The Thula Thula Game Reserve is less than 2 hours drive from Durban in a malaria free area. Historically part of the private hunting grounds of legendary Zulu King Shaka, founder of the Zulu empire, Thula Thula is today an exclusive private sanctuary for Africa's famous wildlife.
Thula Thula's 4,500 hectares is home to a diverse African wildlife population, including elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, giraffe, zebra, nyala, hyenas, crocodile, kudu, wildebeest and a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great and small. Birdlife is prolific with over 350 species.
Morning and afternoon game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers by professional rangers. In-between game drives, guests can enjoy exotic cocktails at the Marula Bar or just relax in the lounges in the thatched lapa while viewing game at the waterhole. Candle lit dinners are served either in the dining room, around the pool, on the veranda, or in the Boma for a traditional Zulu dinner and bush barbecue under the African sky.
Extra activities include a massage therapy, or a visit to the local rural Zulu villages, or a cruise on the St Lucia estuary to view hippos and crocodiles.
The Elephant Safari Lodge has just 8 rooms and suites, offering superb accommodation with as much privacy and comfort as you could wish for.
The unique atmosphere, stylish ethnic/colonial decor, and exclusive and personalized service makes staying here an enjoyable bush experience.
The Suite Royale is ideal for honeymooners, or the Suite Imperial, for those special occasions, offers 5* bush relaxation.
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Rates Include
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea/coffee; and 2 daily safaris (game drives) daily are included. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included.
Children Policy
Children aged 8 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Directions For Drivers
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N2 towards Kwazulu-Natal through Mpumalanga. Drive past Ermelo, Piet Ritief and Pongola. At the Richards Bay/Empangeni turn-off, take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth, then turn right towards Heatonville. Follow the road for about 10 km, crossing 3 railway tracks. At the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road, and follow the road for about 8 km. Turn right for 2 km to Thula Thula and arrive at the gate. NB. From the Heatonville turn-off the road is signposted.
From Durban: Take the N2 northbound to Empangeni. At the Empangeni turn-off take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth and follow the directions as above.
General Information For Guests
The following attractions and activities are available on request and are payable directly to the lodge during your stay with them
:Massage therapy; Visit to a Zulu village (an authentic experience of Zulu rural culture and traditions, with an encounter with the Inyanga, the medicine man, who will display for you a selection of herbal medicines); Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game reserve (a half or full day guided trip - situated only 45 minutes from Thula Thula, this National game reserve was created in 1895 and is home to the Big Five); St Lucia Estuary boat cruises (an ideal way to view hippos, crocodiles and magnificent bird life - 1 hour from Thula Thula); Whale watching (From June to October) in St. Lucia; 18 Hole Golf Course in Empangeni, Richardsbay or Zimbali; Anglo-Zulu Battlefields - Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift (2.30 hours from Thula Thula). Rates and more information available on request.
