Thula Thula Private Game Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South

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Thula Thula Private Game Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 48 hours

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in South Africa stands as a symbol of serenity and conservation, embodying the very essence of its Zulu meaning, peace, and tranquility. As KwaZulu-Natal's oldest private wildlife sanctuary, this enchanting destination harbors a rich historical tapestry that includes its erstwhile role as a hunting ground for the revered Zulu King Shaka. Spanning across 4500 hectares—with an expansion to 5500 hectares on the horizon—Thula Thula is a dedicated haven for the safeguarding and flourishing of endangered species amidst its kaleidoscopic landscapes of riverine bush, savanna, and forests. Merely two hours from Durban and an hour's journey from Richards Bay, Thula Thula emerges as a premier luxury safari experience. Guests are invited to traverse this vast expanse alongside seasoned game rangers, whose profound knowledge opens a window to the reserve's majestic wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, and leopards, alongside an impressive catalogue of over 350 bird species. The reserve also pays homage to the enduring legacy of Lawrence Anthony, the globally celebrated author and conservationist who once called Thula Thula home until his passing in March 2012. His literary works, notably 'The Elephant Whisperer,' outline the captivating rescue of a herd of seven elephants, highlighting the profound connection fostered between Anthony and the majestic creatures. Today, his widow, Francoise Malby Anthony, continues his profound conservation efforts and the operation of the reserve's two lodges, as chronicled in her engaging publications, 'An Elephant in My Kitchen' and 'The Elephants of Thula Thula'.

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Reviews of Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

Amy Sapsford

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-23

Thula Thula is a perfect game drive experience! The ranger we had has 18 years experience and is so knowledgeable. We were fortunate to find the elephants, white rhinos and hippos!! Food was excellent!!
S R

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-23

We spent 3 days 3-5-may in Thula Thula . ( unfortunately) It was one of the best experience in our life. The accomodation was super clean and big. The food was excellent also the service was very good. Our Ranger Khaya was incredible. From the first second we had so much fun, but also he knews a lot and explained us much about the animals and plants. It was very interesting. Thank you very much dear Khaya. Every Rand we spent there were a good investment. we hope that we can visit Thula Thula again. Thank you very much for the wonderful time we spent there. Sophie and Norbert
Dawny Knott

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-15

Thula Thula is a wonderful, peaceful conservation lodge. Every single person there was so very friendly and accommodating. We stayed 5 nights in the lodge, where we enjoyed 5 star meals. It would have been better if we’d had the opportunity to eat with the other guests, as they do in the tent camp. The game drives were fantastic. Our 5* guide, Siya, was unbelievably knowledgeable about, animals, plant life and local traditions. Being a Zulu himself, we were able to learn much about his people while on our drives. I really expected to be over the game drives and maybe skip one or two, but that was not the case. Each drive was so unique. Sometimes we saw elephants or rhinos, sometimes a hippopotamus, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo. We even saw a crocodile, lots of antelope and some beautiful African Monarchs. It was beyond fabulous. Siya was so accommodating staying at a site for as short or as long as we wanted. Our room and private pool was terrific. The bed was comfortable. We felt right at home. Coming from Kansas City, this is a very long and expensive flight. We thought this was our once in a lifetime, but after being there, we are going to go back. Thank you, Françoise, Siya and the entire staff! It was beyond our greatest expectations!
Trish K

5
Reviewed: 2023-11-29

Did a 2 hour game drive plus lunch. Great experience with our ranger who made sure we saw elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and lots of water buffalo. The lunch was very good as well. All round wonderful service and memorable day. The road leading to the reserve is not great quality, so make sure you leave extra time for a timely arrival.
Kayla Wein

5
Reviewed: 2023-11-07

Thula Thula is a top notch safari destination. We came a long way from San Diego and were not disappointed. We stayed in both the tents and the lodge. Both felt very luxurious for being out in the bush and the food exceeded our expectations! The game drives were the highlight of our stay, of course. It was raining and cold majority of the time but our knowledgeable guide Andrew still managed to find so many wonderful animal encounters for us. I cannot say enough good things about Thula Thula and the important conservation work they do. Highly recommend!