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    Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp

    Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal

    • From:
      R 4,970
    • Savings:
      Save 16%
    • Quick Enquiry

    Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp

    Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal

    • From:
      R 4,970
    • Savings:
      Save 16%
    • Quick Enquiry
    • Overview
    • Additional Info
    • Rates
    • Location
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Enquire Now
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    Overview

    Rediscover Nature in great style and 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 bathrooms 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 of all ages welcome.

    The Luxury Tents are perfect for those seeking a rustic yet intimate and romantic safari. Take a moment and enjoy a beautiful candle-lit dinner on your private deck while viewing the African night sky.

    The Family Suites luxurious and built in the old colonial style. Guests are ensured exclusivity and privacy in any of the luxurious suites at this stunning camp.

    Dining at Thula Thula is always a joyous occasion. Enjoy a buffet lunch served around the outside thatched bar or by the swimming pool. Dine under the stars in the boma for a traditional South African braai or a where you will share stories of the day’s game viewing or the legends of the bush with your hosts, our dedicated rangers, and trackers.

    Each and every guest, young or old is catered for at Thula Thula Tented Camp. Facilities such as an air-conditioned lounge, TV-DSTV, and game room for children as well as a swimming pool bar. The lounge is also an art gallery of paintings from local artists who donated their artwork for the Thula Thula Rhino Fund.

    Activities at Thula Thula Tented Camp are designed to ensure that all guests can experience the full offering of the reserve.

    Enjoy morning and an afternoon game drive which are conducted on the Thula Thula private game reserve by professional rangers. Game viewing includes elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo, giraffe, crocodile, hyena, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, zebra, and many more, including exceptional birdlife.

    Additional activities include visits to the rural Zulu village, St Lucia Cruises, spa massages, mountain biking, and much more!

    About the Thula Thula Game Reserve

    Thula Thula Private Game Reserve is situated in the heart of Zululand, in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. This 4500 hectare, malaria-free wildlife reserve was established in 1911 and has been operational as Thula Thula since 1998. It is home to a wide variety of game such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, hippo, giraffe, birds, and many more.

    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 tranquility.

    Thula Thula was also the home of late bestselling author and conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who passed away on the 2nd of March 2012.  His second book, “The Elephant Whisperer” relates the story of the rescue of the Thula Thula elephants and the special relationship he has created with the herd.

    Thula Thula is run by his wife, Francoise Malby Anthony, who carries on the legacy of Lawrence with the conservation projects and running of the two lodges.

    Francoise wrote the sequel of the Elephant Whisperer, “An Elephant In My Kitchen”, which was released in July 2018, the true story and numerous adventures of the reality of running Thula Thula after Lawrence passed away.

    Reserve
    • Name
      Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal
    • Size
      4,500 hectares
    Children
    • All ages welcome
    • Child sharing rates available on request
    Fast Facts
    • Bush Walks
    • Camp Fenced
    • Cellphone Signal
    • Child Friendly
    • Childminders
    • DSTV
    • Fans
    • Kiddies Activities
    • Malaria-free
    • Pool
    • Spa Treatments
    • Wi-Fi
    View others in these regions
    • KwaZulu-Natal
    Why We Love It
    • Thula Thula Private Game Reserve is family managed and owned and in keeping with that their approach to hospitality is homely and welcoming
    • Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and stay in a rustic yet ultra-luxurious tent that can be enjoyed as a couple or a family
    • Special Mini Bush Walks are arranged for kids under the age of 4 whilst their parents are on game drives
    • For those looking for a unique and intimate wedding destination, look no further than Thula Thula where one can have the perfect African Safari Wedding
    Gallery
    Details
    • 6 Luxury Tents

      2 Luxury Family Tents

    • Setting: Overlooking the bushveld
    Activities
    • Game Drives
    • Therapeutic massages
    • Visit the local rural Zulu village - authentic experience to meet with the Sangoma
    • Visit to Umfolosi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve
    • Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to view hippos and crocodiles
    • French cuisine cooking classes
    • Champagne picnic lunch in the bush
    Children
    • All ages welcome
    • Child sharing rates available on request
    Children Game Drive Policy
    • 4+ welcome on game drives
    Gallery
    Featured Rates
    • From
      R 4,970
    • Per person per night sharing
    • Normal selling rate
      R 5,900
    • Save up to
      Save 16%
    • Validity Date
      Valid from 1 October 2026 until 31 December 2026
    Prices are indicative. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.
    Rates Include
    • Accommodation in a Luxury Standard Tent
    • All meals - ( traditional South African cuisine)
    • Morning and afternoon game drives daily
    Important Notes
    • Check-in time: 14h00, check out between 10h30 and 11h00, the package does not include lunch on arrival day, should you wish to arrive earlier and have lunch which starts from 12h30 to 14h00 an additional fee will be applicable of a special rate R 250.00 per person for lunch.
    • A 1.5% Conservation Levy and 1% tourism levy are applicable to all reservations and will be added to the invoice for the accommodation at the time of booking.
    Closest Airport

