing age-old dancing rites, as was done prior to and after battle. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, LHW, Priceline, Expedia and Hotels.com so you can book your Thanda Private Game Reserve reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Thanda Private Game Reserve, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Show the lowest price for this hotel
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices