Located in northern KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife-rich Zululand, on the scenic Elephant Coast, Thanda Safari is one of Africa’s most luxurious Big Five private game reserves. Spanning approximately 16 500 hectares, this multi-award-winning reserve offers a range of exceptional accommodation options catering to all travellers. From dawn to dusk, expert guides take guests on safaris through golden grasslands, hidden river valleys, and rugged hills, bringing them exclusive close encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five. Beyond its unforgettable safari experiences, Thanda Safari is distinguished by its deep connection to the Zulu people and their rich cultural heritage. Guests can also enjoy outstanding cuisine, boma and bush dinners under the African sky, relaxing spa treatments, hippo and crocodile cruises, and immersive wildlife experiences. As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Safari promises an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime African experience that blends adventure, culture, and luxury.
Stretching along the far northeastern coast of South Africa within the greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Maputaland Marine Protected Area is a remote marine wilderness known for its coral reefs, warm Indian Ocean waters, and untamed coastline. Beneath the surface, vibrant reefs shelter tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and seasonal whale sharks, making the area one of the country’s premier diving and snorkelling destinations. Offshore, dolphins cut through rolling swells while waves crash against long stretches of dune-backed beach. Nearby Sodwana Bay offers boat launches, scuba excursions, and turtle nesting tours during the summer months. The region’s beauty feels wild and uncrowded, though the environment can be humid and rustic, and activities are highly dependent on weather and sea conditions.