    King Shaka International Airport, Durban

    Drive Time
    • 6-hours, 45-minutes from Johannesburg
    • 2-hours, 15-minutes from King Shaka International Airport, Durban
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    Reserve
    • Name
      Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal
    • Size
      4,500 hectares
    Location
    • Thula Thula, Buchanana Main Rd, Empangeni, South Africa

      Get Directions
    View others in these regions
    • KwaZulu-Natal
    Terms and Conditions
    • All rates quoted are per person per night sharing
    • Please chat to one of our Game Lodge experts for the single accommodation & child rates
    • A number of our rates quoted are based on specials for SADC Residents
    • All rates quoted are based on a minimum stay of two nights
    • Any applicable Conservation Levies & Park Fees will be quoted as an additional amount and are subject to change
    • When we specify ‘Off-Road’, this applies to Big 5 sightings only.
    • Please note, childminding is generally at an additional cost.
    Children
    • All ages welcome
    • Child sharing rates available on request

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      Your Perfect Africa, a division of the Africa Tailormade Group, offers the best rates, long stay special offers, and last minute bush break deals for those looking to explore our beautiful Africa ❤

      • contactus@yourperfectafrica.com
      • +2710 476 0330
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      Your Perfect Africa
      Your Perfect Africa
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      Janine Roets
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      Such a lovely place, with amazing food and awesome staff!
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      Timothy Wilson
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      Great experience, booking was made absolutely special as it was my fiancé 40th Birthday, Tatenda made every effort to notify the lodge that we stayed at in Welgevonden, Tshwene Lodge, they made it the most memorable day. It was easy to book through Your Perfect Africa, highly recommended.
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      Nick Nieuwstadt
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      Words almost escape me — Monwana Game Reserve exceeded every expectation we had. From the beautiful lodge and rooms, to the dining experience where you are free to select your own wine from the cellar to pair with your favourite dish, to the incredibly warm and friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel completely at home, every aspect of our stay was exceptional. And last, but certainly not least, our guides EJ and Nick were outstanding. They went above and beyond to make sure our game-drive experience was second to none. I can honestly say, on behalf of our family of four, that this experience has topped our Botswana trip — and that is saying a lot! Lastly, Sydney, thank you for your incredible assistance, communication and professionalism throughout. Your attention to detail made an already special trip even better. We will most certainly be booking through you again and will have no hesitation in recommending Your Perfect Africa to our friends and family.
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      Lizette Clur
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      Seamless booking! From our first email enquiry Nadia responded fast and efficiently. Very professional service and would highly recommend.
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      Utkarsh Saxena
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      My wife and I decided on Friday to go to a private game lodge on Sunday. Nadia was still able to find something that fit our budget and location needs perfectly by Friday afternoon and confirm the booking to us by 5 pm the same day. I enquired with Bush Breaks as well but Nadia was able to get me a better lodge at an excellent price. Will definitely book with them again for future trips.
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      Vicki Forrester
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      Sydney was professional, efficient, and passionate from the moment she picked up my query. She made sure that all our logistics were dealt with and checked in with us many times before our departure. I highly recommend making use of Your Perfect Africa for any bush experiences, they are in their own league!
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      usha naicker
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      Your Perfect Africa arranged the most perfect safari holiday for my family at Umzolozolo. From incredible hospitality at the lodge to the awe inspiring game drives with Teagan our guide ,the experiences were priceless ❤️
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      Tracy Le Roux
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      A big thanks to Your Perfect Africa for making our experience on safari as seamless and perfect as possible. From the moment I made contact with them with my brief, they were professional, efficient and made on the mark recommendations for me to choose from. Once my choice was made, I could sit back and just wait for what was an incredible experience. Thank you YPA and Robyn in particular!
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