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Jumeirah

Jumeirah Thanda Safari

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A rare fusion of wilderness and sophistication—an escape to a setting as culturally rich as it is naturally spectacular.

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Property Overview

Jumeirah Thanda Safari redefines the traditional safari by blending high-touch service with a profound respect for Africa’s history, cultural heritage and wildlife. Whether it’s game drives or listening to captivating stories from Zulu warriors around a fire, every moment is designed with a focus on conservation and connection. The reserve is home to The Royal Thanda Club, a private member's club and rental pool within a 386-hectare secluded enclave, featuring four and five-suite Jumeirah Residences and villas with exclusive-use privacy, personal concierge service, and unlimited access to wild Africa.

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SmartFlyer Exclusives

  • Rate is inclusive of all meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), wifi and laundry.

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Agent Tips

  • Experience the majesty of Africa's most revered wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos, often referred to as the 'Big Five' due to their formidable nature.
  • Unique programs like "Junior Rangers" offer young guests hands-on experiences in gaining bush skills, game tracking and wildlife preservation, fostering a lifelong connection to nature.
  • Over 90% of the Jumeirah Thanda team are from its neighboring and regional communities which inspires and cultivates loyalty and dedication in the workplace.
Rooms + Suites

Celebrating the connection between open living spaces and the captivating views.

The reserve is home to both four and five suite Jumeirah Royal Residences as well as a five bedroom Villa iZulu. Each accommodation draws inspiration from accents of traditional Zulu-inspired architecture and celebrates the connection between open living spaces and the captivating views. Accommodations are elevated by a rim flow pool, viewing deck, fire pits and boma; all are furnished in supreme comfort and complemented by generous African hospitality, inviting guests to connect with each other as well as the outdoors.

The award-winning Villa iZulu is a private safari sanctuary overlooking a wildlife-frequented watering hole. With five luxurious en-suite rooms, a pool, helipad, library, gourmet kitchen, and expansive indoor-outdoor living, it offers refined seclusion for up to ten adults. A private chef, villa team, and dedicated safari guide ensure every moment is tailored to your journey through the heart of Africa.
Wellness

Private and secluded.

Each Royal Residence, along with Villa iZulu, offers private pools. Villa Thandawena, the flagship Royal Residence, has a pop up gym and yoga pavilion (sala). Additionally, spa treatments are offered in-room to all guests, so you can relax and rejuvenate from the comfort of your Residence.
Restaurant + Bar

Indulge in exquisite culinary creations from your private chef.

Each Residence and Villa caters individually to guests—indulge in exquisite culinary creations from your private chef, with personalized gourmet menus that celebrate unique African and international flavors to delight every palate. Select from a signature menu paired with select beverages, with options for all dietary needs. Specialities include al-fresco breakfasts, fire-lit boma dinners at your Royal Residence Villa or out in the wild, sumptuous high teas, and cocktails with unforgettable African sunsets and views over the game reserve.
Conservation

Working to protect vulnerable species across the continent.

Conservation is woven into the guest journey, through pioneering efforts such as rhino protection, cheetah breeding, and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The Thanda Group is a founder member of Project Rhino KZN, an intensive anti-poaching and conservation collaboration in KwaZulu-Natal working to protect the rhino populations from poaching syndicates. Jumeirah Thanda Safari also has a cheetah breeding program as the cheetah population in Africa is at risk, listed as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
  • Vibe
    Thanda means Love in the language of the Zulu people. Fall in love with this iconic place; the adventure, its wildlife, its people, its freedom and serenity, and its rich history spanning over 200,000 years of humankind’s existence.
  • Who's it for?
    We recommend Jumeirah Thanda Safari for the fit traveler, specifically multi-generational families or small groups seeking wildlife adventure. Watching younger guests encounter the Big Five or embrace Zulu culture—away from digital devices—builds bonds across generations. Child friendly "Bucks and Bugs" game drives open their eyes to new wonders, weaving rich tradition into their adventures.
  • Location
    For those who crave wide-open skies, dramatic landscapes, and close encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife, Jumeirah Thanda Safari offers an incomparable wildlife experience across 16,500 hectares of private wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Hosted by world-class safari guides, guests enjoy tailored safari experiences, from sunrise game drives and immersive bush walks to starlit dinners in the savannah. Cultural and community programs rooted in Zulu heritage bring an authentic, emotional layer to the experience.

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