Thula Thula, privately-owned and operated, is situated in the heart of Zululand, 1 hour from Richards Bay, 1.5 hours from Hluhluwe Game Reserve/St Lucia and less than 2 housr drive from Durban.
This 4500 ha, malaria free game reserve was established in 1911 and has been operational as Thula Thula Private Game Reserve for the last 16 years (2000). It is home to a wide variety of game as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, giraffe and many more as well as birds, reptiles and insects.
Thula Thula, with its centuries of cultural and wildlife heritage takes pride in tracing back its origin to the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire. The first historic meeting between Shaka and his father (Senzangakhona), which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place at the Nseleni River at Thula Thula.The Zulu name Thula Thula literally means peace and tranquillity.
Thula Thula was also the home of late bestselling author and conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who passed away on March 2012. His second book, The Elephant Whisperer relates the story of he rescued the Thula Thula elephants, and the special relationship he created with the herd.
Thula Thula is now run by his widow, Francoise Malby Anthony, who carries on Lawrence’s legacy, his conservation projects and the running of the two lodges.
Experienced rangers will guide you on exciting safaris in open game-viewers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala and a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great and small. Birdlife is prolific with over 350 identified species, including raptors.
ACCOMMODATION
With its unique atmosphere, stylish décor and superb cuisine, Thula Thula offers you the choice of exclusive accommodation between the Elephant Safari lodge, renowned gourmet destination, and the Luxury Tented Camp, which offers an authentic African bush experience in the heart of Zululand.
Both provide very unique and different experiences.
LUXURY SAFARI LODGE ****
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 as you could wish for. The Suite Royale, our honeymoon suite, or the Suite Imperiale, provide for those special occasions. 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.
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 and felt. Exclusivity is assured with only 8 luxury tents, all with private viewing decks, fans, mosquito nets and luxurious en suite bathroom with Victorian bath and outside shower. View wildlife, while sipping a cocktail from the swimming pool bar or relax in your hammock overlooking the Enseleni River. Children all ages welcome.
