> Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve

Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve

Empangeni

Safari/Game Lodge

(16 rooms)

Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve, family owned & operated, is situated in Zululand, South Africa, only 45 minutes from Richards Bay harbour & airport, 45 minutes from Hluhluwe / Umfolosi Game Reserve - Cengeni Gate & less than 2 hours’ drive from Durban. A 700m airstrip is on the property. Thula Thula, in a malaria-free area, with its centuries ‘old cultural & wildlife heritage, takes pride in tracing its origins back to the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire. The first historic meeting between Shaka & his father (Senzangakhona), which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place on the banks of the Nseleni River at Thula Thula. Experienced rangers will guide you on exciting safaris in open Land Rovers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter elephant, rhino, buffalos, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala & a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great & small. Also includes elephant & rhino tracking in open Land Rovers, leopard tracking during bush walks in the riverbed, night drives with hyena call out Bird life is prolific with over 370 identified species, including many raptors. Thula Thula re-introduced a breeding herd of seven elephant in August 1999 marking the historic return of these majestic creatures to the area in nearly 100 years & specialises in elephant rehabilitation, led by the renowned conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who also initiated the rescue of the Baghdad Zoo in April 2003. The special elephant herd has now grown to twenty-four. Sadly Lawrence passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is carried on by his wife, Françoise & her dedicated team.

Extra Activities Include:
A relaxing massage in the comfort of your room or on your veranda by one of our professional massage therapists, a visit to the local Zulu village of Buchanana: an authentic experience of Zulu rural culture & traditions; Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve (Cengeni Gate): situated only 45 minutes from Thula Thula, this National game reserve was created in 1895 & is home to the big five; St. Lucia Estuary boat cruises: view hippos, crocodiles & 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, Richards Bay or Zimbali; Anglo-Zulu Battlefields: Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift (2.30 hours from Thula Thula).

Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge ****
Exclusive bush experience & absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated in flavours of ethnic & colonial elegance; the Elephant Safari Lodge offers superb accommodation with as much privacy & comfort as you could wish, each with a private veranda ... & the "Suite Royale", our honeymoon suite, or the Suite Impériale for those special occasions. Candle lit dinners are served either in the lapa around the pool on the veranda, watching wildlife coming to the waterhole, or in the boma around a fire under the stars. Stylish décor & 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 & magnificent birdlife. Rates include three meals, two open Land Rover safaris a day with professional rangers & trackers & a bush walk with experienced trackers.

Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp ****
Rediscover nature in great style & true to the African safari camp of a past era at the Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp, where the peaceful essence of the African bush can be heard & felt. Exclusivity is assured with only 8 luxury tents, all with private viewing decks, fans, mosquito nets & luxurious en suite bathroom with Victorian bath & outside shower. View wildlife while sipping a cocktail from the swimming pool bar or relax in your hammock overlooking the Nseleni River. Dine under the stars in the boma & enjoy traditional South African home cooking where you will share stories of the day’s game viewing with our dedicated rangers & trackers. Rates include three meals, one open Land Rover safari a day with professional rangers & trackers & a bush walk with experienced trackers.

Thula Thula Conference Centre:
The Thula Thula Conference Centre can accommodate up to 35 delegates; fully air conditioned & situated at the Elephant Safari Lodge. Boardroom with lounge, bar & library with TV.

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> Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve

Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve

Empangeni

Safari/Game Lodge

(16 rooms)

(6 customer reviews)

Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve, family owned & operated, is situated in Zululand, South Africa, only 45 minutes from Richards Bay harbour & airport, 45 minutes from Hluhluwe / Umfolosi Game Reserve - Cengeni Gate & less than 2 hours’ drive from Durban. A 700m airstrip is on the property. Thula Thula, in a malaria-free area, with its centuries ‘old cultural & wildlife heritage, takes pride in tracing its origins back to the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire. The first historic meeting between Shaka & his father (Senzangakhona), which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place on the banks of the Nseleni River at Thula Thula. Experienced rangers will guide you on exciting safaris in open Land Rovers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter elephant, rhino, buffalos, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala & a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great & small. Also includes elephant & rhino tracking in open Land Rovers, leopard tracking during bush walks in the riverbed, night drives with hyena call out Bird life is prolific with over 370 identified species, including many raptors. Thula Thula re-introduced a breeding herd of seven elephant in August 1999 marking the historic return of these majestic creatures to the area in nearly 100 years & specialises in elephant rehabilitation, led by the renowned conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who also initiated the rescue of the Baghdad Zoo in April 2003. The special elephant herd has now grown to twenty-four. Sadly Lawrence passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is carried on by his wife, Françoise & her dedicated team.

