Thula Thula Private Game Reserve & Safari Lodge

Only 2 hours North from Durban, and 45 minutes from Richards Bay, in a malaria free area,

Thula Thula, the oldest private game reserve in Kwazulu Natal, once part of the private hunting grounds of legendary Zulu King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire, is today home to the Big 4 with buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hyenas, crocodile, nyala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and many more, as well as 370 species of birds ,including raptors .

Exclusive bush experience and absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated in flavours of ethnic and colonial elegance, the Elephant Safari Lodge offers superb accommodation with as much privacy and comfort you could wish for.... and the "Suite Royale, our honeymoon suite, or the Suite Imperiale, for those special occasions. Air conditioning is available in all rooms.

Candle lit dinners are served either in the dining room around the pool on the veranda, looking at wildlife coming to the waterhole, or in the Boma around a fire under the stars.

Stylish décor and superb cuisine in the unique atmosphere of the Elephant Safari Lodge make Thula Thula one of the most renowned gourmet destinations of Kwazulu Natal.

Enjoy exotic cocktails at the "Marula Bar" or just relax in the lounge in the open thatched lapa while viewing game at the waterhole and magnificent birdlife.

Absolute luxury and privacy in the 8 airconditioned individual chalets of the Elephant Safari Lodge, elegantly decorated in ethnic and colonial style with private verandah.

Experience exciting safaris in open Landrovers with our professional rangers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter big game and superb birdlife.

Thula Thula has re-introduced a breeding herd of elephant in August 1999 marking the historic return of these majestic creatures to the area in nearly 100 years and specialises in elephant rehabilitation, lead by the renowned conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who also initiated the rescue of the Baghdad Zoo in April 2003.

Children + 8 years welcome.

We propose as extra activities :

- Massage therapy :

We propose to our guests a relaxing massage in the comfort of their room with Carlize, our professional massage therapist and reflexologist.

- Full aromatherapy body massage

- Indian head massage

-Reflexology:

- Back and neck massage

Visit of a Zulu village : an authentic experience of Zulu rural culture and traditions, with an encounter with the Inyanga, the medicine man, who will display for you a selection of herbal medicines.

Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game reserve (Cengeni Gate) : situated only 45 minutes from Thula Thula, this National game reserve was created in 1895 and is home to the big five.

St Lucia Estuary boat cruises : to view hippos, crocodiles and magnificent birdlife (1 hour from Thula Thula).

Whale watching (From June to October) in St Lucia (1 hour from Thula Thula).

18 Hole Golf Course in Empangeni, Richardsbay or Zimbali.

Anglo-Zulu Battlefields : Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift (2.30 hours from Thula Thula).

Children policy:

Children 12 years and above pay full adult rate.

Children 8 - 12 pay 50% of adult rate if sharing with parents or adults.

Rates include: Luxury accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all teas/coffees, two open Land Rover safaris a day with professional rangers and trackers, bush walk with experienced trackers. Our game activities include elephant and rhino tracking in open Land Rovers, leopard tracking during bush walks in the riverbed, night drives with hyena call out and great bird watching (370 species including raptors) from your private verandah.

Rates exclude: personal bar account, curio shop account, transfers, or day excursions and gratuity.

Specials: we offer seasonal specials packages for 3,4 and 5 night stays - Conditions apply - Please enquire for more information.