"Home to the famous elephant herd of Lawrence Anthony's The Elephant Whisperer, Thula Thula is the oldest private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, set on the former hunting grounds of King Shaka. Malaria-free and just two hours from Durban, this intimate Zululand sanctuary pairs heartfelt conservation with genuine Zulu heritage, gourmet cuisine and warm, family-run hospitality.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYThula Thula Game Reserve
Thula Thula Game Reserve, meaning ‘peace and tranquillity’ in Zulu, is the oldest private reserve in KwaZulu-Natal: 4,500 hectares of riverine bush, savannah and forest in the heart of Zululand, on land once reserved as the private hunting grounds of King Shaka. Indeed, it was on the banks of the Nseleni River here that Shaka first met his father, Senzangakhona – a meeting that set the stage for the birth of the Zulu nation.
For all its royal heritage, however, Thula Thula is best known for its elephants. In 1999, the late conservationist Lawrence Anthony agreed to take in a troubled herd destined to be shot – an act of faith immortalised in his bestselling book, The Elephant Whisperer. That same herd, now several generations strong, still roams the reserve today, its story carried forward by Françoise Malby-Anthony through the reserve’s wildlife rehabilitation centre, volunteer academy and community conservation work. Wikipedia
Game viewing here is intimate rather than epic. Elephant, buffalo, white rhino, leopard and hippo head a supporting cast of giraffe, zebra, nyala, kudu and hyena, while birders can seek out more than 350 recorded species.
Purists should note that there are no lions, and at 4,500 hectares this is boutique bush rather than boundless wilderness. What Thula Thula lacks in Big Five box-ticking, however, it more than repays in the warmth and closeness of its encounters – few reserves anywhere allow you to feel so personally connected to the animals, and to the people protecting them.
Malaria-free, family-friendly and barely two hours from Durban, it is an uncomplicated and utterly charming introduction to the bush – and the perfect companion to a wider KwaZulu-Natal journey. A small reserve with one of the biggest stories in African conservation.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend the Southern regions of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensburg Mountains. This period is also the perfect time to visit the Kalahari (the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park).
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend the Southern regions of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensburg Mountains. This period is also the perfect time to visit the Kalahari (the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park).
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
WINTER / DRY SEASON
These months mark the Winter in the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), which is a more unpredictable time of year in terms of weather. It can however still be good, and prices are much more competitive.
The rest of the country sees dry sunny conditions dominating; ultimately this will equate to some perfect game viewing (safari) conditions in Madikwe and the Greater Kruger Area.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
WINTER / DRY SEASON
These months mark the Winter in the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), which is a more unpredictable time of year in terms of weather. It can however still be good, and prices are much more competitive.
The rest of the country sees dry sunny conditions dominating; ultimately this will equate to some perfect game viewing (safari) conditions in Madikwe and the Greater Kruger Area.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
WINTER / DRY SEASON
These months mark the Winter in the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), which is a more unpredictable time of year in terms of weather. It can however still be good, and prices are much more competitive.
The rest of the country sees dry sunny conditions dominating; ultimately this will equate to some perfect game viewing (safari) conditions in Madikwe and the Greater Kruger Area.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
WINTER / DRY SEASON
These months mark the Winter in the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), which is a more unpredictable time of year in terms of weather. It can however still be good, and prices are much more competitive.
The rest of the country sees dry sunny conditions dominating; ultimately this will equate to some perfect game viewing (safari) conditions in Madikwe and the Greater Kruger Area.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SPRING
These months are a great time to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend KwaZulu-Natal during this period, as well as the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape).
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SPRING
These months are a great time to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend KwaZulu-Natal during this period, as well as the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape).
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
Explore Thula Thula Game Reserve Properties
Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge
Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge
Only one reserve can put you with the elephants of The Elephant Whisperer. Of its two stays, this is the original and more private: cool thatched chalets, a French-leaning table, and two suites with private pools, the honeymoon ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