Extra Activities Include:
A relaxing massage in the comfort of your room or on your veranda by one of our professional massage therapists, a visit to the local Zulu village of Buchanana: an authentic experience of Zulu rural culture & traditions; Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve (Cengeni Gate): situated only 45 minutes from Thula Thula, this National game reserve was created in 1895 & is home to the big five; St. Lucia Estuary boat cruises: view hippos, crocodiles & 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, Richards Bay or Zimbali; Anglo-Zulu Battlefields: Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift (2.30 hours from Thula Thula).

Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge ****
Exclusive bush experience & absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated in flavours of ethnic & colonial elegance; the Elephant Safari Lodge offers superb accommodation with as much privacy & comfort as you could wish, each with a private veranda ... & the "Suite Royale", our honeymoon suite, or the Suite Impériale for those special occasions. Candle lit dinners are served either in the lapa around the pool on the veranda, watching wildlife coming to the waterhole, or in the boma around a fire under the stars. Stylish décor & 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 & magnificent birdlife. Rates include three meals, two open Land Rover safaris a day with professional rangers & trackers & a bush walk with experienced trackers.

Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp ****
Rediscover nature in great style & true to the African safari camp of a past era at the Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp, where the peaceful essence of the African bush can be heard & felt. Exclusivity is assured with only 8 luxury tents, all with private viewing decks, fans, mosquito nets & luxurious en suite bathroom with Victorian bath & outside shower. View wildlife while sipping a cocktail from the swimming pool bar or relax in your hammock overlooking the Nseleni River. Dine under the stars in the boma & enjoy traditional South African home cooking where you will share stories of the day’s game viewing with our dedicated rangers & trackers. Rates include three meals, one open Land Rover safari a day with professional rangers & trackers & a bush walk with experienced trackers.

Thula Thula Conference Centre:
The Thula Thula Conference Centre can accommodate up to 35 delegates; fully air conditioned & situated at the Elephant Safari Lodge. Boardroom with lounge, bar & library with TV.

Book Now Browse availability
& book

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Reviews of Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve

"Wonderful"

Julia Edgar

"Thula Thula is a truly wonderful place and we look forward to returning some day soon"

"Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp"

Robert Knight

"Rangers were very knowledgeable, brave and friendly. An encounter with a male elephant was the high spot. The game drives and walks were made very interesting by the rangers. Plans to extend the area of the game park will make it even better.

Food was very good and the manageress, Bridgitte, ..."

"Very good"

Pierre Poitras

"Very good cost-benifit ratio: tents are comfortable; food is ok; activities are maybe limited and safari provides limited number of animals, but our experience with the elephants was memorable"

"Very relaxing"

Mandy Tilbury

"It was the most wonderful 4 days, very quiet, wonderful accommodation, great food and the staff are excellent. The rangers are very knowledgeable and they put safety first. Very good value for money."

"Amazing experience"

Anonymous

"Thula Thula was an amazing experience not to be missed."

"Impressed"

Juergen Mayer

"We were impressed with the luxuriousness of the camp as well as the game drives. Our Swiss-speaking guide was great. We enjoyed watching the elephants and the bush walks. Would have expected a higher level of service for breakfast and a small snack upon arrival on the first day would have been a nice touch- we had just driven for a fair number of hours in hot dusty conditions and were starving. All in all, though this camp has much potential. It would be great to have some local South African trained guides too there to give it an authentic flavour. We wish the team success!"

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Book Now Browse availability
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Request Quote Prefer to get a quote
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