A Thanda Affair

AThe visionary creators of Thanda Private Game Reserve near Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal have managed to steer clear of the mundane, commercial bush-style lodge. Instead they have created a unique identity for Thanda with a dominant Zulu theme and hints of Zen-like tranquility. This unique fingerprint is evident in every detail, from the luxury bush villas to the exquisite main lodge with its exceptional beaded couches and shell chandeliers, and the exquisite cuisine and private spa.

Thanda means love in Zulu, and everything about Thanda spells romance. Sure to aid all guests in celebrating and rekindling romance, Thanda boasts four luxury tents with spectacular views of the game reserve. Each luxury tent has its own private viewing deck, spacious bathroom and shower. For those who wish to experience the African bush in style and a sense of adventure, the tented camp is the ideal setting.

The nine bush villas offer vast space and a unique, secluded vantage point from where to observe the African bush. Each spacious bush villa has a private boma where a romantic dinner can be enjoyed under the star-encrusted African sky. Here guests can spend the entire day lazing around their own sala (an outdoor bed under a thatched roof) after watching game roam by while relaxing in the private pool. Each bush villa has a magnificent view of the Lebombo mountain range and the bush villa’s extensive sundeck is the perfect place for sundowners while listening to nature welcoming nightfall. A roaring fireplace and delightful bedtime story on each pillow await guests in their bush villas upon retiring for the evening. And if you can bear to be dragged away from your bush villa, let it be to visit the award-winning Wellness Centre at Thanda.

The Thanda Wellness Centre recently won the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Award 2006 in the category Safari Spas. It is easy to see why. The professional service of the therapists at the Wellness Centre is of world-class standard. A wide selection of treatments is available to each guest and can be enjoyed in either the therapy rooms, or in the outdoor sala treatment area. A hot and cold therapy pool, as well as a reflexology pool, steam room and hydrotherapy bath are some of the facilities available to guests at the Wellness Centre. A sure treat is the hot stone therapy and reflexology, which will leave you relaxed and feeling sinfully pampered.

The Big 5 roam freely at Thanda – an area that was nothing more than a degraded cattle farm before the present owners purchased and restored the land. A lot of work and time have been invested in restoring Thanda’s ecosystem and reintroducing game to this area. Game drives are lead by experienced game rangers whose love for nature is surpassed only by their extensive knowledge of the bush and game. Thanda’s game rangers take guests on game drives twice a day and many a photographic opportunity will present itself while in the care of these experts. Thanda’s game rangers, field guides and trackers also offer Bush Walks where guests can learn about both the fauna and flora of the area. The very popular Night Walk is an extraordinary experience by any measure. For younger guests, there is a Junior Ranger Programme, which serves as a wonderful introduction to the African bush.

Dinnertime is a decadent occasion at Thanda. The chef presents her selection of culinary dinner delights to each dinner guest. Dinner is served in the main dining area or on the dining deck from where the African evenings can be appreciated. An extensive library at the main lodge will enrich the avid reader’s knowledge of the area while enjoying after dinner drinks. Lounging around the cigar bar and reminiscing about the day’s game viewing is the perfect way to end a day at Thanda.

The focus point and inspiration of everything, from the décor to the cuisine at Thanda revolves around the Zulu culture. Situated in the heart of Zululand, Thanda offers guests a first-hand experience of this colourful and rich culture, including a visit to the nearby traditional homestead and the pulsating and mesmerising dancing rites of between 50 and 100 impi warriors.

Thanda boasts a modern and fully equipped business centre, traditional boma, stylish dining area, well stocked wine cellar and comfortable lounge where each guest will be treated to Thanda’s generous hospitality. The main complex, from where all game drives and excursions depart, is in close proximity to each bush villa.

“It’s for the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones,” reads the Thanda motto. Living up to this, it comes as no surprise that Thanda Game Reserve was recently nominated for an award in the 2006 World Travel Awards in South Africa’s Leading Safari category – a well deserved nomination by all standards.