Jumeirah Thanda Safari

Upon arriving at Thanda Private Game Reserve, I couldn’t help but recall the well-known line from The Castle, “how’s the serenity?”

Jumeirah Thanda Safari is surrounded by lush mountains in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, approximately two hours north of Richard’s Bay in South Africa. Upon my arrival, I was met by field guide Olivia, and her tracker colleague. They took me through to my luxurious four-bedroom villa set high on a mountain, with views overlooking the valley. Immediately my eyes were drawn to a towering giraffe in the distance, and grazing buffalos and a stunning array of circling birds.

Our porter and chef met us with a welcome drink, hot towel, and we were greeted to a lavish and unbelievably delicious three course lunch, followed by a discussion with our villa manager. In the afternoon, we ventured out for a thrilling game drive before returning for evening dinner plans.

A private and luxurious stay, Jumeirah Thanda Safari was perfect for our small group. Complete with a swimming pool and jacuzzi overlooking spectacular views, we were extremely spoilt with the range of relaxing activities.

Our afternoon game drive was nothing short of spectacular, with sightings including male lions, white rhino, buffalos, giraffe, elephants, and a vast variety of bird sightings set on 16,500-hectares. A stop for sundowners was an excellent treat after the brilliant game viewing. A gin and tonic, a traditional South African drink, some pieces of Biltong and other South African treats were a perfect way to relax.

We spent the evening fine dining under the stars, enjoying the sound of a roaring fire in the background. A beautiful end to a perfect day at Jumeirah Thanda, it was not long before it was time to call it a night, retiring to my suite complete with mosquito netting to deter any unwanted bugs throughout the night.

Rising early, our morning began with the choice of coffee in our rooms or in the main lounge, and of course we couldn’t refuse both. Embarking on our morning game drive gave us the opportunity to view even more flora and fauna. Exploring the plains of the savannah did not disappoint, with the sighting of a beautiful female cheetah resting under a tree and the sounds of monkeys alarming at a predator nearby. We stopped for a morning coffee to view the plains, before returning to the lodge in time for breakfast and a siesta, as well as spare time to enjoy the facilities.

Part of the Jumeirah luxury properties range, Jumeirah Thanda Safari is a exclusive private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal offering an intimate Big Five safari experience. Guests stay in elegant lodges and villas with private pools and personalised service. Twice-daily game drives, bush walks and immersive cultural activities showcase the region’s wildlife and Zulu heritage. With a strong focus on conservation, the property delivers a sophisticated safari experience.